Terms of Reference for "Research on alternative energy sources to replace charcoal"
Terms of Reference for Research on alternative energy sources to replace charcoalHorn of Africa Voluntary Youth Committee (HAVOYOCO) is a regional Non -Governmental Organization (NGO) operating in Somaliland, Somalia and Ethiopia. HAVOYOCO’s key strategic focus targets vulnerable groups including pastoralists, internally displaced people, street children, and unemployed youth.HAVOYOCO was formed in 1992 in Hargeisa as a local NGO registered with The Attorney General’s office and Ministry of Planning in the Republic of Somaliland. HAVOYOCO has four strategic programs in order to alleviate povertythrough sustainable development; the four strategic programs arePastoral and Agro-pastoral DevelopmentLivelihood Programme,Skills Training & Job Creation Programme,Social Awareness programme and emergency and humanitarian program.HAVOYOCO in partnership with OXFAM GB is currently implementing a human security for vulnerable pastoralist and agro-pastoralist communities project in border areas of Ethiopia and Somaliland which is funded by Dutch government. This project aims for a serious policy shift from repeated, reactive emergency responses to laying the foundations for building resilient communities and improving the human security of pastoralists along the Ethiopia-Somaliland border by using a holistic approach to tackle the integrated causes of conflict. This project will contribute to this goal by aiming to achieve the following outcomes:· Strengthened drought management by cross border pastoralist and agro-pastoralists· Enhanced pastoralist and agro-pastoralist livelihood methods, particularly for women and youth· Civil society, including groups of women, youth and men, have increased capacity to participate in (community and district levels) and influence (national level) forums and processes· Peace building functions of community institutions are strengthened or built· Ethiopia government and Somaliland administration have improved capacity to deal with policy issues affecting cross border pastoralists and agro-pastoralists· Regional organizations have improved knowledge, understanding and technical capacity on policy issues affecting cross border pastoralists and agro-pastoralistsResearch on alternative energyNatural resource mapping exercises conducted with target communities identified environmental degradation as a major problem in sustaining pastoral livelihoods. It revealed that lack of proper, integrated management of natural resources (water and rangeland) leads to scarcity of water and pasture, as well as natural resource and environmental degradation. During drought, charcoal production and fuel wood sales are major coping strategies, however this has negative impacts on environmental sustainability and has led to scarcity of fodder for cattle, sheep and (milking cow).Youth have been identified as key charcoal producers, sacrificing their communities’ livelihood sustainability for the financial rewards of charcoal sales. There is also severe rangeland degradation around permanent water sources. The results indicated that the depletion of forest resources is caused by poor forest management, unsustainable harvesting of forest resources and land use and livelihood practices. Unsustainable harvesting of forest resources is caused by unsustainable cutting of trees for firewood and charcoal by some pastoralists and mainly by traders. This is caused by increased demand for cooking energy in cities as it is the main cooking energy coupled with lack of access and information on alternative and cheap sources of energy.Harvesting of firewood and charcoal is seen by most youth and women as a lucrative and easy to run enterprise. While this is true it is also caused by lack of alternative sources of livelihoods and incomes.The project would like to carry out a research on alternative energy sources to replace charcoal for the local community as a one of sustainable interventions to combat deforestation. Accordingly, HAVOYOCO is looking for a consultant to carry out a study and recommend a number of viable alternative cooking energies for communities of Somaliland as well as communities living on other side of the Ethiopian border.The finding from this study will inform the advocacy for adoption of alternative energy by the local communities, inform planning for future activities and will also be used to lobby government on adoption of subsidiary regulation for alternative energies that are environmental friendly. The target audiences for the report will include the government and its relevant government departments, civil society organization dealing on matters of energy and environmental conservation and the local communities.The main objectives of the study are;· Using participatory tools identify cost effective, environmental friendly alternative energy sources that are adaptable in the context of Somaliland and Somali region of Ethiopia.· Describe the current status of charcoal use and its negative impact on Environment.· Come up with recommendations on best ways of promoting identified alternative energies.· Develop awareness materials targeting local communities on promoting alternative energy source.· Share the findings of the research to multi stakeholders including the government.· Identify other players promoting alternative energy in the project areas, draw lessons to inform the studyStudy target areas: The study should cover sample of areas in Somaliland and Somali region of Ethiopia that include: Somaliland ((Allaybaday, Faraweyne, Balligubadle, Duruqsi, Ballidhiig and Oodweyne) of Somaliland. Ethiopia ((Harshin, Gashamo, Darror, Awbare, Kabribayah and jigjiga).The consultant will propose the best methodology and approach in conducting this study. However, the proposed methodology to be used must include but not limited to; desk literature review, participatory methodologies in collection of information; data analysis methods and reporting. A participatory methodology is emphasized, involving all stakeholdersThe consultant is expected to undertake the following:Review relevant documents on alternative energy in SomalilandReview all project documents in order to have an informed understanding of the program.Design appropriate qualitative and quantitative information collection tools to inform the viable and cost effective alternativesHold conversations and dialogue with HAVOYOCO, OXFAM, and other partners of the project, relevant government departments, local leadership, and communities in the program areas.Compile an analytical report with clear recommendations.An Inception report four days after signing of the contract. The report should include; clear methodology and data collection tools, analysis and reporting (a table of contents).A detailed work plan and budget will be part of the inception report.· A draft report, after completion of data collection activities in the field (submission dates should be shown in the technical proposal).· A final report, after completion of field activities (Submission dates to be shown in the technical proposal).· At least a Master’s degree in natural resources Management Environmental science, Natural resource Management, or related field.· At least 5 years’ experience in working in field of energy, climate change in pastoralist areas· Demonstrated evidence of conducting similar studies. A study in pastoralists areas is an added advantage.· Strong analytical and research background is essential.· Demonstrated evidence in writing analytical reports from participatory information collection is a must. Knowledge and experience in working in Somaliland context is an added advantageInterested consultants should send an Expression of Interest (EOI).The EOI should contain a technical and financial proposal. The technical proposal should include; methodology, work plan or activity schedule and the final report table of contents. In addition a detailed CV of the consultant must be included as annexes. The financial proposal should include professional fees and any other expenses required to undertake the study. The EOI should be emailed to hr.admin@havoyoco.org and Cc to abdikarimderia@yahoo.com.The deadline is Saturday 20th September 2014.
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