BASELINE EVALUATION FOR CLIMATE RESILIENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOODS PROJECT IN ETHIOPIA

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Solidaridad Network is an international solution-oriented civil society organization working through seven Seven regional expertise centres to transform markets to make them more sustainable and inclusive. Our Sevenseven regional expertise centres include Asia, Eastern and Central Africa, Europe, Latin America, North America, Southern Africa, West Africa and our global Secretariat office in the Netherlands. Solidaridad Eastern and Central Africa, one of the regional centres is headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya with country offices and programmes in Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania and Uganda.

We bring together supply chain players and engage them with innovative solutions to improve production, ensuring the transition to a sustainable and inclusive economy that maximizes the benefit for all. We facilitate strengthening of local capacity in developing countries, support the creation of enabling environments for economies to thrive, and improve market access. Solidaridad supports Ethiopia’s transition toward a more inclusive and resilient agricultural sector, addressing key challenges such as climate change, environment, food security and economic instability while focusing on coffee, dairy, fruits and vegetables, leather, cotton and textile value chains.

2.0 Purpose

The purpose of this baseline study is to establish a benchmark data for the Climate Resilient Opportunities for Sustainable Livelihoods project, a new project to start in Minjar Shenkora district. The baseline study aims to assess current agricultural practices, climate resilience, income levels, and access to inputs, finance and markets. The study will identify key challenges and opportunities for targeted interventions. It will also inform project planning, implementation, and monitoring. Beyond serving as a reference point to measure future project outcomes and impact, the baseline will provide essential background information to support strategic planning, proposal development, communication strategies, and funding mobilization.

The study will also evaluate the capacity of local institutions, cooperatives, and extension systems to deliver effective services. Ultimately, the findings will facilitate adaptive project management and contribute to broader decision-making processes, ensuring the project’s relevance, effectiveness, and sustainability.

2.1 Background

The Climate Resilient Opportunities for Sustainable Livelihoods is a three-year project officially launching in 2025, funded by BASF | Nunhems. The project is implemented by Solidaridad Ethiopia in collaboration with local government actors, including agricultural offices and Cooperatives in Minjar Shenkora district of the Amhara Region. The initiative is designed to address climate-induced agricultural challenges by promoting climate-smart and market-driven solutions for sustainable livelihoods. The project aims to improve the productivity, income, and climate resilience of smallholder farmers and indirectly benefit individuals across different Kebeles. The project will demonstrate integrated approaches such as smart irrigation, fodder production, livestock management, poultry and onion value chains, and local cooperative strengthening to support inclusive economic growth and climate adaptation.

It also focuses on enhancing institutional capacities and service delivery of Farmers Training Centres (FTCs). Additionally, the project supports the formation and empowerment of women and youth groups for sustainable community development.

2.2 Expected Project Outcomes

• Improved productivity and climate resilience of smallholder farmers through capacity building, enhanced resource management, and adoption of safe and sustainable farming practices.
• Increased income for farmers by supporting infrastructure development such as barns and poultry sheds, promoting fodder production, and establishing milk collection centres.
• Strengthened market linkages and improved access to finance for farmers engaged in dairy, poultry, onion cultivation, and other income-generating activities.
• Enhanced institutional capacity of cooperatives, farmers training centers, and local enterprises to provide effective services and technical support.
• Promoted inclusive participation of women, youth, and vulnerable groups in agriculture and livelihood diversification, contributing to improved rural economic resilience.

 

2.3 Objectives (of the service)

The evaluation has the following objectives:

• To provide benchmark data on smallholder farmers’ productivity, income, and climate resilience as outlined in the project’s logical framework
• To assess the capacity of local institutions, cooperatives, and Farmers Training Centres to deliver training and support aligned with project objectives.
• To evaluate current practices in resource management, climate-smart agriculture, and market access to establish a reference point for measuring project progress.
• To examine inclusion and participation of women, youth, and vulnerable groups in agriculture and livelihood activities, in line with gender and social inclusion targets.
• To generate evidence-based insights for adaptive project management, monitoring, and evaluation that support achievement of the logical framework’s outcomes and impact

2.4 Methodology

This baseline study will use a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques to ensure comprehensive and credible findings. Participatory methods will engage local stakeholders across Minjar Shenkora district in the Amhara Region. Key data collection methods include:

• Household surveys using structured questionnaires translated into Amharic, targeting a representative sample of smallholder farmers and community members across the district.
• Review of relevant literature and documents, including regional agricultural reports, development plans, and poverty assessments to establish context and baseline trends.
• Field observations throughout Minjar Shenkora district to assess current agricultural practices, resource management, and institutional capacities.
• Key informant interviews (KIIs) with local government officials, agricultural extension agents, cooperatives, and community leaders to gather diverse perspectives on challenges and opportunities.
• Reflection and feedback sessions with district-level stakeholders to validate preliminary findings and ensure the study aligns with local priorities.

The final methodology to be adopted shall be discussed and agreed with consultants/firm during the inception meeting.

2.5 Responsibilities of Consultants/Scope of Work

• Review and analyze all relevant project materials, including the project proposal, implementation framework, regional agricultural data, and related documents to guide the baseline study design.
• Prepare and submit an inception report outlining the baseline study methodology, sampling strategy, data collection tools (qualitative and quantitative), work plan, and team roles, aligned with the project’s proposed objectives and activities.
• Conduct household surveys with a representative sample of smallholder farmers and community members across Minjar Shenkora district, as outlined in the project proposal.
• Carry out key informant interviews (KIIs) with local government officials, agricultural extension agents, cooperatives, and community leaders to collect contextual and institutional information.
• Perform field observations to document existing agricultural practices, resource management, and institutional capacities, in line with the project’s focus areas.
• Facilitate participatory sessions and feedback meetings with local stakeholders to validate initial findings and ensure alignment with the project’s goals and community priorities.
• Apply appropriate qualitative and quantitative data analysis tools (e.g., Stata, SPSS, R, Kobo Toolbox, NVivo) to generate baseline data on productivity, income, climate resilience, gender inclusion, and youth participation, consistent with the project framework.
• Prepare and submit a comprehensive baseline report summarizing key findings, challenges, opportunities, and recommendations to establish benchmarks for ongoing project monitoring and evaluation.
• Present baseline study findings and recommendations during a stakeholder validation workshop and incorporate feedback into the final report to ensure relevance and utility for project implementation.

 

2.6 Deliverables

• Inception Report: The consulting firm is expected to produce an inception report in accordance with the approved Terms of Reference (ToR). This report should include a detailed description of the methodology, sources of information, and data collection procedures. It must also present a comprehensive work plan outlining the schedule of tasks, planned activities, and deliverables. The roles and responsibilities of each team member should be clearly defined.
• Periodic Progress Reports: To ensure effective project management and communication, the consulting firm shall submit regular progress updates on a weekly and monthly basis, detailing completed activities and any challenges encountered.
• Draft Baseline Report: A draft baseline report should be prepared and submitted prior to the stakeholder validation workshop. This report will contain preliminary findings, data analysis, and initial recommendations, serving as the basis for technical review and feedback.
• Collaboration During Validation Workshop: The consultants will present the draft baseline findings at a stakeholder validation workshop, including Solidaridad Ethiopia team members and other relevant partners. The consultants are expected to actively engage in discussions and incorporate feedback received during the workshop.
• Final Baseline Report: The final baseline report, prepared in English, should incorporate all comments and suggestions from Solidaridad Ethiopia, stakeholders, and validation workshop participants. The report must include detailed benchmark data aligned with the project’s logical framework indicators. It will provide a comprehensive overview of baseline conditions, findings, and actionable recommendations to guide project implementation, monitoring, and future interventions.

2.7 Expert/Consultant’s Profile:

The consultancy opportunity is open to qualified consultancy firms. The selection will be based on established evaluation criteria to identify the most suitable candidate. The requirements for the consulting firm include:

• Valid and renewed consultancy and Trade or Business license authorizing engagement in related evaluation activities.
• Verified Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) and VAT registration certificate.
• A minimum of 5-7 years of proven experience conducting evaluations or baseline studies in agriculture, with demonstrated expertise in climate-resilient agricultural practices, including dairy, fodder production, manure management, and climate-smart livelihood interventions in Ethiopia.
• Submission of at least three reference letters from donors or other organizations that commissioned previous similar works such as baseline and project evaluations, demonstrating the quality and reliability of the consultant’s work.
• A formal written declaration confirming that the consultancy and its team members have no conflict of interest regarding the evaluation results or any potential future projects related to this assignment.

Composition of evaluation team:

• The candidate should have demonstrated experience & expertise in Evaluation in agricultural value chain/dairy development in Ethiopia.
• The candidate should have a minimum of 5 -7 years’ experience in carrying out any type of evaluation, demonstrable academic and practical experience in qualitative and quantitative research methodology, evaluation design and implementation.
• Usage of qualitative and quantitative data analysis tools such as SPSS, R, Stata, Kobo-ODK, Nivovo, Atlasi and other statistical and qualitative tools.
• Essential to have experience in the area of smallholder farmers, dairy sector development, agribusiness development, and proven experience in project baseline or endline evaluations.
• The evaluation team should comprise professionals with expertise in agriculture (livestock, crops, or mixed systems), climate change and environment (climate-resilient and sustainable practices), and market linkages, gender, and social inclusion (inclusive value chains and youth/women integration).

 

2.8 Consultancy Period:

No	Activity	Deadline
1	Interested parties should submit a Technical and Financial proposal Budget proposals should include logistics costs (transport, communications, meals and accommodation).	08/18/2025
2	Decision on selected consultant – only selected candidates will be contacted.	08/29/2025
3	Inception report and meeting	09/08/2025
4	Draft report submitted	10/24/2025
5	Validation meeting	10/31/2025
6	final report submitted	11/14/2025