Request for Expression of Interest for Consultancy Service to conduct Food Security Study and other documentation assignment

Lumanti Support Group for Shelter

Request for Expression of Interest for Consultancy Service

to conduct Food Security Study and other documentation assignment

Background

LUMANTI is a non-profit making organization dedicated to the alleviation of poverty in Nepal through the improvement of shelter condition.  Since establishment, Lumanti has been focusing its work on the informal settlements and marginalized communities in the cities and towns of Nepal.

With support from MISEREOR, Lumanti in collaboration and coordination with the local government has been implementing a three-years integrated program titled Enabling communities for socio-economic transformation (ECST) adopting people led development process in Nepal since December 2023. Under this project, LUMANTI has been implementing its project activities covering 384 households of 10 communities in Kalika, 678 households of 10 communities in Jeetpursimara and 1041 households of 22 communities in Sundar Haraicha.

With the active participation of the end beneficiary families, the project is more focused on addressing climate change impact and disaster risk reduction and management leading to make the community resilient. The project activities are being targeted to address their needs through improving their access to government services and budgets, improving the housing condition of the needy families, empowering the women and girls economically and socially, strengthening the community groups and federations leading to enhancement of their lives.

LUMANTI is seeking a consultant to conduct Food Security Study in three different cities namely Jeetpursimara in Bara district, Sundar Haraicha in Morang district and Khairahani in Chitwan district to assess the current food security situation. The study intends to identify the key issues, challenges, and opportunities related to food security in the region.

Consultancy Service for Food Security Study 

The key objectives of the Food Security Study are as follows:

• To assess the status of food security in terms of availability, access, stability and utilization which also includes food production, market, consumption, food habit, purchase capacity, food quality etc. focusing on the targeted communities in three different cities namely Jeetpursimara in Bara district, Sundar Haraicha in Morang district and Khairahani in Chitwan district.
• To identify the key factors contributing to food insecurity in the targeted communities.
• To analyze the impact of climate change, conflict, and other external factors on food security.
• To examine the existing policies and interventions related to food security in the region.
• To make recommendations for improving food security in the region.

Scope of Work

The consultant will be required to:

• Conduct a review of existing literature and reports on food security.
• Collect and analyze qualitative data on food security indicators through focal group discussions and meetings.
• Interview key stakeholders, including relevant government and non-government officials, NGO/CBO representatives, relevant associations/federations, and community members.
• Identify the main drivers of food insecurity in the targeted region.
• Assess the impact of climate change, conflict, and other external factors on food security.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of existing policies and interventions related to food security.
• Develop a set of recommendations for improving food security in the region.

Deliverables

The consultant will be required to submit the following deliverables:

• An inception report outlining the methodology and work plan for the Food Security Study.
• A draft report presenting the findings and analysis of the study.
• A final report incorporating feedback from LUMANTI and stakeholders in English and summary report in Nepali incorporating findings and recommendations.
• A presentation of the study findings to LUMANTI and relevant stakeholders.

Timeline

This assignment is expected to be completed mid-November 2024. The consultant will be required to adhere to the agreed-upon timeline and deliverables.

Desired Qualifications

The consultant should have the following qualifications:

• Hands-on experience in conducting the required assignments.
• Expertise in quantitative and qualitative research methods.
• Knowledge of food security policies and interventions, climate change and disaster risk reduction and management.
• Excellent communication and writing skills.

Proposal Submission

Interested firms/organizations or individuals are requested to submit an Expression of Interest to shelter@lumanti.org.np by the 25th of September 2024. The EOI should include

• Detailed technical and financial proposal outlining their approach to the Food Security Study.
• Organizational profile (in case of Organization)
• Registration certificate with PAN/VAT number (in case of Organization)
• Tax clearance/exemption certificate and other supporting documents highlighting expertise and competitiveness in the relevant area. (In case of Organization)
• CVs of the team lead to carry out this service.