Consultancy for Assessment of Adaptation of Livestock to Climate Change

VSF Germany is an International Non-Governmental Organization, providing humanitarian aid and development assistance to pastoralists and vulnerable communities in areas where livestock is of importance. VSF Germany supports animal health, livestock related agriculture, marketing, food safety, drought responses and mitigation, capacity development of communities and governmental institutions, peace and conflict resolution with the ultimate aim of food security and strengthened livelihoods of pastoralist communities. In the region VSF Germany implements activities in the Republic of South Sudan, Kenya, Sudan, Somalia, Uganda and Ethiopia. VSF Germany has been supporting pastoral livelihoods in South Sudan since 1998 working with communities in Upper Nile, Jonglei, Warrap, Eastern Equatoria, Western Bar el Ghazal and Lakes States during periods of emergency and recovery to sustain, protect and restore livelihoods by direct provision; and capacity building for improved production and productivity, diversified production as well as local peace mechanisms and governance.

VSF-Germany, partnering with VSF Suisse, is implementing a one-year program entitled “Conflict and Climatic Emergency Livestock Response Program Phase II (CCLERP II) in Greater Upper Nile States” with funding from U.S. Agency for International Development’s Office of Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (USAID/BHA) and intends to apply part of the proceeds for the recruitment of consulting services.

This program covers 10 Counties in Jonglei, 2 counties in Upper Nile and 9 Counties in Unity states plus the Jonglei migrating cattle from Equatoria to Jonglei. The program objective is to improve and sustain access to animal source foods and related income for climatic and crisis affected individuals at risk of malnutrition particularly children and women. The program is targeting people in Greater Upper Nile, comprised of internally displaced persons (IDPs), host and returnee groups with support to local institutions and mechanisms for delivery of animal health and public health services while mainstreaming conflict sensitivity, protection and Do No Harm approaches.

VSF Germany and its partners intend to assess and determine adaptation of livestock husbandry to climate change and are seeking the services of qualified and experienced consultant (s).

Purpose

The purpose of this consultancy is to assess and determine adaptation of livestock husbandry to climate change and specifically:

1. To find out the types and breeds of livestock that are well adapted to the climate change situations and how can their husbandry be promoted among the climate affected communities.
2. To find out and document all good climate smart livestock production practices identified amongst the communities in terms of livestock feeding, housing, disease prevention and marketing in the project locations for upscaling.
3. Determine the livestock diseases of cattle, small ruminants and poultry whose prevalence are high in the situation of floods / droughts and the mortality of livestock due to the diseases.
4. Identify locations (identify gap areas) of cold chain facilities, impact of flooding on the cold chain and ways of better managing the cold chain in the face of flooding / drought.
5. To assess the impact of floods or drought on the livestock and livestock products marketing as well as the livestock value chain (sales, acceptance to sale, numbers of livestock, income, agro –input, milk, meat, hide & skin, etc.)
6. To assess and document the high grounds where livestock and communities do migrate to in case of climate migration and displacement as well as community mechanism for solving conflicts during migration and displacement.
7. Document success and good practices for resolving communities conflict associated with climate induced migrations.

Scope

Provisionally, the assessment will cover flood affected counties and 8 payams (2 per county) in four randomly selected floods affected counties (one from each state and one additional from any one of the state depending on the existing situation) where feasible. It will be conducted in the project areas and will include both beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries. Key assessment questions will be formulated using the assessment overall and specific objectives.

Methodology

The assessment design will include participatory methods and employ a mixed approach with both qualitative and quantitative methods. The consultants will be required to submit a detailed draft assessment tools, design and methodology which will be reviewed and finalized with the effort of the program personnel.

Outputs

1. A detailed study design, including methodology, work plan and timeframe.
2. Inception report
3. A draft report incorporating feedback from the debriefing sessions.
4. A final report incorporating feedback on the draft report (one bound hard copy & electronic copy).

Timeframe

This assessment is expected to be completed in 30 working days including inception report, desk review, field assessment and report writing. The first draft report will be expected within 10 days after the field exercise is completed. A final version should be submitted within five days of receiving feedback on first draft.

Management

1. The consultancy will be guided, managed and technically advised by the Country Program Manager of VSF Germany.
2. The consultancy is technically and administratively fully accountable to VSF Germany.
3. Specific areas for the study will be selected in consultation with VSF’s field staff.
4. Field travel arrangements and immediate supervision will be carried out by VSF Germany & VSF Suisse in their respective areas of operation.

Qualification

The assessment team will consist of a team leader who will be a veterinarian and a support researcher who will preferably be an anthropologist or social scientist. Prospective assessment teams are encouraged to include a mix of gender.

The team should collectively demonstrate the following set of qualities:

1. Experience in carrying out two or more major humanitarian assessment for a major donor, international NGO, or international organization.
2. General familiarity with the political and humanitarian context in South Sudan, particularly over the past 3 years
3. Experience in developing or applying protection measures.
4. Extensive practical experience in implementing activities aimed at pastoral livelihood.
5. National consultants are encouraged to apply.