Background
Heifer Project International (HPI) is an International Non-Governmental Organization working with smallholder farming communities to end hunger and poverty while caring for the Earth. Heifer believes that it significantly contributes to feeding the world and securing sustainable livelihoods by enhancing the capacity of vulnerable and smallholder farmers. This is accompanied by sound approaches [Value Based Holistic Community Development (VBHCD) and market systems] and innovative solutions that drive transformative processes towards sustainable reduction of the living income gap among smallholder farming households. For more information about HPI, please visit www.heifer.org.
Heifer International (HI) incorporates the Living Income approach to measure success. The approach was developed by Anker and Anker (2017) and adapted by Heifer International’s Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning team to fit Heifer’s project implementation context in remote, rural agricultural zones in underdeveloped areas of countries. Multiple external sources were reviewed as part of the development of the benchmark process, which included the Anker Living Wage methodology and other approaches. The standard Heifer LIB methodology builds on, while not exactly replicating, the Ankers’ approach. The Living Income Benchmark is a regional point of reference for the minimum income people need in order to be able to afford a decent standard of living; it is composed costs of a nutritious diet, decent housing, other basic needs (like education and healthcare), savings for future shocks/needs (resilience), and, sometimes, supporting people outside the household. This study will explore the informative aspect of the Living Income Benchmark (LIB) for smallholder farmers in rural areas. Both primary and secondary data will be used to define “decency” and cost for each component of the LIB.
The first step is to establish the parameters of the geographic area to which the LIB will apply. Next, use a desk review of secondary sources — like national survey data — to estimate an expected range of values for a given component. Then, to ensure that the measures are accurate and representative of the specific region, primary data is collected from local residents, vendors, the marketplace and key informants. In most cases, the data from primary and secondary sources will be similar. In cases where the primary and secondary data differ greatly, it is important to examine the potential causes of this and use your best judgment to reconcile the difference and choose an appropriate value. When the cost of each component has been added together to find the LIB, any portion of it that falls outside Heifer’s expected range should be double-checked and then corrected or explained. Finally, the LIB, key data and any assumptions are compiled into a standardized report; HPI will guide the consultant. The Living Income approach recommends using fixed principles and assumptions, along with detailed documentation of all the assumptions and decisions made at each step of the process to ensure the transparency and continuity of the practice.
Heifer International (Tanzania) intends to conduct the assessment to determine/establish the minimum Living Income Benchmark for smallholder farmers. The study will take place in four major zones: the Southern Highlands (Mbeya and Njombe regions), the Central Zone (Dodoma, Singida, and Manyara regions), and the Lake Zone (Kagera, Shinyanga, Mwanza, Geita, and Mara regions) while focusing on dairy, sunflower, poultry, red meat, and horticulture value chains. The organization is looking for a qualified consultant to conduct the Living Income Benchmark study and assess the decent living standards of smallholder farmers in the selected regions. The findings will inform HIP Tanzania’s strategic plan for closing the living income gap for smallholder farmers for selected value chains. The Proposal will be accepted soft copy through email and mentioning the subject line; “Living Income Benchmarking Data Collection” to procurement-tz0heifer.ora on 31st May 2023, by Close of Business. Proposals received after the submission deadline will not be considered. For more information about the assignment please visit the link below. For any inquiries, please contact us via [email protected].
https://www.heifer.org/about-us/inside-heifer/procurement-and-contracting-services.html
