Agriculture and Irrigation Expert at Social Impact, Inc. (SI)

job Description

Social Impact, Inc. (SI) is a global development management consulting firm. We provide monitoring, evaluation, strategic planning, and capacity-building services to advance development effectiveness. We work across all development sectors including democracy and governance, health and education, the environment, and economic growth. Since 1997 we have worked in over 100 countries for clients such as U.S. government agencies, bilateral donors, multilateral development banks, foundations, and nonprofits.

The purpose of this evaluation is to assess the contribution of community gardens to household nutrition and income. Community gardens and water supply infrastructure are the most common types of assets created by USAID's Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA)'s Early Recovery, Risk Reduction and Resilience (ER4) awards in Zimbabwe. Most community gardens are established to promote access to nutritious foods and increase household income. The gardens have had mixed success with some continuing to function after activities ends, while some are abandoned after activities end.

This evaluation will look at three aspects related to community gardens: 1) Assess if community gardens are making any meaningful contribution to nutrition, particularly focusing on dietary diversity of women of reproductive age and children 6-23 months old and household income. 2) assess different sizes of plots per participant and establish the minimum plot size necessary for gardens to be effective in improving nutrition and/or income. 3) Assess the functionality and sustainability of gardens focusing on governance, water supply, production, and marketing. The evaluation results will inform BHA on investment in gardens and related infrastructure. It will enable BHA to develop technical guidelines on minimum standards for investment in community gardens and related infrastructure.

Social Impact is seeking a Agriculture and Irrigation Expert consultant to support all technical and management aspects of the Zimbabwe Evaluation. The Agriculture and Irrigation Expert serves as a member of the Team, providing subject matter expertise in Agriculture and Irrigation. The Agriculture and Irrigation Expert is expected to work closely with the Team Leader, Evaluation Specialist, Project Director, the local data collection firm, and the Zimbabwe management team to ensure quality and timely deliverables.

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