Technical writer to assist with compiling and synthesising mid-term review reports

Background

Starting in 2021 in Uganda, CABI and partners established joint crop-livestock clinics, a novel type of farmer service, to explore ‘One Health synergies and benefits’ of joint crop-livestock services to address major production and health constraints that farmers face in their field crops and animals. The long-term vision of the project is to contribute to improved health and livelihoods of farming communities through effective One Health (OH) action. Joint clinics are currently operating in six districts in Central Uganda (Buikwe, Kayunga, Luwero, Mukono) and Western (Hoima, Kagadi) and the project expanded to Kenya in 2022 in three counties (Trans Nzoia, Baringo and Elgeyo Marakwet).

Purpose of mid-term review

The aim was to gather experiences, views, and lessons learned from farmers, clinic implementers, and key ministry stakeholders on joint crop-livestock clinics as a service model, with a focus on: satisfaction levels with the joint crop-livestock clinics among users; benefits/disadvantages of joint clinics; drivers and blockers of good clinic performance; perceptions of health risks; policy alignment; and opportunities for enhanced One Health action. The insights gathered will be used to improve joint clinic operations and guide strategic discussions on cross-sectoral, One Health collaboration at district and central levels.

Approach

The review comprised a qualitative assessment using open-ended enquiry.

In Uganda, the team carried out, 5 Focus Group Discussions (FGD) with joint crop-livestock clinic users, gathered perspectives on joint clinic operations, use, and satisfaction; knowledge/perceptions of health risks; benefits/disadvantages and challenges of joint clinics; value-add of the joint crop-livestock clinics and suggestions for improvement. Attempts were made to carve out a few individual cases (ca. 2-3) that stand out, e.g. how a farmer changed practice or behaviour after visiting the joint crop livestock clinic, how a household perceived and managed OH related health risks, or other insights that helped to shed light on the intervention, household needs, and farmers’ decision-making.

Semi-structured key informant interviews (KII) were carried out with district/county and ministry partners, gathering views on joint clinic operations, observed benefits and disadvantages; alignment with policies, organisational structures, and existing resources; current and potential role of clinics as an entry point for collaborative One Health action (e.g. pesticide/vet medicine risk reduction, aflatoxin contamination, zoonoses, food safety); gaps, challenges and opportunities for working across sectors.

In Kenya, the evaluation was carried out in two counties, Trans Nzoia and Elgeyo Marakwet and employed a mixed-methods approach, combining key informant interviews (KIIs) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). Key informants, a total of 17, included county directors of veterinary, livestock production, crops and public health and officers running the joint clinics in the two counties. Four FGDs (two per county) were conducted with a total of 53 farmers most of whom had been to the joint clinics. The team also met and spoke with the County Executive Committee Members (CECMs) in charge of Agriculture in the two counties, as well the Chief Officers in charge of Agriculture and Irrigation, and Livestock and Fisheries in Elgeyo Marakwet county.

(Sources: CABI. Joint crop and livestock services for smallholder farmers. Project overview and video. Danielsen, S., Alokit, C., Aliamo, C., Mugambi, I. 2022. How crop-livestock clinics are advancing One Health: A pilot case from Uganda. CABI One Health Cases, December).

Purpose of consultancy

To distil and synthesize field data from interviews and focus group discussions into a midterm review report for each country.

About the task

In June-September 2023, CABI carried out a midterm review of the crop-livestock clinic initiative in Uganda and Kenya (three districts in Uganda and two counties in Kenya). The review is largely based on focus group discussions (FGD) and interviews with key informants. We seek an experienced technical writer who can bring together the information gathered into a well-structured synthesis report that represents the essence of the findings. An element of analysis is expected as well (e.g. identifying patterns, juxtaposing views).

The mid-term review is qualitative in nature, with the raw material consisting of ca. 50 pages of FGD write-up, and ca. 75 pages of interview notes. Interview transcripts are available for reference. The CABI team will provide additional inputs in the form of visuals, summary tables, snippets from progress reports, screenshots of WhatsApp conversations, etc. (to be discussed).

We expect two compelling synthesis report (non-academic) of 10-20 pages, depending on the number of visuals, with a focus on narrating/synthesizing people’s views and experiences from the user and provider side, drawing conclusions regarding agricultural extension and One Health action. Quotes, photos, and cases, for example, should be used to make the narrative vivid and reader-friendly. In addition, we request a PowerPoint presentation summarising key findings, as well a 1–2-page brief comparing the two countries.

The exact structure/report template will be agreed upon with the CABI team once the consultant has acquainted themselves with the materials. Samples of reports with the desired style will also be provided as needed.

The following report structure serves as a starting point:

1) Summary (0.5-1 page)

2) Setting the scene (brief background, evolution of joint clinics in Uganda, Kenya)

3) What we did (and description of what was done) (0.5-1 page)

4) A user perspective on joint crop-livestock clinics (based on FGD)

a) Views on joint clinics as a new agricultural extension service model

b) Clinic operations – pros and cons (including access)

c) Crop and animal queries: i) Problems brought and advice given ii) One health issues identified and how they are understood and managed iii) Usefulness/ application of advice d) Benefits/added values of joint service delivery, e.g. i) Time saving ii) Cross-learning iii) Improved knowledge/ practice e) Challenges and disadvantages of joint clinics f) Recommendations on how to improve clinic operations/ effectiveness

5) A provider perspective on joint crop-livestock clinics (based on interviews)

a) Views on joint clinics as a new service model (e.g. relevance, feasibility)

b) Clinic operations – pros and cons (including access)

c) Policy and organisational structure – pros and cons

d) Benefits/added values and disadvantages of joint service delivery

e) Factors that favour or hinder success/progress/sustainability of joint clinics

f) Current and prospective role of joint clinics as entry point for OH action. \

g) Recommendations on how to improve clinic operations, effectiveness, and OH role to address health risks.

6) Conclusion/synthesis – broader picture, gaps, and potential, etc.

7) Annexes as needed.

The CABI team will stay closely engaged with the consultant e.g., through regular video calls, to give feedback, inputs, answer questions, etc. CABI will also make sure to provide sufficient additional sources and insights so that the findings are properly contextualized.

Profile of technical writer

• Technical writer/science journalist with a proven track record and at least 10 years of working experience in this field.

• Excellent analytical and writing skills, ability to compile and synthesize vast materials

Timeline

The expected timeline for this consultancy is 10-12 days, with the final report due by 30 November 2023.

Proposal for Assignment

Interested individuals must submit the following documents/information:

1. CV, indicating all previous experience from similar assignments, as well as the contact details (e-mail and telephone number) of the candidate and at least three (3) professional references.

2. Technical proposal, specifying the candidate’s qualifications, relevant experiences and availability, and preferably attach sample(s) of accredited publication(s);

3. Financial proposal, specifying the professional fees for this assignment.

Reporting The consultant will report to Communication and Extension Scientist, during the consultancy and provide regular updates on the progress of the assignment.