Job Description
Terms of Reference (TOR) for Research Consultancy Services
Title: Exploring the feasibility of Agroecology in Hurungwe District for Sustainable agricultural and
Development.
1. Summary
ActionAid Zimbabwe (AAZ) is actively seeking the expertise of experienced consultant(s) based in
Zimbabwe to conduct an in-depth agroecology viability study specifically for Hurungwe District as part
of the 'Fair, Green and Global (FGG) programme'. The project’s overall goal is to see vibrant result-
oriented participation of marginalised groups of mining communities especially women and youth in
trade and value chains that places emphasis on respect for human rights, including women’s rights,
and the realisation of a just, sustainable transition which contributes to Sustainable Development
Goals. The project is being implemented being led by AAZ working with its implementing partner the
Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association is implemented in two districts namely Mutoko and
Hurungwe. As AAZ implements, Agroecology becomes a viable alternative to the non-sustainable
mining industry.
The main responsibility of the consultant will involve generating a comprehensive study that delves
into the potential of agroecology in Hurungwe District to promote alternative sustainable agricultural
practices and development. The study will focus on assessing the Feasibility of Agroecology in
Hurungwe District, aiming to contribute to the advancement of Sustainable Development Goals. This
study will play a crucial role in exploring sustainable agricultural practices that align with the principles
of agroecology, with the goal of fostering environmentally friendly and socially inclusive agricultural
development in the region as a green feminist alternative.
2. About the Organisation
ActionAid Zimbabwe is a locally registered private voluntary organisation (PVO) working to achieve
social justice, poverty eradication and gender equality. AAZ works to strengthen the capacity and active
agency of people living in poverty and exclusion especially women and young people to assert their
rights. AAZ is a member of the AA International and works in partnership with local Community Based
Organisations (CBOs), national and international Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), Civil
Society Organisations (CSOs), various tiers of government, and other like-minded organisations.
3. Objectives:
• To assess the current agricultural practices in Hurungwe District and identify opportunities for
incorporating agroecology principles.
• To evaluate the viability of and the potential benefits of implementing agroecology practices
in promoting sustainable agricultural development in Hurungwe District.
• To analyze the impact of agroecology on biodiversity conservation, soil health, and ecosystem
resilience in Hurungwe District.
• To examine the socio-economic implications of transitioning to agroecology for local farmers,
particularly women and youth.
• To recommend strategies and interventions to promote the adoption of agroecology practices
in Hurungwe District for sustainable agricultural development.
4. Scope of work
The consultancy will involve a comprehensive assessment of the current agricultural landscape in
Hurungwe District, encompassing a detailed analysis of prevalent farming practices, their
environmental implications, and their socio-economic effects on the local community. The scope of
work for the research consultancy includes conducting an extensive review of existing literature and
research on agroecology practices and their impact on sustainable agriculture. The consultant will
evaluate the environmental, social, and economic benefits of agroecology in comparison to traditional
farming methods, while engaging with key stakeholders such as farmers, community leaders, and local
organizations to gather valuable insights and perspectives on the feasibility of agroecology in the
region. A meticulous methodology for data collection, analysis, and reporting will be developed to
ensure a robust and evidence-based study. The resulting comprehensive report will outline the
feasibility of agroecology in Hurungwe District and its potential contribution to sustainable agricultural
development. Moreover, the consultant will draw on successful agroecological initiatives from
organizations like Fambidzanai Permaculture Centre to extract best practices and lessons learned,
informing the development of a tailored roadmap for agroecology implementation in Hurungwe. This
roadmap will delineate phased activities, timelines, responsibilities, and resource requirements
essential for a successful transition to sustainable agricultural practices. Capacity-building and training
support that may be required by local farmers and stakeholders to facilitate the adoption of
agroecological techniques. Additionally, the consultant will propose monitoring and evaluation
mechanisms to track progress and assess the impact of agroecology implementation over time,
ensuring accountability and continuous improvement. Collaboration with local authorities and
organizations will be instrumental in aligning the agroecology implementation roadmap with existing
development plans and initiatives in Hurungwe District. By fostering partnerships and coordination,
the study aims to maximize the potential for sustainable agricultural transformation in the region. The
consultant will present key findings, recommendations, and the implementation roadmap to relevant
stakeholders through workshops, presentations, and reports, utilizing a participatory approach to
solicit feedback, validation, and buy-in from local actors to ensure the successful integration of
agroecology in Hurungwe District.

Duties and Responsibilities
5. KEY DELIVERABLES
The consultant is expected to deliver the following key outcomes:
I. Inception report and workplan, including a sampling strategy, a data collection and analysis
methodology. The inception report will demonstrate clearly how the data collection plan and
tools will gather data that addresses the indicators.
II. Data analysis of quantitative and qualitative data.
III. Presentation of initial findings to AAZ.
IV. Validation meeting with AAZ and key stakeholders
V. Draft and final research of no more than 25 pages (excluding annexes) as a Word document,
written in clear and concise English. The report will include:
a. Cover page
b. Contents table
c. Executive summary of no more than 2 pages, outlining the overall purpose and scope
of the research, an overview of the methodology and key findings of the data
collection and analysis
d. Purpose, objectives and scope of the study.
e. Indicators measured with a corresponding data collection and analysis methodology.
f. Limitations of the study.
g. Key findings and analysis, disaggregated by gender and location.
h. Annexes: data collection tools used, schedule of field visits and meetings; list of
stakeholders, including project participants, consulted and/or interviewed,
disaggregated by data collection activity; bibliography of key documents consulted;
ToR (Terms of Reference) for the study.
i. Summary slides / presentation material of the report in PowerPoint format
• All raw data files in appropriate file formats.


Qualifications and Experience
6. SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
Applications are welcome from reputable consultant(s) who have the following experience and skills:
• At least a master’s degree and demonstrable over 5 years of expertise and thematic experience
on agroecology in, natural resources governance, development/agricultural economics,
environmental social governance, and gender equality in the Zimbabwe context.
• Demonstrated experience in working with INGOs in implementing the above services.
• Capacity to moderate high level discussions involving stakeholders such as Parliament,
Government Ministries and CSOs.
• Capacity to moderate discussions with community representatives in their local languages.
• Ability to work efficiently and deliver on committed outputs under to deliver above services
within the agreed timeline and budget.
• Other relevant skills and experience.
7. Expected timetable:
The duration of the assignment is expected to be 30 days and the Consultant is expected to develop a timetable describing key activities to be conducted in delivering this assignment.