TERMS OF REFERENCE (ToR)

1. Baseline Household Socio-Economic and Gender Assessment

2. Annual Socio-Economic and Gender Impact Survey

3. Baseline Survey on Usage of Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs) among Farmers

1. Introduction

Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation, Pakistan is a registered non-profit development organization working to promote sustainable development through community-based programs in agriculture, rural livelihoods, climate resilience, water management, skills development, and gender equity. Helvetas has been implementing projects across Pakistan with a focus on participatory approaches, capacity building, and sustainable rural development.

In collaboration with the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI), Helvetas is implementing the Better Cotton Project in Tehsil Chichawatni, District Sahiwal, aiming to enhance the sustainability of cotton farming through improved practices, reduced pesticide use, and gender inclusion. The project currently covers 200 Learning Groups (LGs) across two Producer Units (PUs), engaging 5,801 farmers, including 735 female farmers.

The project focuses on capacity building, improving farm management, promoting decent work, empowering women farmers, and reducing environmental and health risks associated with unsustainable farming practices.

2. Purpose of the Studies

a. Baseline Household Socio-Economic and Gender Assessment

To establish a comprehensive understanding of the socio-economic conditions, gender roles, decision-making patterns, access to resources, and livelihood dynamics among cotton-growing households in the project area. This assessment will provide baseline data to measure changes over time resulting from the project interventions.

b. Annual Socio-Economic and Gender Impact Survey

To assess the annual progress and impacts of project interventions on farmers’ socio-economic conditions and gender equality indicators compared to the baseline values. The study will evaluate income diversification, women’s participation, access to services, and changes in social and economic empowerment.

c. Baseline on Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs) Usage

To determine the current levels, types, and frequency of Highly Hazardous Pesticide (HHP) usage among project farmers, including their awareness of health and environmental hazards, pesticide handling practices, and adoption of integrated pest management (IPM) practices.

3. Scope of Work

Each study will include the following activities:

• Review of project documents, training materials, and relevant literature.
• Design and development of baseline/impact survey tools.
• Field data collection using quantitative and qualitative methods (household surveys, FGDs, KIIs).
• Data entry, cleaning, and analysis using statistically valid methods.
• Preparation and submission of baseline/impact reports with findings and recommendations.

Geographical Scope:

Tehsil Chichawatni, District Sahiwal (covering all project Learning Groups and both Producer Units).

4. Key Indicators and Focus Areas

a. Household Socio-Economic and Gender Baseline

• Demographics and household composition
• Landholding and cropping pattern
• Household income sources and expenditure
• Decision-making roles and gender division of labor
• Access to credit, extension services, and inputs
• Women’s participation in cotton production and leadership roles

b. Annual Impact Survey

• Changes in income, productivity, and livelihoods
• Women’s empowerment indicators (mobility, decision-making, participation)
• Adoption of sustainable cotton practices
• Access to decent work opportunities
• Farmer perceptions and satisfaction with project interventions

c. HHP Baseline

• List and quantities of pesticides used (brand, formulation, class)
• Knowledge of HHP hazards and safe use practices
• Incidence of pesticide poisoning or health symptoms
• Adoption of IPM and alternative pest control methods
• Availability and access to safer pesticide options

5. Methodology

The consultant will propose a detailed methodology, but it is expected to include:

• Desk review of relevant project and secondary data
• Development of structured questionnaires and FGD/KII guides
• Stratified sampling covering male and female farmers proportionally
• Data collection using tablets or mobile-based tools (if feasible)
• Data validation, analysis, and triangulation
• Presentation of findings in draft and final reports
• A mixed-method approach (quantitative and qualitative) should be used to ensure representativeness and depth of analysis.

6. Deliverables

• Inception Report (including sampling plan, tools, and methodology)
• Baseline/Impact Survey Tools (questionnaires, FGD, KII guides)
• Clean dataset in Excel/SPSS
• Draft Report for review and feedback
• Final Report with key findings, analysis, and recommendations
• Presentation to Helvetas and BCI teams

7. Consultant/Institution Requirements

• Minimum of 3–5 years of proven experience in baseline/impact assessments related to agriculture, gender, and livelihoods.
• Demonstrated experience in pesticide use surveys or environmental health studies (for HHP baseline).
• Strong team of field enumerators, data analysts, and gender experts.
• Excellent analytical and report-writing skills in English.

8. Timeline

Each study is expected to be completed within the following duration:

9. Cost/Financials

The consultant/firm will submit a detailed financial proposal covering:

• Personnel costs
• Fieldwork and travel expenses
• Data entry and analysis
• Report preparation and presentation

10. Reporting and Coordination

The consultant will report to the Project Manager, Better Cotton Initiative Project, Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation, and coordinate with the Manager Quality Assurance & M&E, for approvals of tools, sampling, and progress tracking.

11. Submission of Proposals

Interested firms/consultants should submit:

• Technical proposal (including understanding of ToR, methodology, work plan, and CVs)
• Financial proposal (itemized budget)
• At least two relevant reports of similar assignments

Proposals should be submitted to:

Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation, Pakistan

Better Cotton Initiative Project – Chichawatni, District Sahiwal

Email: [email protected]

Deadline: October 17, 2025 by 1700 hrs