Introduction
The Ogun State Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Programme is a ground-breaking initiative, strategically funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB), African Growing Together Fund (AGTF) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
The program has four components: (1) Infrastructure Development and Agro- Industrial Hubs (AIHs) Management for SAPZs; (2) Agricultural Productivity and Production; (3) Policy & Institutional Development and (4) Program Coordination and Management. By design the program targets 100,000 direct beneficiaries and 500,000 indirect beneficiaries, of which 50% are women and 40% are youth. The Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Project aims to address challenges in agriculture and food systems by improving the productivity and resilience of farming communities.
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Component 2 aims to empower rural farmers, particularly women, youth, and marginalized communities, by introducing innovative methodologies that contribute to sustainable livelihoods and economic development.
There are many myths, unfounded assumptions and biases that have been created on gender equality, power dynamics, and acceptable cultural practices which hinders critical thinking, community development gender equality and social justice.
The SAPZ Consultancy will focus on the Gender Action Learning System (GALS) methodology, which is a community-led, participatory approach that empowers individuals to make decisions and take actions to achieve gender equality and sustainable livelihoods.
This Terms of Reference (TOR) is specifically for the consultancy services to implement the GALS methodology under Component 2 of the IFAD project. The consultancy is expected to begin in the 2nd quarter of 2025, with engagement starting on April 1, 2025.
The consultants will be responsible for the effective deployment of the GALS methodology, including the design, facilitation, monitoring, and evaluation of activities. This will involve training, mentorship, and coaching to ensure the integration of GALS into the program’s larger framework.
Objective of the Consultancy
The primary objective of the consultancy is to ensure the successful implementation of the GALS Methodology to promote gender equality, empower women and youth farmers, and enhance sustainable agricultural practices within the target communities.
Key objectives include:
• Empowering Women and Youth: Building leadership skills and fostering gender-equitable decision-making processes.
• Enhancing Livelihoods: Using the GALS methodology to help rural communities improve their agricultural productivity and income.
• Capacity Building: Providing necessary training to key stakeholders, including farmers, community leaders, and local facilitators, to sustain the methodology.
• Building Gender-Sensitive Communities: Facilitating a participatory approach for communities to identify and implement gender-responsive agricultural solutions.
• Address Gender-Based Violence: Address and prevent gender-based violence by promoting healthy relationships, challenging harmful masculinities, and supporting survivors.
• Foster Inclusive Communities: Foster inclusive communities by promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, and addressing the intersectional needs of marginalized groups.
• Raise Awareness: GAL aims to raise awareness about gender issues, challenges, and inequalities, and promote critical thinking about social norms.
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