Consultancy Opportunity – Baseline Survey for Improving Chia & Sesame Smallholders Livelihoods through Climate‑Smart Practices

Introduction

The Kenya Organic Agriculture Network (KOAN) is excited to announce a consultancy opportunity to conduct a baseline survey for the project titled “Improving Chia and Sesame Smallholders’ Livelihoods through Climate‑Smart Practices.” This foundational study will provide critical data to guide interventions, monitor progress, and ensure meaningful impact.

Why this baseline matters

• Evidence-based decision-making: The survey will establish key metrics on smallholder farming practices, yields, socio-economic conditions, and climate resilience among chia and sesame farmers before project interventions begin.

• Measurement of change: With baseline data in hand, KOAN and partners can measure improvements in farmers’ productivity, income, climate adaptation, and adoption of sustainable practices over time.

• Inclusivity and targeting: Insights from the baseline will help tailor interventions to groups who may be marginalized (women, youth, resource-poor farmers) and ensure equitable benefits.

• Transparency and accountability: Funders, stakeholders, and the public will have a solid reference point for evaluating project performance and impact.

Scope of the consultancy

The full Terms of Reference (ToR) is available here:
Terms of Reference – Baseline Survey for the Chia & Sesame Project (PDF)

Key tasks will include, but are not limited to:

• Designing the survey methodology and instruments (questionnaires, guides)

• Sampling design and field deployment

• Data collection, quality assurance, cleaning, and analysis

• Producing a baseline report with recommendations

• Engaging stakeholders (farmers, extension agents, local leaders) in validation and feedback

Who should apply

We seek a consultant or firm with:

• Proven experience in agricultural baseline surveys (especially smallholders)

• Skills in quantitative and qualitative methods

• Familiarity with climate‑smart agriculture, oilseed or niche crops (chia, sesame preferred)

• Strong report writing and stakeholder facilitation capacity

• Ability to work in rural settings and deliver within timelines

How to apply

Interested consultants/firms should submit the following:

1. Technical proposal (methodology, work plan)

2. Financial proposal / budget

3. Relevant past work samples

4. CV(s) of proposed team

Submit via email to KOAN’s procurement team procurement@koan.co.ke by 27th October 2025.

Conclusion

This consultancy is pivotal to ensuring that the project’s interventions are grounded in real data, responsive to farmers’ needs, and effective in improving livelihoods. We encourage experienced professionals to take up this opportunity and contribute to sustainable agriculture transformation in Kenya.