TOR for Impact Evaluation of Solar-Powered Water Supply Systems in Somaliland
The Oxfam Somali Programme has been actively addressing critical water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) concerns among affected populations in Somalia. As part of Oxfam Somali's WASH initiatives, solar power systems have been integrated into boreholes, springs, and shallow wells to promote sustainable and environmentally-friendly energy alternatives. The primary goal of this program is to replace conventional diesel-generated electricity with solar power, ensuring more reliable, cost-effective, and eco-friendly water supplies for communities.
This impact evaluation centers on Oxfam GB's Resilience strategy, which aims to build resilient communities capable of withstanding shocks and adapting to change. Recognizing the pivotal role of sustainable and reliable water access in resilience-building, particularly in areas prone to drought and other climate-related challenges, the solar-powered water systems intervention aligns with this strategy. The intervention targets the enhancement of water accessibility, quality, and economic prosperity, contributing significantly to building resilience in rural Somaliland.
Moreover, the intervention is linked to Oxfam GB's Climate Justice strategy, which strives to empower vulnerable communities to adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change. The implementation of solar-powered water systems offers a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and minimizing the carbon footprint associated with fuel-powered water supply systems. Improved water access and quality also play a vital role in climate adaptation by reducing the necessity for water-intensive activities and increasing agricultural productivity.
A key component of this evaluation is the partnership approach, executed in collaboration with Somaliland's Ministry of Water Development (MoWD), a longstanding partner for Oxfam familiar with our working methods. Community engagement and ownership are emphasized, ensuring that communities take ownership of the solar-powered water systems for long-term sustainability. Embracing Oxfam's Speaking Out approach, this impact evaluation contributes to the evidence base on sustainable water solutions, advances knowledge on community engagement and ownership, and generates recommendations for enhancing resilience in rural communities. Overall, this impact evaluation aligns with Oxfam GB's Resilience and Climate Justice strategies, underscoring the significance of partnership and community engagement in sustainable development interventions.
The findings of this impact evaluation will serve to inform future programming, enhancing the effectiveness and sustainability of solar-powered water systems in rural Somaliland. The insights garnered will be instrumental in making evidence-based decisions regarding the design, implementation, and monitoring of water supply systems in Somaliland, with a focus on continuous improvement.
Additionally, the evaluation findings will be shared with partner organizations operating in the water sector in Somaliland and other relevant stakeholders. This sharing aims to foster collaboration, facilitate mutual learning, and promote best practices in the field. Furthermore, the findings will be leveraged for policy and advocacy efforts, raising awareness on the significance of sustainable water solutions and advocating for the better integration of climate change adaptation strategies into development programming.
In terms of target audiences, the evaluation findings will be relevant for Oxfam staff engaged in water and sanitation programs in Somaliland, partner organizations involved in the implementation of solar-powered water systems, and other NGOs and development organizations working on water supply and resilience in Somaliland. The insights will also be of interest to Somaliland government officials and policymakers, donors, and investors in the water sector, along with other stakeholders actively involved in development programming in Somaliland.
This TOR outlines a comprehensive impact evaluation research focused on assessing the effectiveness of solar-powered water supply systems in 10 remote communities in Somaliland. These communities have undergone borehole rehabilitation implemented by Oxfam, with the aim of transitioning from conventional fuel-dependent systems to solar-powered solutions. The overarching goal is to enhance reliability, water quality, and affordability in these communities. This evaluation aims to delve into the achievements, challenges, and potential for long-term sustainability and community ownership of the solar-powered water supply systems.
III. Objectives
o Evaluate the comprehensive impact of Oxfam Somali's solarization efforts on water sources within the target communities.
o Examine the broader implications on water availability, reliability, and quality resulting from the solar-powered initiatives.
o Conduct a thorough evaluation of the efficacy, performance, and sustainability of solar-powered water supply systems in the 10 remote communities.
o Scrutinize the efficiency of the systems in meeting the water needs of the communities, considering factors like reliability and long-term sustainability.
o Assess the effectiveness of solar-powered water sources in enhancing Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) conditions within the target communities.
o Investigate the impact on community health and overall well-being resulting from improved access to clean water through solar-powered systems.
o Identify and analyze key lessons learned from the implementation of solar-powered water supply systems.
o Identify best practices that can enhance the integration of solar energy in WASH programs, contributing to future improvements in similar initiatives.
o This structured approach to the TOR ensures a clear understanding of the evaluation's purpose, objectives, and the specific areas of focus. The objectives are designed to provide a comprehensive assessment, addressing different facets of the solar-powered water supply systems' impact and effectiveness in the targeted communities.
o What are the primary factors contributing to the success of solar-powered water systems in rural Somaliland?
o Which elements play a pivotal role in ensuring the effectiveness and sustainability of these systems?
o How effective are solar-powered water systems in improving accessibility, quality, and prosperity, specifically for vulnerable populations?
o To what extent do these systems address the unique needs and challenges faced by vulnerable groups?
o In what ways do sustainable water schemes, particularly solar-powered systems, contribute to climate justice in the context of rural Somaliland?
o How do these schemes impact economic prosperity and gender justice within the targeted communities?
o What challenges arise in terms of community engagement during the implementation of solar-powered water systems?
o How are issues of ownership and conflict resolution addressed, and what challenges are encountered in sustaining these systems in the long term?
By following these key guiding questions, the focus is on understanding the success factors, effectiveness, contributions, and challenges associated with solar-powered water systems in rural Somaliland. The guiding questions emphasize the specific context of conflict-prone, drought-affected areas and highlight the importance of sustainability, inclusivity, and resilience in the evaluation.
The Impact Evaluation will adopt a comprehensive approach, engaging a diverse group of internal and external stakeholders to ensure alignment with end-users' needs. A mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative methods, will be employed for data collection and analysis. The evaluation will draw data from both primary and secondary sources, utilizing exploratory and inquiry research approaches.
Three-Phased Study Approach
o Develop logic models, Theories of Change (ToCs), and conceptual frameworks.
o Formulate methodology and conduct secondary data analysis by reviewing existing evidence.
o Engage in collective sensemaking to validate ToCs, conceptual frameworks, and data collection methodology.
o Organize workshops facilitated by Oxfam to collectively make sense of the developed frameworks.
o Gather primary data through various methods.
o Test contributions and engage in further collective sensemaking.
o Evaluation consultants will present initial findings, conclusions, and recommendations in a sensemaking workshop organized by Oxfam.
o Validate, reflect, and gather additional inputs and insights from Somalia country teams and identified stakeholders.
o Engage a wide range of stakeholders, including the community, through presentations and workshops.
o Facilitate workshops organized by Oxfam to ensure a participatory approach in the evaluation process.
o Utilize findings for policy influencing and future programming.
o Integrate inputs and insights gathered from stakeholders into the final evaluation report, ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive perspective.
This structured three-phased approach ensures a systematic and participatory evaluation process. It starts with the development of foundational frameworks and methodologies, incorporates primary data collection and sensemaking, and culminates in engaging a broad spectrum of stakeholders for validation, reflection, and utilization of findings. The involvement of Oxfam-organized workshops throughout the process promotes collaboration, collective learning, and effective utilization of evaluation outcomes for policy and programming improvements.
The consultant is tasked with a series of activities aimed at comprehensive assessment and analysis, culminating in actionable recommendations for the impact evaluation of solar-powered water supply systems in the project target communities of Somaliland.
o Conduct an in-depth literature review on the impact of solar-powered water sources in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) programs.
o Provide a detailed synthesis of existing knowledge to inform the evaluation's conceptual foundation.
o Develop a meticulous evaluation methodology outlining
o Clear data collection procedures,
o Comprehensive data collection tools,
o A robust sampling strategy, and
o Ethical considerations to guide the entire evaluation process.
o Undertake field visits to project sites in collaboration with Oxfam Somalia WASH program staff.
o Engage with on-site realities to ensure a firsthand understanding of the implementation context.
o Collect both quantitative and qualitative data through a combination of:
o Apply appropriate statistical methods for quantitative data.
o Employ qualitative analysis techniques to derive meaningful insights from qualitative data.
o Ensure a comprehensive and integrated analysis that captures both quantitative and qualitative dimensions.
o Assess the impact of solar-powered water sources on various dimensions, including:
o Synthesize findings into actionable recommendations.
o Offer insights into areas for improvement and provide guidance for enhancing the effectiveness and sustainability of solar-powered water systems in Somaliland.
These deliverables are designed to ensure a thorough and rigorous evaluation process, providing valuable insights and recommendations that contribute to the ongoing improvement and sustainability of solar-powered water systems in the targeted communities.
VII. Deliverables
The ideal consultant/firm should have an advanced degree in a relevant field, proven experience in impact evaluations, familiarity with the Somali context, strong analytical skills, and excellent communication and report-writing abilities.
The consultancy is expected to be completed within 30 days, with the final report due by February 28th, 2024.
Interested consultants (firms) should submit a detailed technical proposal, budget, relevant experience, and CVs of consultants to SOM-Consultancies@oxfam.org by January 24nd, 2024
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