Location:                                                        Nakapiripirit, Sironko, Kumi, Katakwi and the Kampala Metropolitan Area

Description of the assignment:                     Individual Consultant to undertake a study to develop community-based wetland management strategies to build climate resilience and biodiversity conservation in the Lake Opeta wetland system.

Type of Contract:                                          Individual Consultant/National

Applicable Language:                                   English

Starting date:                                                 Upon signing contract

Expected Duration of Assignment:              45 non-consecutive working days spread across contract period

Closing Date:                                                 8^th December 2025 

TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR A STUDY TO DEVELOP COMMUNITY-BASED WETLAND MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES TO BUILD CLIMATE RESILIENCE AND BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION IN THE LAKE OPETA WETLAND SYSTEM

1. Introduction

The "Strengthening Environmental Accountability and Climate Action in West Nile" project is a 41-month initiative (August 2024 – December 2027) funded by the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) through Danida. The project is implemented in the districts of Zombo, Madi Okollo, Obongi, Adjumani, Amudat and Nakapiripirit by a consortium of four national organizations: RICE West Nile (lead implementer), Friends of Zoka, Sustainable Plan and Action for Community Empowerment (SPACE) and Africa Center for Energy and Mineral Policy (ACEMP)^[1].

The goal of the project is Improved protection and sustainable utilization of natural resources among the communities in West Nile and Karamoja Sub Region which will be achieved through; Increasing community awareness and action on environmental protection; Strengthening implementation of national and district-level policies, ordinances, regulatory frameworks for environmental protection and climate action; and  Increasing opportunities for alternative livelihoods to reduce dependence on natural resources.

To achieve this, the project will conduct some studies on environmental degradation and climate change in the Karamoja Region, to generate evidence that will inform advocacy actions during implementation. ACEMP therefore seeks the services of a Consultant (s) to conduct a study to develop community-based wetland management strategies to build climate resilience and biodiversity conservation around and within the Lake Opeta wetland system. 

2. Background

Lake Opeta and its surrounding swamps are located in north eastern Uganda, in four districts of Nakapiripirit (Namalu sub-county and Lorachat sub-county), Sironko (Bunambutye sub-county), Katakwi (Usuku county, Magoro sub-county) and Kumi (Kolir sub-county, Malera sub-county and Ongino sub-county)^[2], covering an area of 68,912 hectares. It is referred to as the ‘only true wetland’ in the Karamoja area, used by the Karamojong and Pokot for grazing their animals in the dry season. The lake is also used by cattle keepers from the districts neighbouring Nakapiripirit in the Karamoja Region, including Amudat and Moroto.

The wetlands around Lake Opeta are of great importance for the conservation of birds, and there have been calls to accord this area a higher status of protection and conservation.  It is currently designated as a Ramsar Site and an Important Bird Area (IBA) encompassing the lake itself, extensive swamps, and surrounding grasslands. The wetland system is also important as a refuge for fish species that have gone extinct in the main lakes including Lake Victoria and Lake Kyoga.

However, Lake Opeta and its surrounding wetlands are facing significant environmental degradation, primarily due to human activities including deforestation, agricultural expansion and wetland conversion for other uses. This is negatively impacting the lake's water quality, biodiversity, and the livelihoods of local communities that depend on its ecosystem for survival. 

3. The Problem

Environmental degradation of Lake Opeta and its environs is primarily caused by conversion for agriculture, including unsustainable farming practices, overfishing, overgrazing, and climate change impacts^[3]. This degradation has led to reduced water levels, loss of biodiversity, habitat destruction, and compromised livelihood benefits for local communities. It has also been fuelled by low environmental awareness, inadequate enforcement of environmental policies, and political interference in wetland management that hinders conservation efforts. 

Given Lake Opeta’s unique and critical role as a biodiversity hotspot, its degradation continously depletes critical natural resources for surrounding communities and increases the environmental pressures on them.

Part of the solution lies in understanding the drivers of the degradation of the Lake and its wetland system and using research findings as evidence to design mitigation strategies that are practical, inclusive and community centred. Specifically, this study will enable the project to:

• Better understand how human activities and climate change impact the the Lake Opeta wetlands system's ability to perform essential functions, including water storage, flood control, groundwater recharge, and natural water purification.
• Understanding the sources and extent of threats to the Lake Opeta wetland system  
• Develop effective mitigation and better utilisation strategies.
• Develop informed, community-based management plans including effective ordinances and by-laws to regulate wetland use and ensure long-term sustainability.
• Develop sustainable livelihood practices that balance human needs with conservation goals. 
• Conduct comprehensive socio-economic, knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP), and document the current status of the lake and its surrounding wetlands.
• Develop effective wetland and riparian zone restoration techniques to guide practical interventions.
• Propose alternative livelihood options for local communities that reduce pressure on the lake's resources while also supporting the local economy.
• Increase environmental awareness among the local communities about the importance of wetland conservation, encouraging sustainable resource use. 
• Cause and influence policy discussions around wetland conservation, livelihoods options amongst wetland dependent communities and community-led adaption actions that will shape wetland ecosystem management in Uganda.

The findings of this study will not only contribute towards efforts to protect the Lake Opeta wetland system, but will also be applied on a national scale to inform policy and wetland management strategies across the country.

4. Scope of the Study

The study will cover Lake Opeta, its surrounding swamps and communities in Nakapiripirit (Namalu sub-county and Lorachat sub-county), Sironko (Bunambutye sub-county), Katakwi (Usuku county, Magoro sub-county) and Kumi (Kolir sub-county, Malera sub-county and Ongino sub-county).

5. Methodology

A combination of quantitative and qualitative methods is recommended for the survey, including key informant interviews, focus group discussions, household surveys and observations, to gather data. The Consultant will be responsible for developing an inception report detailing the methodology, sampling criteria, sample size, data collection tools and work plan in collaboration with ACEMP and the SEA-WN consortium team members to ensure quality.

6. Outputs

The successful Consultant is expected to submit all interim reports, data collection tools, draft reports and final reports in both soft and hard copy. The following deliverables will be produced in English:

• Inception report
• Presentation of inception report
• Draft Report
• Validation meeting to discuss draft report
• Final study report

Note: All raw data shall be shared by the Consultant in a format agreed upon by the Consultant and ACEMP/SEA-WN consortium team.

7. Qualification and Experience of the Consultant.
8. Academic qualifications: The consultant should have a minimum of master’s degree in environmental science, ecology, natural resource management, or related fields.
9. Experience: At least five (5) years of experience in conducting environmental and social baseline studies, working on climate change adaptation or mitigation projects, and experience in the Karamoja region ecosystem. This could include working for relevant organizations such as NGOs, government agencies, or research institutions.

• Technical Knowledge: The consultant should possess a comprehensive understanding of environmental protection principles, monitoring and evaluation principles, and best practices, alongside knowledge of climate change science and its impacts. This foundation should be coupled with familiarity with relevant environmental and social safeguards frameworks; and experience working with local communities and stakeholders.

1. Data analysis skills: Proficiency in data analysis software and statistical tools for analyzing and interpreting the data collected during the study.
2. Communication skills: Effective communication skills for presenting findings, recommendations, and reporting to stakeholders clearly and concisely.
3. Cultural sensitivity: The consultant needs to have cultural sensitivity and an understanding of the local contexts in the districts where the study will be conducted.

• Reputation: As a strong advocate for child protection and safeguarding, ACEMP and the SEA-WN consortium expect the consultant to have a strong track record in these areas. The Consultant must not be a barred party as scanned by Bridger Check.

8. Payment Specifications.

Payments will be made in two instalments. First, (40%) on request after approval of the inception report, and the second (60%) upon the submission and approval of the final report. All costs will be subject to a 6% withholding tax.

9. For quality assurance, the consultant will work closely with the ACEMP Programs Director, who will be supported by the SEA-WN Consortium Project Manager and RICE West Nile MEAL Coordinator. Communication with the assigned team must remain open at all times.

10. Period and estimated number of days for the study.

The study is planned to start upon contract signing. The maximum number of billable days for the assignment is 45.

11. Criteria for Evaluation of Proposal:

Only those applications that are responsive and compliant will be evaluated.  Offers will be evaluated according to the Combined Scoring method. The applicant receiving the Highest Combined Score that has also accepted the General Terms and Conditions will be awarded the contract.

Evaluation will be based on Cumulative Analysis as per the following scenario:

• Technical Criteria weight is 70%
• Financial Criteria weight is 30%

12. Application Process.

Interested and qualified Consultants should submit their proposals to procurements@acemp.org together with the following documents:

• An expression of interest for the assignment, including a detailed technical and financial proposal (one document), duly signed by the applicant. The financial proposal should indicate the daily rate of the Consultant excluding transport costs for upcountry travel. ACEMP will provide a fuelled vehicle to facilitate data collection upcountry but not in the Kampala Metropolitan area.
• Electronic links or soft copies of at least two pieces of recent similar work done by the Consultant.
• CV demonstrating relevant skills and experience.
• All documents should be in English.

Deadline for submissions is Monday 8^th December at 17:00 Hrs.  Only applicants who pass the evaluation stage will be contacted.

13. Confidentiality:

The Individual Consultant shall not, either during the term or after termination of the assignment, disclose any proprietary or confidential information related to the consultancy service without prior written consent. Proprietary interests in all materials and documents prepared by the consultants under the assignment shall become and remain the property of ACEMP and RICE West Nile.