Request For Proposals

Location:                                                         Moroto, Amudat and Nakapiripirit Districts
Description of the assignment:                        Individual Consultant to conduct research on the gendered impact of traditional manyattas on the environment in the Karamoja Region
Type of Contract:                                          Individual Consultant/National
Applicable Language:                         English
Starting date:                                                  Upon signing contract
Expected Duration of Assignment:                  40 non-consecutive working days spread across contract period
Closing Date:                                                   18^th February 2026 

TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR A STUDY TO CONDUCT RESEARCH ON THE GENDERED IMPACT OF TRADITIONAL MANYATTAS ON THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE KARAMOJA REGION

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).

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 policy and advocacy actions during implementation. ACEMP therefore seeks the services of a consultant(s) to conduct research on the gendered impact of traditional manyattas on the environment in the Karamoja Region. 

2. Background

The traditional construction and living practices associated with manyattas have notable environmental impacts, primarily linked to deforestation, land degradation, and sanitation challenges. 

[1] ACEMP is a not-for-profit organization founded in 2012 under the laws of Uganda and duly registered with the National NGO Bureau. ACEMP is an environment and extractive industries Policy, Advocacy and Research Centre of Excellence promoting good governance, research, capacity building, skills development, equity, socio-economic justice and shared benefits in the energy, environment and extractive sectors. 

The primary impact stems from the extensive use of local trees and shrubs for building materials and repairs. One estimate suggests that building a single traditional manyatta requires three trees, excluding additional wood for ongoing maintenance. This demand leads to the cutting of trees and shrubs, directly impacting local forest cover and exacerbating existing issues in already arid or semi-arid regions.

In addition, the cutting of vegetation combined with the potential for overgrazing around settlement areas promotes soil erosion and general environmental degradation. Poor ventilation and the use of open fires or kerosene lamps for cooking and lighting create significant indoor smoke, which is hazardous to human health and produces black carbon.

ACEMP is therefore seeking a consultant(s) to conduct research on the gendered impact of traditional manyattas on the environment in the Karamoja Region.

3. The Problem

Traditional manyatta settlements are a leading cause of deforestation in the Karamoja Region and their continued construction in the traditional way can have negative impacts more so for women who rely on natural resources and natural vegetation to perform their gender roles.

Continued destruction of trees and natural vegetation for manyatta construction has an impact on quality and productivity of soils as well as availability and quality of fresh water, which all increase the vulnerability of women to climate shocks.

In Karamoja, women are responsible for gathering all construction materials from the local environment, including branches, mud, grass, and cow dung. As environmental degradation increases, the time and effort required to find these materials also increase. Despite their crucial role in building the homes, women often have limited decision-making power in the community or household, as many of these societies are highly patriarchal. 

In addition, the demand for natural materials (wood, water) for both domestic use and construction can lead to conflicts within the community and domestic violence when resources become scarce.

Some other associated problems include land dedgradation and increased soil erosion which can lead to to increased siltation of water dams. Central to this study is if manyatta structures contribute to or mitigate the effects of climate variability (e.g., drought resistance of materials).

4. The intervention 

Specifically, this study will enable the project to answer the following questions:

• What is the quantitative impact of manyatta construction on local woody tree species?
• How does the construction of thorns-based fences (bomas) for livestock affect the rate of bushland clearing?
• What is the correlation between the density of manyattas in an area and the reduction of vegetation cover/deforestation?. 
• How do the construction methods and the resulting removal of vegetation contribute to increased soil erosion and, subsequently, the siltation of nearby water dams?.
• How do manyatta structures contribute to or mitigate the effects of climate variability (e.g., drought resistance of materials)?
• What are the sustainable alternatives for construction materials that can reduce pressure on the natural environment?
• How do local traditional practices for building (using thorn bushes and wood) interact with increasing population pressure to exacerbate environmental problems? 
• How are women and men affected differently by the supposed impact of manyatta construction on the environment in the Karamoja Region?

The findings of this study will enable different stakeholders to understand how the traditional, yet resource-intensive, construction of manyattas impacts the fragile, arid ecosystem of Karamoja, especially with rising population pressure and climate change.

5. Scope of the Study

The study will cover the three districts of Moroto, Amudat and Nakapiripirit. 

6. 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.

7. 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 with the ACEMP/SEA-WN consortium team.

8. Qualification and Experience of the Consultant.

• Academic qualifications: The consultant should have a minimum of master’s degree in environmental science, ecology, natural resource management, or related fields.
• 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.
• Data analysis skills: Proficiency in data analysis software and statistical tools for analyzing and interpreting the data collected during the study.
• Communication skills: Effective communication skills for presenting findings, recommendations, and reporting to stakeholders clearly and concisely.
• 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.

9. Payment Details.

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.

10. Management.

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.

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

The study is planned to start on 23^rd February 2026 , and the final report will be submitted by 20^th April 2026. The maximum number of billable days for the assignment is 40.

12. 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%

13. 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 Friday, 13^th February 2026 at 17:00 Hrs.  Only successful applicants will be contacted.

14. Confidentiality:
    The 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.