Terms of Reference (TOR) of Baseline Survey
Feed the Future Bangladesh Women’s Empowerment Activity
I.
Consultancy Objective
Winrock International is looking for a reputable consulting firm or individual to undertake a baseline survey in
five districts of Bangladesh for the Feed the Future Bangladesh Women’s Empowerment Activity. Results from
this baseline will be collated with other prior studies and be used to set targets for the project and form the
basis for end of project evaluation.
II.
Project Background
The Feed the Future Bangladesh Women Empowerment Activity (or ‘the project’) was designed within the
context of the U.S. Government’s broader Feed the Future Initiative, specifically USAID Bangladesh’s
Development Objective 2 (DO2): “to increase the volume of food produced by Bangladesh’s small farmers and
increase the purchasing power of the food-insecure poor.” The project directly supports DO2 by empowering
women and men to achieve food security through increased women’s empowerment and strengthened
household contributions to food production and household nutrition. DO2 has three priority areas:
- Sustainably increased agricultural productivity
- Improved access through market systems
- Improved nutrition and dietary diversity
The overall goal of WEA is to increase empowerment of women and gender parity in targeted areas of the
Feed the Future Zone of Influence. In order to achieve this goal, WEA will carry out activities that generate
the following intermediate results.
IR 1: Increased leadership in community economic or social groups by women
Sub IR 1.1 LAC established and strengthened
Sub IR 1.2 Increased use of community life skills
IR 2: Improved decision making by women over productive resources
Sub IR 2.1: Increased ownership of productive resources by women
Sub IR 2.1.1: Increased access to market for productive assets, resources and agricultural
products by women
Sub IR 2.1.2: Increased access to credit for productive resources and assets
IR3: Improved women’s control over income
Sub IR 3.1: Increased financial literacy
Sub IR 3.2: Improved income generation
IR4: Strengthened decision-making by women in agricultural production
Sub IR 4.1: Improved knowledge of agricultural production
Sub IR 4.2: Increased adoption of appropriate agricultural technology
IR5: Improved time use by women
Sub IR 5.1: Balanced/shared household responsibilities among the family members
IR6 (Cross-cutting): Increase social acceptance of women’s empowerment
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Winrock will measure the overall achievements of the project in women’s empowerment through changes in
the Feed the Future Women’s Empowerment in Agriculture Index (WEAI) scores. A woman is considered
empowered when she reaches the threshold of empowerment in 80% or more of the weighted indicators.
Existing data from the previous WEAI survey, which showed that 33-39% of women in rural Bangladesh are
considered empowered1 will serve as the baseline. Winrock will develop and track further measures of success
over time in the following categories:
- Women’s decision-making
- Women’s empowerment through group formation and participation
- Women’s income-generating activities
The three-year project started in December 2014 and ends in November 2017. The project will be implemented
in five different districts of the Feed the Future zone. The districts are as follows: Khulna, Jessore, Barisal,
Patuakhali and Barguna. The total target of direct beneficiaries is 30,000 women. In addition, the project will
work with respective numbers of indirect beneficiaries, i.e. male and other members of targeted households
and communities.
The project is made possible through the generous support of the U.S. Government’s Feed the Future Initiative.
The project will be implemented by Winrock International with financial and technical support of USAID
Bangladesh and in partnership with local agencies/NGOs such as Dhaka Ahsania Mission (DAM), Advanced
Chemical Industries (ACI) and other NGO partners.
III.
Objectives of the Assignment
As the project begins operations, a baseline study is scheduled to assess the current status of potential project
beneficiaries. Winrock is seeking a qualified service provider to undertake a baseline assessment to establish
reference points in assessing performance towards achieving intended results (outputs and outcomes) at
various levels as reflected in the Output Indicators and Outcome Indicators of the project.
The specific objectives of the assignment are as follows:
- To provide a more precise understanding of the socio-economic status and empowerment of project
-
beneficiaries
To determine sample size by following proper statistical method and select sample beneficiaries for
data collection (qualitative and quantitative both)
To develop data collection tools both for qualitative and quantitative (questionnaire, checklist, KII
questions, FGD design, etc.)
To conduct survey for collecting information (qualitative and quantitative both) from the sample
beneficiaries and communities
To enter survey data in a computer based software system (Access/SPSS/Excel) and develop a master
sheet of data
To analyze data using suitable statistical software (SPSS/Excel/Access) as per project requirement
To prepare a self-explanatory comprehensive baseline report
Alkire, Sabina et al., IFPRI Discussion Paper, “The Women’s Empowerment in Agriculture Index.” December 2012, and
IFPRI Discussion Paper 01297, “Women’s Empowerment in Agriculture: What role for Food Security in Bangladesh?”
October 2013.
1
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IV.
Research Design
A. Methodology
Both qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis will be conducted as part of the baseline survey.
Illustrative methodology is as follows. The consultant/firm should elaborate their proposed methodology
and is also responsible for developing the sampling framework.
-
Baseline information collection:
o Personal interview with structured questionnaires: Considering 3% margin of error and 95%
level of confidence the sample size will be determined for total 37,500 beneficiaries (male
beneficiaries =7,500 and female beneficiaries = 30,000) in five targeted districts; such as
Jessore, Khulna, Barisal, Patuakhali and Barguna. Data will be collected from sample
respondents (one women and one men respondent in each households) through structured
questioners. The sampling technique should have consistency with previous WEAI study
conducted by IFPRI and USAID.
o Key Informant Interview (KII) with checklist (Social actors, religious leaders, local government
representatives and others): 5 Nos. for each district
o Case study collection (group or individual beneficiary as qualitative analysis): Based on nature
of indicator
o Focus Group Discussion (FGD): 4 for each district (Two for male and two for female)
o Relevant secondary information collection from IFPRI, USAID, Winrock and partners, different
government ministries/departments, newspapers, internet and other sources and review
those literatures which will ensure the consistency of study methodology with previous study
conducted by IFPRI (International Food Policy Research Institute) and BIHS (Bangladesh
Integrated Households Survey)
-
Baseline data analysis:
o Collected data will be entered in suitable software (Excel /Access/SPSS) and a Master sheet
will be generated
o Analysis will be conducted based suggestions received from Winrock team on required tables
/charts/graphs
o All soft copies of data (analyzed and Master sheet) will be provided to Winrock
-
Baseline Report (Final Deliverable):
o The self-explanatory and comprehensive baseline report will be prepared
o The final soft copy (in MS Word and PDF) and hard copy (color print with spiral binding-5
copies) of report will be proved to Winrock as final product that includes, but is not limited
to, the following:
 Executive Summary
 List of acronyms
 An introduction containing the objectives of the Scope of Work (SOW) and a brief
description of the program
 Methodologies and Study framework
 Results Discussions
 Establish baseline values for indicators as set in the Results Table;
 Analysis of anticipated problems or constraints for the implementation of activities;
and
 Data and study limitations
 Glossary of terminologies used
 Include all appendixes as described in the main report
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The selected consultant/ firm will work with the Winrock team, especially the Monitoring and Evaluation
personnel, to finalize the indicators/variables for data collection. Along with all research questions’ and
selected indicators’ information (especially goal level indicators); the consultant/firm will collect basic
demographic information (name, age, sex, literacy level, household size and typology, land size, major
occupations, annual family income etc.) from representative sample. The research questions are mentioned
below and list of indicators is attached in Annex-A.
B. Research Questions
In general, the baseline assessment will establish the current situation of women’s empowerment in the
project’s target areas, including leadership, decision making on agricultural production and income, ownership
of productive assets, access to credit, knowledge of nutrition and dietary diversity, satisfaction with time use,
equity in gender roles and attitude towards domestic violence. Key research questions include:
a) What is the perception towards women’s empowerment in the targeted Feed the Future districts of
Bangladesh?
b) What is the present status of decision making by women over the allocation of productive resources
in agricultural production in the targeted Feed the Future districts of Bangladesh?
c) What is the current status of women’s control over income in the targeted Feed the Future districts of
Bangladesh?
d) What is the current status of women’s daily time use and satisfaction of their time use in the targeted
Feed the Future districts of Bangladesh?
e) What is the perception towards Gender-Based Violence (GBV) at household and community level in
the targeted Feed the Future districts of Bangladesh?
f) What are the major barriers to women empowerment in the targeted Feed the Future districts of
Bangladesh?
V.
Scope of Work
The research firm / Consultant shall collaborate with Winrock team members to develop appropriate survey
tools and methodologies for conducting the baseline survey and baseline report preparation. The research firm
/ Consultant will then be expected to take the primary lead in providing local expertise in the design phase,
actual enumeration, and data collection during implementation in the field, data analysis and interpretation,
and support in drawing conclusions regarding the efficacy of the selected processes and the results of the
assessment.
The selected firm will implement the following activities:
 Undertake a literature review of project documents, and other documents that are relevant to the
project to get acquainted with the program outline and indicators;
 Design appropriate survey tool(s) (questionnaires and other data collection tools)
 Pre-testing, editing, translation, finalization, and reproduction of survey instruments;
 Integrate qualitative data collection methodology and survey tools;
 Apply statistical techniques for designing, analyzing and reporting the quantitative data. The consultant
is expected to use statistical techniques to estimate the optimum sample size and random selection of
survey participants;
 Train and orient field interviews and enumerators;
 Undertake field data gathering using tested survey tools to address objectives of this baseline study
and apply quality control for field data collection;
 Process and analyze collected survey data;
 Perform quality procedures during design, testing, fieldwork, data entry, data analysis and reporting;
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
Organize all quantitative data collected in MS Excel or MS Access format. The data sets/ database will
ensure anonymity of survey participants by using identification numbers and separating names from
survey participants data;


Supported by hard data, suggest amendments to the Results table;
Establish baseline values for other monitoring and impact indicators as discussed with the
program team during the elaboration of data collection methods;



Reporting the results in appropriate tables, charts, and narrative;
Presentation of findings, conclusions and recommendations;
Consider at least following outputs when designing and carrying out the baseline:
- Establish baseline values for indicators as set in the Results Table (see Annex A)
- Establish baseline values for other monitoring and impact indicators as discussed with the
program team during the elaboration of data collection methods
VI.
Timeline:
Activities
Orientation of selected
consulting firm or individual
consultant on project activities,
reference documents and
partner NGOs
Go through the project
documents and relevant
literatures by the consultant and
work with Winrock team to
finalize indicators for data
collection
Visit project fields by the
consultant
Develop questionnaire and other
data collection tools by the
consultant and share with WEA
team by PP presentation
Pre-test of the questionnaire and
other tools and finalize the tools
based on pre-test findings
Orientation/training of the data
collector/enumerator on
questionnaire and data collection
Baseline survey conduction (data
collection, FGD, KII and case
study information collection)
Develop data entry format in
Excel/ Access /SPSS
Survey data entry in the specific
software and complete master
sheet of data
Data analysis in consultation with
Winrock M&E personnel
Prepare outline of Baseline
report and share it to Winrock
for their feed back
Weeks (starts from mid- June, 2015)
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
6th
7th
8th
9th
10th
Responsibility
11th
12th
WEA Team
Consultant/
Firm in
consultation
with M&E
Specialist
Consultant/
Firm
Consultant/
Firm in
consultation
with M&E
Specialist
Consultant/
Firm
Consultant/
Firm
Consultant/
Firm
Consultant/
Firm
Consultant/
Firm
Consultant/
Firm
Consultant/
Firm in
consultation
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Activities
Weeks (starts from mid- June, 2015)
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
6th
7th
Draft baseline report and present
it to the Winrock team through a
PowerPoint presentation for
their feedback and comments
Incorporate Winrock team’s
feedback and prepare second
draft of report and send to
Winrock for their further
feedback
Include final feedback and
comments and submit prepare
final version
Submit Baseline report (soft copy
and printed format) and soft data
sheet to Winrock
VII.
8th
9th
10th
Responsibility
11th
12th
with M&E
Specialist
Consultant/
Firm
Consultant/
Firm
Consultant/
Firm
Consultant/
Firm
Qualifications of Consultancy firm/Individual Consultant








VIII.
In-depth knowledge and experience conducting baseline and different assessments such as midterm, end line evaluation, survey of multidimensional development sector project (gender,
women’s empowerment, food security, livelihoods etc.)
Prior experience of working for USAID funded project (preferred)
Prior experience of working on Women’s Empowerment Agricultural Index (WEAI), Bangladesh
Integrated Household Survey (BIHS) in Bangladesh for USAID funded project or other women
empowerment and gender issue related experience
The lead consultant/team leader should have masters or higher degree in economics, social
science, development studies, agriculture, statistics or other relevant background
The consultant or firm or other team member has proven experience in data analysis in SPSS/MS
Access/Excel software
The consultant or firm should have proven experience in preparing quality
baseline/midterm/final evaluation report in English
The consultant or firm should have valid legal documents (government registration, tax and VAT
certificate, and others)
The consultant or firm should be able to maintain deadlines and confidentiality
Responsible officer:
Winrock’s Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist will oversee the baseline survey in coordination with USAID,
experts of Winrock’s Home Office, Chief of Party (COP), and other WEA team members.
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Annex A: List of Indicators
Winrock currently has 10 indicators for measuring project goal and 24 performance indicators (IR and Sub-IR
level) for measuring project progress during the project period. Baseline data will be established through
different means depending on the indicator. For conducting baseline survey the goal level indicators will be
considered mostly with other qualitative assessment.
Goal Level indicator list
Goal: Increased empowerment of women and gender parity in targeted areas of the Feed the Future Zone of Influence
Sl
Domain
Indicator
Weight
1
Agricultural
Contribution to agricultural production decisions
0.2
production decisions
2
Access to productive Access to productive resource (credit, agriculture 0.1
resources
inputs and market)
Contribution in decisions on use of productive 0.1
resources (credit, agriculture inputs and market)
3
Control over use of Participation in decision on use of sole or family 0.2
income
income
4
Community
Actively participate in different groups
0.2
leadership
5
Time allocation
Satisfaction of women with their daily time use
0.2
IR and Sub-IR Level indicator list
Sl#
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
SPS REFERENCE
INDICATOR NAME
(F)
IR 1. Increased leadership in community economic or social groups by women
TYPE2
SOURCE
# of women beneficiaries who make at least one public
presentation at local level with the assistance of LAC or other
groups directly benefiting from WEA intervention
# of individual actively participating in groups (women’s groups,
LACs) as a result of WEA
Sub-IR 1.1. LAC established and strengthened
Custom
ACES
Custom
WEA
# LACs established at Union level
# of women beneficiaries receiving support services related to
women’s rights, victim support and access to resources from LAC
members
Sub-IR 1.2. Increased use of community life skills
% of surveyed WEA beneficiaries who report using community
life skills acquired through ELTE training
IR 2. Improved decision making by women over productive resources
% of surveyed women beneficiaries who report participating in
decisions to buy, sell or transfer productive resources
Sub IR 2.1 Increased ownership of productive resources by women
Custom
Custom
WEA
ACES
Custom
WEA
Custom
WEA
Sample survey
% women surveyed women beneficiaries who reports owning
Custom
ACES
productive assets as a result of WEA intervention
Sub sub-IR 2.1.1. Increased access to market for productive assets, resources and agricultural products by women
# of women beneficiaries purchasing inputs through WEA
Custom
WEA
linkages
# of women beneficiaries selling agricultural products through
Custom
WEA
WEA linkages
Sub sub-IR 2.1.2 Increased access to credit for productive resources and assets
# of women beneficiaries accessing credit for productive
Custom
WEA
resources/assets through WEA assistance
IR 3. Improved women’s control over income
% of surveyed women beneficiaries who report sole or joint
Custom
WEA
control over income
Sample survey
2
FTF Classification of Indicators: (R)=Required Indicator; (RIA)=Required if Applicable Indicator; (S)=Standard Indicator;
(WOG)=Whole of Government Indicator (all RiA)
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Sl#
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
SPS REFERENCE
INDICATOR NAME
(F)
Sub-IR 3.1. Increased financial literacy
% of women trained by WEA who have savings accounts as a
result of WEA assistance
Sub-IR 3.2. Improved income generation
Value of sales in US$ attributed to WEA supported income
generation projects
IR 4. Strengthened decision-making by women in agricultural production
% of women beneficiaries surveyed who report having input into
agricultural production decisions as a result of WEA
interventions
Sub-IR 4.1. Improved knowledge of agricultural production
% of women training participants who attain an increase in the
post test score administered after completion of the training
Sub-IR 4.2. Increased adoption of appropriate agricultural technology
FTF 4.5.2 (7)
Number of individuals who have received USG supported shortterm agricultural sector productivity or food security training
FTF 4.5.2 (5)
Number of farmers and others who have applied improved
technologies or management practices as a result of USG
assistance
IR 5. Improved time use by women
# of women beneficiaries getting child care support from other
family members/alternative arrangement for childcare to
improve time use
% of women who are satisfied with their daily time use
Sub IR 5.1 Balanced/shared household responsibilities within the family members
21
# of beneficiary families who have balanced share of household
responsibilities among family members
Cross-cutting: Increased social acceptance of women’s empowerment
22
GNDR-4
% of participants reporting increased agreement with the
concept that males and females should have equal access to
social, economic, and political opportunities
23
GNDR-7
% beneficiary household members who agree that violence
against women is not acceptable under any circumstances
24
FTF 4.5.2 (13)
Number of rural households benefiting directly from USG
interventions
TYPE2
SOURCE
Custom
WEA
Custom
WEA
Custom
WEA
Sample survey
Custom
WEA
Sample survey
Required if
Applicable
indicator (RiA) and
WOG
Required if
Applicable
indicator (RiA) and
WOG
WEA
Custom
ACES
Custom
WEA
Sample survey
Custom
ACES
Required if
Applicable
indicator (RiA)
Required if
Applicable
indicator (RiA)
Standard (S)
WEA
Sample survey
WEA
WEA
Sample survey
WEA
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Annex-B: Sample Budget template (to be filled by Consultant/Firm)
Sl
Item
Unit Name
Unit Required
Unit Rate
(BDT)
Total (BDT)
1
2
3
4
Consultancy Fees
Data collector’s Fees
Man month
100
800
80000
Data Analyst’s Fees (if any)
Stationeries (writing board,
pencil, eraser, sharpener,
plastic folder/bag etc. )
5 Photocopy
6 Color Printing
7 Travel Allowance and Daily
Allowance for consultant/s
8 Other (Please mention )
9 Other (Please mention)
10 Other (Please mention)
11 Miscellaneous
Total
** Tax and VAT will be applicable as per government procedure. Consultant/firm is requested to mention the
amount of Tax and VAT separately. As this is a USAID funded project, therefore the VAT is exempted.
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