Request for Proposal for Socio-ecological Baseline Assessments in Yavatmal, Maharashtra

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About the Organization

The Foundation for Ecological Security (FES) is implementing a project titled “Enhancing Water Security in Yavatmal through Participatory Governance and Sustainable Use” in Yavatmal block of Yavatmal district, Maharashtra. The project focuses on strengthening community-led governance of land and water resources, restoring ecological health of the Waghadi River upper catchment, and promoting informed and judicious water use through participatory and data-driven tools. The project is being implemented across 40 habitations located in the upper catchment of the Waghadi River, a tributary of the Painganga River. Communities in the region are highly dependent on rainfed agriculture, livestock, and common property resources, and the landscape faces challenges related to declining groundwater levels, land degradation, soil moisture stress, and climate variability

About the Proposal

The purpose of this RFP is to invite proposals from research organisations, academic institutions, consulting firms, or independent research teams to undertake a baseline socio-ecological assessment of the project area. The assessment will generate robust baseline against committed indicators and provide an independent reference point for measuring project outcomes and impacts over time. The baseline assessment will guide project management, improve monitoring and evaluation, and provide a reference for the end-line assessment.

Scope of Work

The selected organization /agency will be responsible for designing and conducting a comprehensive socio-ecological baseline assessment in the sample habitations of the ptoject area. The assessment should cover:

Socio-economic and Livelihood Indicators

• Household demographics and socio-economic profile
• Landholding and access to land and water resources
• Livelihood sources (agriculture, livestock, wage labour, commons-based livelihoods)
• Cropping patterns, irrigation practices, and dependence on groundwater
• Access to water for domestic and productive uses
• Vulnerability to climate variability and water stress

Institutional and Governance Indicators

• Status and functioning of village-level institutions related to land and water governance
• Participation of women and marginalised groups in decision-making
• Existing rules and practices for management of commons and water resources

Ecological and Biophysical Indicators

• Groundwater levels (wells, borewells – seasonal reference)
• Status of surface water bodies (tanks, ponds, streams, nallas)
• Land use and land cover, with specific reference to commons
• Changes in vegetation, biomass and biodiversity

Water Security and Use Indicators

• Existing water conservation structures and their condition
• Water storage capacity (where applicable)
• Water use efficiency practices in agriculture
• Seasonal water availability and access patterns

Responsibilities of the Selected Agency

• Finalisation of assessment framework and tools in consultation with FES
• Training of enumerators and field investigators
• Primary data collection
• Data cleaning, analysis, and interpretation
• Submission of draft and final baseline assessment reports
• Presentation of key findings to FES and other relevant stakeholders

Role of FES

• Provide village lists
• Review and feedback on survey instruments
• Introducing the enumerators with community members
• Review and provide feedback on the rep

How to Apply

A technical Proposal, understanding of the assignment, Proposed methodology and tools, Team composition and roles, work plan, timeline along with detailed budget. Proposals should be submitted electronically to himani@fes.org.in by 1st February. Any questions related to this RFP may also be sent to the same email address.

For more information please check the Link

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