TOR - End-of-term Evaluation of Project “Reduce carbon footprints through engagement with vulnerable sections” at Tarikhet block of Almora, Uttarakhand/ India

Follow us on Linkedin: NGOBOX India

About the Organization

We’re a dedicated and passionate team committed to creating a more inclusive society where persons with disabilities are respected, included, and supported to reach their full potential.

Since 1967, we have been at the forefront of promoting disability-inclusive development through a range of impactful initiatives in the fields of health, education, livelihood, humanitarian action, environment, and more. Beyond individual interventions and immediate benefits, we aim to bring about change at the community level and tackle the barriers that persons with disabilities and other marginalized groups face in accessing quality services and participating in society on an equal basis with others.

Sanjeevani Vikas Evam Jan Kalyan Samiti, is known as Sanjeevani in the state of Uttarakhand, Ranikhet, is a registered development organization working in the rural and hilly regions of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh states in India. Sanjeevani is a non-government social organization, registered under Societies Registration Act 21, 1860, in the year 2000. Sanjeevani has tax exemption certificates registered under 12A, and 80G. Sanjeevani NGO TeamWe have also registered and received CSR Form 1 under Ministry of Corporate Affairs to receive corporate funds under CSR. Sanjeevani has registered under Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) and meets all the government compliances every year. Sanjeevani works on multiple themes in social development sectors like education, health, environment, livelihood, rural development, and other areas of development.

About the Proposal 

The Tarikhet block of Almora district in Uttarakhand is home to diverse rural communities living across scattered Himalayan villages. These communities have traditionally depended on natural resources, subsistence farming, and forestbased livelihoods for generations. Agriculture is predominantly rain-fed and terrace-based, shaped by the mountainous terrain and fragile ecosystems. While these traditional systems have sustained families for decades, the region’s increasing vulnerability to climate and environmental stresses has put immense pressure on rural life.

Growing Environmental Stress and Climate Vulnerability

Over the last several years, the Himalayan region has experienced significant climate variability. Erratic rainfall patterns, delayed monsoons, prolonged dry spells, and increased frequency of extreme weather events have disrupted agricultural cycles. Soil fertility has gradually declined due to overuse of limited land, and fragmented landholdings mean families often cultivate multiple small plots, making farm productivity low and inconsistent.

Compounding this is the region’s ecological fragility—steep slopes, shallow soils, deforestation, and susceptibility to landslides and seismic activity. These factors together make traditional livelihoods extremely vulnerable. With decreasing yields and rising uncertainty, many rural households experience economic strain, increasing poverty levels, and a reduced ability to cope with adversities.

Heightened Vulnerability of Persons with Disabilities

Within this already challenging environment, persons with disabilities (PwDs) face even greater disadvantages. Limited livelihood opportunities, restricted mobility, social exclusion, and dependence on others make them disproportionately vulnerable to climate and environmental shocks. Their families often bear additional responsibilities and expenses, further stretching household resources.

Recognizing this gap, the project places a strong emphasis on inclusion, ensuring that persons with disabilities and their households represent 20% of the total 2,540 beneficiary families across 60 villages. This approach not only supports them directly but also promotes dignity, empowerment, and social integration within the community.

A Holistic Approach to Sustainability and Resilience

The project’s design integrates environmental sustainability, climate adaptation, and health improvement, acknowledging that community resilience is multidimensional. Its components include:

• Carbon Mitigation Through Improved Cookstoves (ICS)
• Climate Change Adaptation in Agriculture
• Health and Household Well-being

Strengthening Community Systems Through Inclusion and Participation

A key underlying principle of the project is community participation. By involving households directly in adopting new technologies and practices, the project strengthens local ownership and long-term sustainability. The inclusion of persons with disabilities—often overlooked in development programmes—ensures that interventions are equitable and that the most vulnerable members of society benefit from climate action.

A Step Toward Sustainable Mountain Development: Overall, the project provides a comprehensive response to the intertwined challenges of climate change, ecological fragility, and social vulnerability in the Himalayan region. Through promotion of cleaner energy, sustainable agriculture, and inclusive development practices, it aims to build stronger, healthier, and more resilient rural communities in Tarikhet block—empowering households today and safeguarding their livelihoods for the future.

Evaluation Objective, Scope and Intended Use

Scope of the evaluation:

Purpose of the Evaluation

The primary purpose of the evaluation is to determine the effectiveness, relevance, and results of the project’s integrated interventions—Improved Cookstoves (ICS), climate-resilient agriculture, and household health improvements—in strengthening the environmental, social, and livelihood resilience of 2,540 rural households, including persons with disabilities, across 60 villages in Tarikhet block, Almora.

The evaluation seeks to generate evidence to guide improvements in programme design, disability inclusion, and sustainability of interventions.

The evaluation will cover:

Geographic and Beneficiary Scope

• All 60 intervention villages in Tarikhet block, Almora district.
• The full 2,540 participating households, with special focus on the 20% persons with disabilities (PwDs) and their families.

Thematic Scope

The evaluation will assess:

• Carbon Mitigation Component - Adoption, performance, and sustained use of Improved Cookstoves (ICS).
• Impact on firewood consumption, household emissions, and forest pressure.

Climate Change Adaptation Component

• Uptake and effectiveness of modern and sustainable agricultural practices.
• Changes in productivity, soil health, and livelihood stability.

Health and Hygiene Improvements

• Reduction in indoor air pollution.
• Health benefits for women, elderly persons, children, and PwDs

Implementation and Inclusion

• Efficiency and quality of project delivery mechanisms.
• Community participation and decision-making processes.
• Inclusion of persons with disabilities at all stages of implementation.

Outcomes, Challenges, and Sustainability

• Social, environmental, and economic impacts on households.
• Barriers encountered and solutions adopted by the project team.
• Sustainability of interventions beyond project duration.
• Potential for scaling or replicating the model in other Himalayan regions.

How to Apply

Interested consultants shall submit a proposal (technical and financial) to the following address (patrick.consultant@cbmindia.org) by 8th of February, 2026. The offer shall include the following components.

• Understanding of the ToRs
• Proposed methodology and work schedule
• A profile of the consultant including full name, physical addresses, telephone number(s)

 and the suggested team members, incl.

• CVs - Suggested methodology of the evaluation
• Suggested implementation structure and schedule
• Confirmation of availability during the time frame given above
• Financial offer, incl. evaluation fee, taxes, travel, accommodation, meals fees, local transport costs etc.
• Potential costs for local incidentals, such as refreshment during interviews and rental of venues.

For more information please check the Link

Stay in the loop with the newest RFPs and Grants through NGOBOX's WhatsApp Channel. Join now by clicking here!

Tags Environment and Sustainability Healthcare and Healthtech Livelihood Others