Marsabit LoVE Project Baseline Evaluation

Terms of reference for “Marsabit Low Vision Empowerment Project (LoVE)” Project

Project Summary

The LoVE Project seeks to transform the lives of individuals with low vision in Marsabit County, Kenya, by enhancing their access to essential eye health services and empowering them to fully participate in social, educational, and economic opportunities. Marsabit County, an arid and semi-arid region with a high prevalence of poverty and limited healthcare access, presents significant challenges for individuals with low vision. This project aims to address these barriers through a holistic approach involving health service delivery, advocacy, and community empowerment.

By the end of the project, we anticipate a measurable improvement in the quality of life for individuals with low vision in Marsabit County, achieved through increased access to specialized care, capacity building, and community awareness initiatives. The following outlines the key goals, objectives, outcomes, and outputs, along with the measurable indicators that will track progress over time.

Project Goal

The goal of the LoVE project is to improve the quality of life for individuals with low vision in Marsabit County by ensuring their access to inclusive health services and creating opportunities for education, economic empowerment, and participation in decision-making processes. The project aims to foster an inclusive environment where individuals with low vision can thrive and lead dignified lives.

Project Objectives

To achieve this goal, the LoVE project focuses on the following objectives:

1. Expand access to comprehensive and inclusive eye health services for individuals with low vision across Marsabit County.
2. Promote educational and economic opportunities for individuals with low vision through vocational training and inclusive education programs.
3. Empower communities to reduce stigma and discrimination around low vision through awareness and advocacy initiatives.
4. Strengthen political commitment by engaging local leaders and stakeholders in advocating for policies that prioritize low vision and disability-inclusive health services.
5. Enhance institutional capacities to sustain low vision care and services beyond the project’s duration.

Outcomes and Outputs

The success of the LoVE project is measured through specific outcomes and corresponding outputs that guide the project’s activities and interventions. Each outcome is supported by measurable indicators that allow for monitoring progress throughout the project period.

Key Indicators to be Measured

The indicators are critical in assessing the project’s progress toward its goals. These indicators, drawn from the logical framework, will be used during the baseline study and throughout the implementation process to ensure that the project remains on track and achieves its intended outcomes.

Purpose of the Baseline Evaluation

The Baseline Evaluation for the LoVE project is designed to establish a clear and detailed understanding of the existing conditions in Marsabit County with regard to eye health services, particularly for individuals with low vision. The baseline study will serve as a foundational tool for measuring the progress and impact of the project throughout its implementation.

The primary purpose of this evaluation is to collect comprehensive data on the current status of the project’s key indicators, providing a point of reference against which future project achievements can be measured. By assessing the initial conditions across health services, education, community awareness, and advocacy efforts, the baseline will ensure that the project is grounded in real-world evidence and aligned with the needs of the target population.

Key Objectives of the Baseline Study

• Establish Baseline Data: The baseline will gather and analyze quantitative and qualitative data on the current status of low vision services, the accessibility of health and education facilities, and the level of community awareness in Marsabit County.
• Measure Key Indicators: The evaluation will determine baseline values for each of the project’s indicators (e.g., the percentage of people with access to low vision services, the number of students enrolled in vocational training, the level of community awareness). This will allow for future measurement of progress and impact.
• Identify Gaps and Needs: The study will identify gaps in the current health and education systems that the project aims to address, focusing on areas such as the availability of low vision equipment, training for healthcare providers, and community-level knowledge of low vision and disability inclusion.
• Provide Strategic Insights for Implementation: The findings from the baseline will inform the refinement of project activities and ensure that interventions are tailored to the specific needs of the communities in Marsabit County. It will also help identify any potential risks or barriers to the success of the project, allowing for early adjustments.
• Benchmark for Monitoring and Evaluation: The data collected through the baseline study will serve as a benchmark for the project’s Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) system. This will ensure that progress is systematically tracked against clear indicators, enabling continuous learning and improvement.

Expected Outputs

1. Inception Report: A detailed report outlining the methodology, data collection tools, and work plan for the baseline study.
2. Data Collection: Comprehensive quantitative and qualitative data gathered through household surveys, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and review of relevant secondary data.
3. Baseline Report: A final report summarizing the key findings, baseline values for all project indicators, and strategic recommendations for the implementation phase.
4. Presentation of Findings: A presentation to key stakeholders, including project partners, government officials, and community leaders, summarizing the baseline results and outlining the key areas of focus for the project’s success.

Scope of Work

The Scope of Work for the baseline study encompasses a comprehensive assessment of the current situation in Marsabit County regarding low vision services, education, community awareness, and advocacy efforts. This assessment will involve both qualitative and quantitative data collection to provide a well-rounded understanding of the context in which the LoVE project will be implemented. The baseline study will cover key areas that align with the project’s objectives and indicators, ensuring that all aspects necessary for effective project planning and monitoring are addressed.

Key Components of the Scope of Work:

1. Literature and Document Review: – Conduct a detailed review of existing reports, policies, and studies related to eye health, low vision services, and disability inclusion in Marsabit County. Examine relevant national and international frameworks on health services, inclusive education, and the rights of persons with disabilities.

2. Design of Data Collection Tools: – Develop comprehensive tools for data collection, including household surveys, key informant interview guides, and focus group discussion (FGD) guides. Ensure that the tools are designed to capture quantitative and qualitative data related to the project’s key indicators, including health access, education enrollment, community awareness, and advocacy efforts. Tailor the tools to be inclusive, gender-sensitive, and culturally appropriate for the target population.

3. Quantitative Data Collection: – Conduct surveys to assess the availability, accessibility, and quality of low vision services in target areas, focusing on health facilities and schools. Collect data on the number of individuals with low vision currently accessing health services and educational opportunities. Measure community-level knowledge and attitudes toward low vision and disability inclusion.

4. Qualitative Data Collection: – Conduct key informant interviews (KIIs) with stakeholders such as local health officials, school administrators, community leaders, and disability advocates. Organize focus group discussions (FGDs) with key beneficiary groups, including individuals with low vision, caregivers, and community members, to gain deeper insights into their challenges, needs, and priorities. Use participatory methods to ensure diverse voices are captured, including those of women, children, and marginalized groups.

5. Field Data Collection: – Implement data collection activities across selected locations in Marsabit County, focusing on areas where the LoVE project will be implemented. Ensure that data collection is coordinated with local stakeholders and community members to enhance participation and ensure data reliability. Engage and train local enumerators to carry out data collection in a culturally sensitive and ethical manner.

6. Data Analysis and Reporting: – Clean and analyze collected data using appropriate statistical and qualitative analysis methods. Disaggregate data by gender, age, disability, and location to ensure an inclusive analysis that captures the different needs of various population groups. Compare baseline findings against project indicators to establish benchmarks for monitoring and evaluation. Prepare a comprehensive baseline report that summarizes the findings, highlights key challenges and opportunities, and provides strategic recommendations for project implementation.

7. Validation of Findings: – Present the preliminary findings of the baseline study to project stakeholders, including Caritas Marsabit, local government officials, and community representatives, for validation and feedback. Incorporate stakeholder feedback into the final report to ensure accuracy and relevance of the findings.

8. Reporting and Deliverables: – Submit an Inception Report outlining the methodology, work plan, and data collection tools to be used during the baseline study. Deliver a Draft Baseline Report for review by the project team, incorporating feedback from key stakeholders. Produce a Final Baseline Report that includes all baseline data, analysis, and strategic recommendations. Conduct a presentation to key stakeholders summarizing the baseline findings and their implications for the project’s next steps.

Key Areas of Focus:

The baseline study will cover the following specific areas:

1. Health Services: Assessment of the availability and quality of eye health services for individuals with low vision, including access to screenings, treatments, and low vision equipment.
   1. Education: Evaluation of educational access for individuals with low vision, including enrollment in schools and vocational training programs, and the availability of inclusive learning environments.
   2. Community Awareness: Exploration of community knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding low vision, disability inclusion, and the rights of persons with disabilities.
   3. Advocacy and Policy: Assessment of the current policy environment and the level of political commitment to addressing low vision issues in Marsabit County.

The consultant is expected to take lead in:

Inception Report: A report detailing the methodology, tools, and work plan for the baseline study.

Data Collection Tools: Finalized surveys, interview guides, and focus group discussion guides.

Draft Baseline Report: A draft report summarizing the baseline data, findings, and initial analysis.

Final Baseline Report: A comprehensive report incorporating feedback from stakeholders.

Presentation: A presentation of key findings for the LoVE project team and stakeholders.

Caritas Marsabit will take lead in:

• Guide on the target communities.
• Provide field transport to all the sites.
• Provide tablets and digital support for data collection.
• Review the developed survey tools.
• Recruit enumerators.
• Provide linkages to key informant to be interviewed during the survey.

Methodology

Caritas Marsabit will select a local research consultant/institution to conduct the baseline survey. The selected research consultant will be required to prepare detailed methodology for conducting the baseline survey.

The methodology for the baseline study is suggested to adopt a mixed-methods approach, combining both qualitative and quantitative research methods to provide a comprehensive and robust understanding of the current status of low vision services, education, community awareness, and advocacy efforts in Marsabit County. This approach will ensure that the baseline study captures diverse perspectives and detailed information necessary for establishing a strong foundation for the LoVE project.

The study design for the baseline will incorporate both quantitative and qualitative methods to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the challenges, needs, and opportunities related to low vision services in Marsabit County. Quantitative data will provide numerical insights into the availability and accessibility of services, while qualitative data will offer in-depth perspectives on personal experiences. The study will employ descriptive and analytical research techniques, giving a clear snapshot of the current conditions and allowing for an analysis of trends, gaps, and patterns that will guide the LoVE project’s interventions. This approach ensures that the baseline captures a well-rounded view of the project context and informs data-driven decisions.

Sampling and target population will focus on the geographic areas where the LoVE project is expected to have the greatest impact, such as health facilities, schools, and community groups across Marsabit County. The sample size for quantitative data will be determined using statistical methods to ensure that the study is representative of the population. Key groups, including individuals with low vision, healthcare providers, community health promoters, educators, and caregivers, will be included in the sample. A combination of stratified random sampling and purposive sampling will be employed to capture both general and specific insights. Stratified random sampling will ensure that key demographic groups are adequately represented, while purposive sampling will be used to select key informants, such as local health officials and community leaders, for in-depth interviews.

For data collection methods, the study will combine several approaches to gather both quantitative and qualitative information. Quantitative data will be collected through structured household surveys to assess the accessibility and quality of low vision services, educational opportunities, and levels of community awareness. Health facility assessments will focus on the availability of low vision services, equipment, and personnel. Additionally, educational institution reviews will examine the enrollment of individuals with low vision in schools and vocational programs, as well as the presence of inclusive learning environments. Qualitative data will be gathered through key informant interviews (KIIs) with stakeholders such as local health officials and educators, exploring their views on service gaps and policy challenges. Focus group discussions (FGDs) will provide deeper insights into the lived experiences of individuals with low vision, their caregivers, and community health promoters. Community consultations will further explore the community’s attitudes, perceptions, and knowledge about low vision and disability inclusion.

The data collection tools will include structured questionnaires, interview guides, and observation checklists. Household survey questionnaires will capture demographic information, access to services, knowledge, and attitudes about low vision, and educational participation. These tools will be pre-tested and refined for clarity and cultural appropriateness. Interview guides will be designed for KIIs and FGDs to ensure that critical themes such as service gaps and community needs are addressed. Observation checklists will be used during visits to health facilities and schools to assess the physical environment, the availability of low vision equipment, and the overall accessibility of services.

For the data collection procedures, enumerators will be recruited locally and trained on the study objectives, ethical considerations, and the use of digital tools for data collection. The training will ensure that data is collected accurately and reliably, with special attention to ethical standards and cultural sensitivities. Before full-scale data collection begins, pilot testing will be conducted to ensure that the tools and methods are appropriate, easy to administer, and capable of capturing the necessary information. Digital data collection platforms such as CommCare or Kobo Tool box will be used to enhance efficiency and accuracy, allowing for real-time data entry and management.

Data analysis will involve both quantitative and qualitative techniques. Quantitative data will be analyzed using statistical software such as SPSS or Stata, with descriptive statistics used to summarize the findings. Cross-tabulations will be performed to identify relationships between variables, such as the impact of access to services on quality of life for individuals with low vision. For qualitative data, thematic analysis will be employed, using tools like NVivo to identify recurring themes and patterns in the responses, particularly focusing on the lived experiences of individuals with low vision. All data will be disaggregated by gender, age, disability status, and geographic location to ensure that the study captures variations in the experiences and needs of different groups.

Throughout the study, ethical considerations will be of paramount importance. Informed consent will be obtained from all participants, ensuring that they fully understand the purpose of the study and their right to confidentiality. Special care will be taken to protect the privacy and dignity of individuals with disabilities, and all data collection processes will be culturally sensitive to respect the norms and values of the local community. This ensures that the study upholds the highest ethical standards.

Upon completion of data collection and analysis, a Baseline Report will be prepared to summarize the findings and offer strategic recommendations for the LoVE project’s implementation. A presentation of key findings will be made to stakeholders, including Caritas Marsabit, government officials, and community representatives, to ensure that the results are understood, validated, and integrated into the project planning. The raw data and analysis tools will also be shared with the project team to support future monitoring and evaluation activities, ensuring that the project remains responsive and evidence-driven.

Qualifications and experience of the Lead consultant

The consultant or consultancy team selected for the baseline study must possess a strong combination of technical expertise, practical experience, and a deep understanding of the thematic areas related to low vision services, public health, and community-based development. The following qualifications and experiences are required to ensure the successful completion of the baseline study:

• Educational Qualifications: The lead consultant must hold at least a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as Public Health, Social Sciences, Monitoring and Evaluation, Development Studies, or a related discipline. Advanced training or specialization in areas such as eye health, disability inclusion, or community health development will be highly regarded.
• Technical Expertise: The lead consultant must demonstrate proven experience in conducting baseline studies or evaluations, particularly in health-related projects, disability-inclusive initiatives, or social development programs. Familiarity with quantitative and qualitative research methodologies is essential, including the design of survey instruments, conducting key informant interviews, and facilitating focus group discussions. Expertise in data analysis, including proficiency in statistical software such as SPSS, Stata, and qualitative tools like NVivo, is required for rigorous and accurate analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data.
• Experience in Disability and Eye Health Projects: The consultant should have extensive experience working in the fields of disability inclusion and eye health, particularly in low-resource settings or rural areas. Knowledge of low vision services and the barriers faced by individuals with disabilities, especially in accessing healthcare and education, is critical for providing contextually relevant insights. Experience working with organizations focused on eye health or with similar interventions will be an asset.
• Local Knowledge and Context: Experience working in Marsabit County or other arid and semi-arid regions is preferred. The consultant should have a strong understanding of the local context, including the social, economic, and cultural dynamics that may affect the delivery and uptake of low vision services. Familiarity with the challenges faced by underserved and marginalized communities, particularly regarding access to healthcare and educational services, is important.
• Strong Analytical and Reporting Skills: The consultant must have excellent analytical and report-writing skills, with a proven ability to synthesize complex data and present clear, actionable findings. Experience in preparing comprehensive baseline reports, including strategic recommendations for program implementation, will be required. The ability to present findings to a diverse range of stakeholders, including project teams, government officials, and community representatives, is essential.
• Communication and Team Collaboration: The consultant should possess strong communication skills, both oral and written, with fluency in English and Swahili. The ability to engage with diverse stakeholders, including community members, healthcare providers, government officials, and project teams, is crucial. Additionally, the consultant should demonstrate effective teamwork and collaboration skills, as they will work closely with local enumerators and project staff throughout the study.
• Experience with Digital Data Collection Tools: Familiarity with digital data collection platforms such as CommCare, Kobo Toolbox, or similar tools is essential. The consultant should have experience in training local enumerators on these platforms and ensuring that data is collected efficiently and accurately in the field.
• Fluency in English and Kiswahili.

Timelines.

The baseline study is expected to be completed within a one-month timeframe. The selected consultancy will follow a structured timeline, with key activities scheduled to ensure that all tasks are completed efficiently while maintaining high-quality data collection, analysis, and reporting. Below is the proposed timelines:

Inception Meeting & Planning: Initial meeting with the project team to review objectives, finalize methodology, and refine data collection tools.

Week 1 (Day 1-2)

Tool Development & Finalization: Design and finalization of data collection tools, including surveys, interview guides, and focus group discussion guides.

Week 1 (Day 3-5)

Enumerator Training: Recruit and train local enumerators on the study objectives, data collection tools, and ethical considerations.

Week 1 (Day 6-7)

Pilot Testing: Conduct pilot testing of data collection tools in the field to ensure clarity, cultural appropriateness, and data collection accuracy.

Week 2 (Day 8-9)

Field Data Collection: Full-scale data collection using both qualitative and quantitative methods, including household surveys, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions.

Week 2-3 (Day 10-18)

Data Cleaning and Analysis: Process, clean, and analyze the data, using both statistical software (e.g., SPSS/Stata) for quantitative data and thematic analysis for qualitative data.

Week 3-4 (Day 19-24)

Draft Report Preparation: Draft the baseline report, summarizing key findings, baseline values, and strategic recommendations for the LoVE project.

Week 4 (Day 25-27)

Presentation of Findings: Present preliminary findings to key stakeholders for feedback and validation.

Week 4 (Day 28)

Final Report Submission: Incorporate stakeholder feedback and submit the final baseline report to the project team.

Week 4 (Day 29-30)

Ethics and Confidentiality of Information.

All documents and data collected in the process of the consultancy will be treated as confidential and used solely to facilitate the consultancy assignment. All information to which the consultant shall receive access to shall always be treated as the property of Caritas Marsabit and shall not be disclosed except for where express permission has been granted as such. The research team must adhere to ethical standards, ensuring informed consent, confidentiality, and respect for the community’s cultural norms.

Payment Process

Payment upon submission and acceptance of the draft evaluation report to Caritas Marsabit

40%

Payment upon submission and acceptance of the final evaluation report to Caritas Marsabit

60%

NB:

• The Consultant’s compensation shall be paid NET, within 30 days from receipt of a proper invoice unless otherwise specified.
• Payment will be made by cheque unless otherwise specified.
• The payment shall be subjected to a withholding tax as required by the Law at the time of payment.

How to apply

Application Process

Individuals/organizations interested in undertaking this evaluation are invited to submit their application (in English) no later than 6th November 2024. All applications should be submitted online via the link provided HERE.

To apply the consultant(s) should submit their Expression of Interest as onePDF file consisting of:

• Technical proposal with: the consultant’s interpretation and clear understanding of the TOR, methodology and approaches to be used, work plan, CVs of experts,
• Financial proposal quoted in Kenya Shillings for the assignment (including enumerators costs, training costs, transport, hall hire and other direct costs)
• The consultancy firm profile –providing list of previous related work on Low vision and eye project evaluations, copies of compliance documents such as registration certificate, KRA certificate, recommendation letters etc.