Country: Uganda
Closing date: 10 Oct 2018
BACKGROUND:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is an international non-governmental organization founded in 1933. The IRC was registered in Uganda in mid 1998 and currently implements rehabilitation activities in the sectors of Child-Youth Protection and Development, Health, Economic Recovery and Development, and Women Protection and Empowerment as well as contributing to the response to the Southern Sudanese Refugee situation in West Nile region and Lamwo district in northern Uganda. The IRC Uganda has a head office in Kampala, field offices in Kitgum, Moroto, Yumbe and Imvepi under Arua.
Under Economic Recovery and Development sector in Moroto, the IRC is implementing the LDS project in Karamoja specifically Amudat district. The goal of the project is to improve food security and livelihoods through a Multi- Pronged Response in Amudat by July, 2019. Therefore its main focus is to increase production of sufficient quantities and quality food alongside income generating activities.
To meet the LDS goal, the IRC has set out three workable objectives: improve Agriculture and Livestock management techniques through water management and water for production, Support farmers to mange value chain activities including refining raw products and sell collectively to the potential buyers and consumers within Uganda and abroad then lastly the LDS aims at increasing access to the financial services through income, savings and assets. However, there is need to derive more durable solutions to the significant livestock production challenges including diseases, parasite management and range land management.
Amudat being semi-arid region is one of the most vulnerable areas to climatic variations in Uganda. The region suffers from severe drought and regional climate changes compounding and exacerbating the underlying issues of poverty and food insecurity. Since 2001 there has been an increase in extreme weather patterns in the region resulting in a higher frequency of extended dry spells. It is projected that climate variability will continue to manifest itself through extreme weather conditions, affecting crop production, and pasture for livestock and water shortages thereby having a direct negative effect on the pastoralists livelihoods and the entire rural population in the region. Therefore, a high-quality assessment is necessary to provide strategies to addressing this complex problem.
Purpose of the study:
The LDS project seeks to hire a consultant or specialist to conduct the “Water Usage Assessment” in Amudat to determine the current water usage in the households and by the livestock owners, to determine the water table - levels and how to improve levels of access to water for livestock production.
Conditions:
Direct access to water points by animals commonly escalates siltation and issues of contaminated water. The Consultant will conduct site visits and inspection of the two existing valley tanks constructed by the IRC in Amudat, as well as meet community water user committees and livestock farmers in order to gather relevant water requirements data. Other stakeholders to be met will include but not limited to; District Water Officer, District Engineer, District Veterinary Officer, District Production and Marketing Officer. It’s important to note that, the percentage water access in the region is still far below the national indicator except in Abim District, and there is generally very low functionality of existing structures. Many studies have suggested the need to ensure adequate community involvement into the design process of any water facilities and to take into account experiences from the neighboring countries in order to develop socially responsive and technically efficient water management techniques.
Scope of Work
The main objective of determining the feasibility for water usage assessment includes: sustainable water for production, improved water management and protection of water facilities around the existing valley tanks. Specifically the study will;
Determine whether or not to replace the existing pumping technologies in the two valley tanks at Solar and Motany in Amudat with more appropriate water pumping and access technologies for improving automatic pumping of water from the main tanks into the water troughs.
Determine the volume of surface runoff water in the entire catchment area and gabions of the selected valley tank visa--vie community water needs for human, livestock and production purposes.
Recommend a new location, design, size and shape of the proposed valley tank while putting in mind other factors such as land pattern, topography, soil layers, seasonal tributaries and appropriate water pumping technology and fencing features.
Recommend a valley tank management strategy that ensures community involvement for sustainability.
Determine water levels, acidic minerals that change the test of water for consumption and influence crop production
Deliverables
Water usage assessment report encompassing the study needs mentioned under the scope above.
Technical recommendations and specifications for both old and new valley tank including appropriate pumping technology and fencing features.
Guided strategy on effective and sustainable involvement of water user/management committees of the valley tanks
Technical drawings and BOQs for the new valley tank design including the proposed location.
Note: Results a, b and c is to be incorporated in one feasibility report while d. shall require its own report.
Locations
The assessment shall be conducted in Loroo, Amudat and Karita sub counties in Amudat district, Karamoja Region.
Competences and experiences required:
A technical proposal showing:
How the assessment will be conducted, methodology, tools to be used and timeframe
Evidence of Knowledge and experiences used in engineering applications for hydrological studies and engineering designs.
With examples demonstrate similar water for production development studies conducted on valley tanks, valley dams’ or construction works accomplished by your company with three possible referees.
Willingness to stay in Amudat for at least a week to conduct the studies directly.
A financial proposal giving cost breakdowns. The Level of Effort shall be 10 days. Time frame: The assignment will be conducted during the second week of October 2018 and bids will be evaluated on a rolling basis.
How to apply:
Apply: Send your technical proposals, including the proposed activity plan and budgets to: The International Rescue Committee, P.O. Box 24672 Kampala; OR Email: UA-IRCJobs@Rescue.org
Deadline**: Wednesday 17th October 2018**