TERMS OF REFERENCE (TOR)

 Introduction/Background                                                                                                                                      

Pak Mission Society (PMS) is a National Humanitarian and Development organization established in 2004. It was founded by a group of Christian professionals whose collective vision is to reach the unreached to bring hope, dignity, respect, and share love through emergency relief efforts and delivering long-term rehabilitation and development programs. PMS has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Economic Affairs Division (EAD), Government of Pakistan valid till August 2024. We are certified as NPO as per evaluation standards notified by FBR with the Pakistan Centre for Philanthropy. Pak Mission Society has reached and served the unreached communities regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, class, religion, and social background. The organization catalyzes holistic transformation and development through transparent, fair, and rights-based allocation of humanitarian and development efforts.

Agriculture is the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, supporting the livelihoods of a significant portion of the population. Humedica International has collaborated in relief and development interventions to bring hope and comfort to those suffering on the fringes of society and equip and empower populations to move towards a better future. PMS is implementing a project with the collaboration of Humedica International in the Umer Kot district under the title of Wash, DRR, Livelihood Umer Kot project. PMS is outsourcing kitchen gardening training services and will hire a consultant to conduct kitchen gardening training sessions in 30 villages to 300 men and women. The objective of the 2 Days training session in each village will be to enhance agricultural productivity, improve household food security, and fulfill the dietary needs of vulnerable communities. This training will focus on promoting and strengthening climate-smart kitchen gardening practices, equipping participants with practical skills and knowledge to address food insecurity exacerbated by economic distress, inflation, and limited livelihood opportunities. By integrating climate-smart agriculture principles, the training will not only improve household nutrition but also empower participants with alternative income-generating opportunities, fostering livelihood resilience, economic stability, and self-sufficiency.

 Objectives                                                                                                                                                                    

The primary objectives of the training program are:

• Empower women with the knowledge of sustainable kitchen gardening techniques tailored for home environments, promoting climate-smart practices.
• Develop practical skills in women for cultivating high-yield, quality produce directly within their kitchen gardens, enhancing household food security.
• Instruct women on efficient resource management, focusing on water and soil conservation within their kitchen gardens, minimizing waste and maximizing yield.
• Introduce and demonstrate easy-to-use, modern kitchen gardening tools and methods to improve productivity and make gardening manageable within a domestic setting.
• Promote eco-friendly kitchen gardening practices that ensure healthy home environments and long-term soil fertility.
• Enable women to generate supplemental income for their families through the sale of surplus produce from their kitchen gardens

Scope of Work                                                                                                                                                              

The training program will include the following activities:

General:

1 Understanding the Significance of Kitchen Gardening:

• Establish a clear understanding of the objectives and multifaceted importance of kitchen gardening within the context of household sustenance.
• Explain the vital role of kitchen gardens in promoting self-sufficiency and resilience, especially for women and their families.

2 Linking Kitchen Gardening to Food and Nutritional Security:

• Demonstrate the direct correlation between kitchen gardening and improved dietary diversity and nutritional intake.
• Focus on how kitchen gardens can provide access to fresh, nutrient-rich vegetables, addressing potential nutritional deficiencies.
• Explain the importance of growing vegetables rich in vitamins and minerals.

3 Adapting Kitchen Gardening to the Umerkot Environment:

• Explore diverse kitchen gardening models and identify the most suitable options for the local climate and available resources in Umerkot.
• Address the specific challenges posed by the region's arid conditions and limited water availability.
• Introduce techniques for growing in small spaces, like vertical gardening, and container gardening.

4 Seasonal Planning and Crop Selection:

• Provide detailed guidance on seasonal planting schedules, highlighting the types of vegetables that thrive in each season.
• Offer practical advice on selecting crops that are well-suited to the local climate and soil conditions.
• Create a seasonal growing calendar specific to Umerkot.

5 Empowering Women as Agents of Change:

• Incorporate training on how to share gained knowledge with other women in the community.
• Foster a sense of community and support among participants.
• Include training on basic business skills related to selling excess produce.

Technical

1. Introduction to climate-smart kitchen gardening

• Overview of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) and its relevance
• Importance of kitchen gardening for household food security
• Climate change impacts on small-scale agriculture in Umerkot

2. Site selection and garden planning

• Selecting an optimal location considering sunlight, water availability, and soil conditions
• Designing efficient home gardens (raised beds, vertical gardening, container gardening)
• Crop selection based on local climate and seasonal variations

3. Soil health and fertility management

• Composting and organic soil enrichment techniques
• Mulching methods to conserve soil moisture and prevent erosion
• Crop rotation and intercropping for soil fertility maintenance

4. Water-efficient irrigation techniques

• Drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting methods
• Use of clay pot irrigation for water conservation
• Managing water scarcity and efficient water use in arid regions

5. Organic pest and disease management

• Identifying common pests and diseases in kitchen gardens
• Natural pest control solutions (neem extract, companion planting, biopesticides)
• Integrated pest management (IPM) techniques

6. Planting and crop management

• Row-to-row and plant-to-plant spacing for optimized growth
• Seedling transplantation and nursery management
• Best practices for growing vegetables, herbs, and fruits

7. Harvesting, post-harvest handling, and storage

• Proper harvesting techniques to maximize yield and quality
• Safe storage methods to reduce post-harvest losses
• Home-based value addition techniques (drying, pickling, preserving)

8. Market linkages and income generation

• Selling surplus produce in local markets
• Value addition for higher market returns
• Digital marketing and e-commerce opportunities for small-scale farmers

9. Community-based approaches and self-sufficiency

• Establishing community kitchen gardens for shared benefits
• Role of women in kitchen gardening for household resilience
• Self-help groups and village-based support networks

10. Climate adaptation and sustainability

• Adopting climate-resilient crops and drought-tolerant varieties
• Using indigenous knowledge for sustainable gardening
• Encouraging sustainable agricultural practices for long-term food security

Timeframe                                                                                                                                                                    

The training program will be implemented over 4 months with following schedule:

• Training Workshops: May  to August 2 days Training in each village (Total 6o working day of the consultant)
• Final Report Submission: By end of the training

Roll out of the training in 30 villages                                                                                                                   

The consultant will conduct Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) training sessions in 30 villages of Kunri-Umerkot on a rolling basis. Each village will host a two-day intensive training program, equipping women with practical knowledge and skills based on the outlined CSA framework. PMS has identified eligible women and will take the lead in mobilization, coordination, and logistical support. PMS will ensure that all selected participants are well-informed, prepared, training venue in the center of their respective village ensuring accessibility and an efficient learning environment for local women.

The training will combine interactive theoretical sessions, hands-on demonstrations, and group discussions, allowing women to gain practical insights into climate-smart techniques, water conservation, organic soil management, and sustainable kitchen gardening practices. To enhance impact and sustainability, post-training follow-up support, advisory services, and linkages with agricultural extension services will be facilitated to ensure successfully implement CSA practices in their fields. PMS will ensure refreshment for participants and consultant will arrange own transportation in all 30 villages.

 Evalution and selection Criteria                                                                                                                  

Trainers should possess the following qualifications, experience in conducting training sessions, workshops, and capacity-building programs. Prior work with NGOs, community organizations, or development projects is preferred.

 Desired Competencies, Technical Background, and Experience                                 

• Master’s degree in Agriculture with specialization in horticulture or agronomy.  
• Certification or training in organic farming, permaculture, or climate-smart agriculture is a plus.
• At least 5 years of experience in agriculture, community gardening, or food security programs.
• Strong knowledge of kitchen gardening techniques, including soil preparation, composting, organic pest control, and water-efficient irrigation.
• Experience in climate-smart and sustainable agriculture approaches.
• Understanding of small-scale farming, seed selection, and seasonal crop planning.
• Knowledge of post-harvest management and food preservation techniques.
• Proven experience in conducting training workshops on kitchen gardening, urban farming, or organic agriculture.
• Experience working with rural communities, NGOs, or development agencies on sustainable livelihood projects.
• Prior engagement in women empowerment and community-driven food security initiatives.
• Ability to develop training materials, conduct practical demonstrations, and engage diverse participants.
• Experience working with vulnerable populations, especially women and small-scale farmers.
• Ability to plan, execute, and monitor kitchen gardening initiatives.
• Expertise in diagnosing gardening challenges and recommending practical solutions.
•  Strong verbal and written communication skills for preparing reports, case studies, and training guides.
•  Fluency in English and local languages (Sindhi).

 How to Apply                                                                                                                                               

• If you have any queries, please send email at [email protected] for any clarification. The consultant must submit their sealed technical and financial proposals, along with at least two sample reports of similar assignments, no later than 24th April 2025 to the following office address:

Procurement Department

H-333, Street #29, G-14/4, Islamabad