2.0: Consultancy background

The
predominantly pastoralist population in Elwak(Ceel Waaq) district and its environs has been affected by recurrent insecurity and droughts that led to chronic poverty and food insecurity over the years. Many households were unable to rely on traditional ways of coping due to the magnitude of the crises. The poor rains have resulted in water shortages, poor livestock performance, and low access to food, income and reduced access to livestock products (Milk and Meat).Many Livestock were reported to have migrated to other parts of the district and lower Juba region in search of pasture and water. The local livestock and commodity retail markets are dormant mainly due to suppressed consumer demand necessitated by limited income opportunities.

The worsening dry conditions have resulted in deteriorating pasture and water availability for crop and livestock production, compounding an already fragile humanitarian situation.  Critical water shortages and a rapid decline in the remaining water reservoirs continue to impact on the livelihood of the communities in Elwak District. The main water sources are permanent shallow wells, seasonal rain fed water catchments, boreholes and rain harvest water mainly among the better off and middle households who can afford a storage
facility.  

Objective of the consultancy

The overall objective of the baseline is to document the initial status of the targeted groups /individuals as per set indicators and outcomes.  The projects goal is to improve quality of life of 150 vulnerable households in Elwak. The project has set out 4 indicators:

1.     Percentage of households with all year round access to potable water within a radius of 500 metres for 900 people (150 households) in Barwaqo and Deka villages

2.     Household dietary diversity Score (HDDS) for women among the 150 vulnerable households in Elwak. 

3   Prevalence of wasting among children under 5 years of age (this will be determined at baseline

4.    At least 60% of the 80 trained women opened up businesses that survived one year

2.0: Consultancy background

Elwak, (“Ceelwaaq” as it is known in Somali) is a divided town on the Somalia-Kenya border. The Somalia portion is located in the southwestern Gedo region, where it is the seat of one of the region’s seven districts.  Most of the local population are pastoralists, and also engage in small business and trade.

The worsening dry conditions have resulted in deteriorating pasture and water availability for crop and livestock production, compounding an already fragile humanitarian situation.  Critical water shortages and a rapid decline in the remaining water reservoirs continue to impact on the livelihood of the communities in Elwak District. The main water sources are permanent shallow wells, seasonal rain fed water catchments, boreholes and rain harvest water mainly among the better off and middle households who can afford a storage
facility. 

The few water sources available cannot meet the high demand for this precious commodity by both animals and human beings.  Most of the existing shallow wells lack water storage facilities especially in Barwaqo, and Deka villages. These sources have been adversely affected due to the prolonged drought thus resulting in increased water fetching time, distances to water points, reduced uses of water at household level etc.  Therefore in consultation with the communities in Barwaqo and Deka villages, AAH- Somalia intends to rehabilitate two shallow wells, one in each village.  The identified units will provide water for establishment of vegetable gardens through use of basic irrigation techniques.  

Objective of the consultancy

The main aim is to develop an appropriate water and sanitation system that contributes to meeting the current and future water needs of the Deka and Baraqwa villages. The consultancy is to conduct a technical assessment to identify the ideal location for development of water points and recommend at least two (2). The firm should provide the appropriate technology for the kitchen garden and livestock use including water yield and quality tests.  The consultancy is expected to conduct the following: 

1.      Geophysical survey – carry out the survey at four sites (two for each community) and prioritize two location in consultation with the community.

2.      Assess the current conditions and yielding capacity of the two shallow wells in Barwaqo and Deka villages.

3.      Recommend the appropriate rehabilitation approach to be adopted based on the technical findings on the  shallow wells

4.       Conduct quality testing of the water from the two shallow wells to assess its suitability for human consumption and or supporting kitchen gardens activities.

5.      Develop a comprehensive report on the status of each facility and provide BBQ for the recommended infrastructure