Request for Task Order Proposal (RFTOP) No. 72061324R00012 - Evaluation of Community Gardens’ Contribution to Household Income & Nutrition

The purpose of this evaluation is to assess the contribution of community gardens to household nutrition and income. Community gardens and water supply infrastructure are the most common types of assets created by USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA)'s Early Recovery, Risk Reduction and Resilience (ER4) awards in Zimbabwe. Most community gardens are established to promote access to nutritious foods and increase household income. The gardens have had mixed success with some continuing to function after activities ends, while some are abandoned after activities end. This evaluation will look at three aspects related to community gardens: 1) Assess if community gardens are making any meaningful contribution to nutrition, particularly focusing on dietary diversity of women of reproductive age and children 6-23 months old and household income. 2) assess different sizes of plots per participant and establish the minimum plot size necessary for gardens to be effective in improving nutrition and/or income. 3) Assess the functionality and sustainability of gardens focusing on governance, water supply, production, and marketing. The evaluation results will inform BHA on investment in gardens and related infrastructure. It will enable BHA to develop technical guidelines on minimum standards for investment in community gardens and related infrastructure.