Terms of Reference

Data collection on Understanding Food Losses Among Potato Producers

Request for Proposal (RFP) and Terms of References (TOR) for Survey Companies

FPRI seeks a qualified survey firm to conduct follow-up data collection on food losses among potato producers in selected counties of Kenya. The assignment involves tracking and re-interviewing a baseline sample of 500 potato farmers surveyed in May–June 2024, administering a structured questionnaire using tablet-based data collection, and ensuring high standards of data quality and documentation. The study will measure food losses in both physical quantities and economic value, identify loss points along pre- and post-harvest stages, and generate evidence to inform policy and programmatic interventions. Fieldwork is expected to take place between April and May 2026.

Background

The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), with support from the Mastercard Foundation and in collaboration with the UN World Food Programme, have begun a five-year partnership titled Strengthening food systems to promote increased value chain employment opportunities for youth. This initiative aims to strengthen local food systems, improve efficiency and sustainability, and create innovative, digitally enabled livelihood opportunities for youth—especially young women—while reducing post-harvest losses across agri-food systems.

This assignment constitutes a follow-up (panel) study to a baseline survey conducted in May–June 2024 among potato producers in selected counties of Kenya. Food losses refer to food produced for human consumption but not eaten by humans, representing unnecessary use of scarce resources such as land, water, and inputs. Reducing food losses is a priority under the Sustainable Development Goals (Target 12.3), and the Comprehensive African Agricultural Development Program (CAADP) agenda.

This follow up research project will provide evidence about the extent of food losses for potatoes in selected counties of Kenya and changes in these losses that occurred since May-June 2024 among the same group of potato producers that were surveyed two years ago. The project will gauge losses both in terms of quantities and economic value of quality deterioration. This survey focuses on potato producers/farmers. It will also identify particular processes in which losses are prevalent within pre-harvest and post-harvest nodes of production. This research will provide information to better engage in public debates about policies to reduce food losses in the country.

Scope of work

Under this agreement, the selected survey firm will be responsible for the following:

A. Sample Tracking and Management

· Track and locate the original baseline sample of 500 potato producers

· Implement a structured tracking protocol that includes:

o Multiple contact attempts spaced over time

o Use of mixed tracking methods (in-person and phone)

o Documentation of all contact attempts and outcomes

· Apply replacement procedures only after documented tracking attempts, and with supervisor approval, ensuring replacements are drawn from the same sampling frame and geographic context

· Update and verify respondent contact information (phone, alternative contacts, location)

B. Survey Preparation and Data Collection

· Develop a detailed fieldwork plan and timeline, including tracking steps

· Translate the IFPRI-provided questionnaire into relevant local language(s)

· Program and administer the questionnaire on tablets using IFPRI-approved software

· Provide feedback to IFPRI on questionnaire clarity and field implementation issues

· Support local IRB/ethical approval processes, as required

C. Data Quality Assurance

· Implement daily data quality checks

· Capture GPS coordinates during in-person visits

· Maintain supervisor oversight and spot checks during fieldwork

· Ensure consistent application of consent procedures

D. Deliverables

· A plan and timeline for the collection of primary survey-based data

· One cleaned, labeled dataset for the completed interviews

· A final technical report including:

o Fieldwork description and tracking outcomes

o Completion and replacement rates

o Sampling approach and any deviations from baseline

o Summary tables of key indicators

IFPRI will provide a survey questionnaire, and the consultant will provide the translation to local language, tablets to collect the survey based on the program supplied by IFPRI and feedback to improve these questionnaires; and support with local IRB application process

Required qualifications of the consultant / survey team leader

· At least five years of professional experiences in implementing surveys.

· Experience in building trust and good relations with interviewees and communities.

· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

· Experience in the agricultural sector of Kenya.

Requirements

· Technical proposal

· Financial proposal

· CV of authorized individuals

Application Deadline: February, 2 2026