About SSP :

Swayam Shikshan Prayog (SSP), is implementing the Sustainable Water for Agriculture model to improve water security and wellbeing of 1 lakh women farmers in the drought prone Marathwada region. The organization is creating a grassroots cadre of progressive farmers called Sakhis who are expanding their well-established 1-Acre bio-farm model in over 500 villages of Dharashiv (Osmanabad) district. The cadre also mobilizes village communities to plan and implement regionally appropriate water conservation infrastructure in 200 Gram Panchayats of Dharashiv district.

About Project :

SSP envisions a water resilient future for Dharashiv district by implementing a districtwide integrated ‘Sustainable Water for Agriculture’ model relevant for farmers in climate risk and drought prone regions. At the heart of SSP’s proposed district transformational approach is women’s leadership in expansion of its well-established 1-Acre model, participation of women in panchayat water conservation plans and in facilitating market connect for women farmers via farmer producer collectives and market linkages. SSP believes that outcomes of this integrated approach will prompt other farmers in the region to adopt the model and become a replicable solution for Maharashtra’s drought-prone districts.

Based on SSP’s prior experience, the organization has identified key areas of intervention for the three critical stakeholder verticals: The proposed project builds on the existing foundation of women-led efforts to engineer a secure water future for Dharashiv. As the model proves its impact, SSP will disseminate learnings across the district and the Marathwada region through data, dialogues, impact studies and policy advocacy by engaging domain experts, private sector, government, and communities.

Scope of the Study:

The Impact Assessment will evaluate:

• Effectiveness of women-led initiatives in enhancing agriculture and GPDP planning & implementation
• Participation of women in Gram Sabha and community decision-making processes
• Improved agricultural productivity and income diversification through implementation of improved practices and convergence initiatives
• Market access and financial linkages for women farmers and FPOs

Key Deliverables:

• Data-driven insights on program outcomes related to agriculture, water and market integration for economic, socially and environment sustainability
• Case studies highlighting success stories of women-led development initiatives
• Recommendations for scaling and sustainability within GPDP frameworks
• Visual documentation (photos/videos) to support findings

Eligibility Criteria:

• Minimum 5 years of experience in impact assessments related to rural development, governance, agriculture, or women empowerment projects
• Strong understanding of GPDP processes and local governance structures
• Expertise in qualitative and quantitative research methodologies
• Expertise in qualitative and quantitative research methodologies
• Familiarity with the socio-economic and agricultural landscape of Maharashtra preferred

Application Requirements:

• Detailed proposal including research methodology and timeline
• Profile of the organization/consultant, including relevant experience
• Sample reports of similar studies conducted
• Financial proposal with a cost breakdown