PurposeThe purpose of this NOFO is to support ongoing applied research and analysis of U.S.government (USG) food security and economic growth programming in Kenya and EastAfrica.
The proposed approach for conducting this applied analytical research should utilizea range of learning, analytics
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and knowledge management methodologies.
The analyticalresearch conducted should offer timely, relevant, and high-quality evidence for adaptivemanagement, informed decision making and improved development outcomes in theagricultural sciences.Program OverviewThe Global Food Security Strategy (GFSS) is the primary initiative under which the UnitedStates works with host governments, civil society and private sector partners to address theneeds of smallholder farmers and agribusinesses related to global hunger and food security.The initiative emphasizes the empowerment of women and youth, environments for strongagricultural markets, the promotion of research and innovation for agricultural developmentand investments in nutrition.Specifically, the food security and economic growth programs in Kenya and the East Africaregion focus on a range of programming to include:
(1) supporting agricultural marketsystems by addressing economic growth, malnutrition and food insecurity, (2) expandingaccess to economic opportunities, including for women and youth, (3) addressing policyconstraints and leveraging private sector resources for inclusive and resilient growth, (4)leveraging regional and international trade opportunities, and (5) supporting partnershipsand learning around water security, systems and services.
For these programs to be effective,the activities must be able to adapt in response to environmental, political, and marketchanges.
Responsive and timely analytics are needed to support decision making andadaptation at program, private sector, community, county and multi-country levels.ObjectiveStrengthen knowledge management, adaptive learning, and data-driven decision making toinform and adapt USG food security and economic growth programs in Kenya and EastAfrica using mixed methodologies to collect and analyze data, develop findings andpresent recommendations to decision makers.