Researcher to conduct study on Sustainability, Return on Investment, and Impact of Green Leaf Communication Platforms in Uganda and Ghana

Role title: Researcher to conduct study on Sustainability, Return on Investment, and Impact of Green Leaf Communication Platforms in Uganda and GhanaLocation: Remote, anywhereReports to: Manager, MERLWorks closely with: MERL Regional Coordinator; Green Leaf Team Lead; FRI country teams in Ghana and UgandaApplication deadline: March 19 2026Contract period: April 1, 2026 - August 21, 20261. BACKGROUNDFarm Radio International (FRI) is a non-profit communication-for-development organization dedicated to serving African rural communities through the innovative use of radio and mobile phones. Together with our broadcasting and project partners, we reach tens of millions of small-scale farmers with life-changing information and enable them to have a stronger voice in their own development. Through our efforts, rural radio programs enable women, men and gender diverse people to: share and access information; gain and exchange practical knowledge on agriculture, food and nutrition security, health, education, climate change adaptation; contribute to community and societal transformation; and have their voices heard.As part of their work, Farm Radio International has developed the concept of the Green Leaf (GL) platforms, which are a cost-effective solution for delivering and sustaining quality agricultural extension in rural parts of sub-Saharan Africa using a combination of radio and digital technologies. Centred on widely accessible interactive radio programs, GL platforms are run by a Hub made of local radio producers and agriculture extension officers (including women, men and youth), working together with farmers, civil society and the private sector. The GL magazine format is designed to meet the needs of farmers, extension services and other stakeholders. Elements of the GL approach have been developed and tested to various degrees in a number of countries in sub-Saharan countries but more extensively in Ghana and, with support from the IKEA Foundation since 2021, in Uganda.After piloting the GL platforms for a few years now, there is a need to properly assess and document the extent to which this approach can be considered a cost-effective solution that can deliver quality agricultural extension services, and, whether a case could be made for its implementation in other sub-Saharan countries. To accomplish this, we propose that this comprehensive assessment of the GL platform model be conceived around the following study objectives:* Objective 1. Assess the impact of the GL platforms on farmers’ knowledge, behavior, and livelihoods. * Objective 2. Assess the functioning of the GL platforms in terms of its management, participatory content design, and involvement of key stakeholders from public extension, private sectors, civil society organizations and local population. * Objective 3. Assess the current sustainability and business model viability of the GL model, including opportunities to strengthen long-term funding, governance, and institutionalization. * Objective 4. Assess the alignment of the GL platform with the current digital extension ecosystem and its various actors * Objective 5. Assess the return on investment (ROI) of the GL platform model relative to other extension models.The findings will inform policy, donor reporting, scale-up strategies, and future programming. Furthermore, we intend to prepare two policy-oriented publications from this study with the possibility of submitting to a peer-reviewed if appropriate.2. SCOPE OF WORKA number of study components are proposed to address the objectives stated above. The research consultant recruited will have the opportunity, however, to suggest alternative approaches or modifications to those proposed here.2.1 CASE STUDIES (OBJECTIVES 1 AND 2)A case study approach is proposed for Objectives 1 and 2. The focus is therefore put on qualitative data collection to generate an in-depth analysis of the impact pathways that exist between the design and implementation of the GL program, the use of the information by local populations and other stakeholders to facilitate the adoption of improved practices, and the improvement of their livelihoods.For the case studies, 2-3 GL hubs – i.e., the implementation team associated with a radio station - will be selected in each country. For each hub, about 2-3 communities exposed to the GL program could be included for a total of about 4-9 communities per country.The final case study methodology will be developed by the researcher/consultant and may include:* Review of relevant project documents (e.g. evaluation reports, GL content design) * Interviews with GL hub members (radio broadcasters, extension officers) * Interviews with stakeholders implementing GL programmes or using GL data and insights * In-depth interviews with selected farmers to assess how GL information has influenced behaviour change and quality of life * Interviews with other community actors influencing farmers’ adoption of practices * Field observationsThe field data collection will need to involve local research assistants in each country working under the supervision of the researcher/consultant or members of his or her team. The researcher/consultant may choose to work with his/her existing contacts or recruit local consultants or researchers. In the latter case, FRI may be able to assist in the recruitment process.2.2 SUSTAINABILITY AND BUSINESS MODEL ANALYSIS (OBJECTIVE 3)This component will assess the sustainability and business model viability of the current GL model, including opportunities to strengthen long-term funding, governance, and institutionalization, and will likely involve:* Review of project strategic documents on the sustainability and business model of the Green Leaf Platform enterprise * Interviews with implementers of the GL platforms * Interviews with other stakeholders of relevance from government, CSOs, private sector, and farmer representatives * Review financial records (where applicable) to map revenues, costs, and overheads. * Analysis of current governance arrangements, cost-sharing mechanisms, and revenue opportunities. * Identification of bottlenecks to financial, institutional, and operational sustainability. * Recommendations for viable business model options, including potential partnerships, revenue streams, and cost-efficiency improvements.2.3 DIGITAL EXTENSION ECOSYSTEM MAPPING (OBJECTIVE 4)This component will consist primarily in a desktop review, combined with individual interviews, to map and analyze the broader ecosystem of digital agricultural extension (e-extension) services in Uganda and Ghana, and situate the Green Leaf Platforms within this context.This mapping exercise may include the following elements:* Identification and categorization of all major digital extension initiatives in Uganda and Ghana, including government, NGO, private-sector, and donor-driven models * Collecting descriptive data on technologies used (IVR, SMS, apps, radio-digital hybrids, AI advisory tools, etc.). * Interviews with government digital extension officers, Ag-extension directorates, major NGOs, and digital agriculture service providers * Assess where the Green Leaf Platform fit within national strategies and digital agriculture ecosystems such as: * Uganda’s National Agricultural Extension Policy (NAEP) * Ghana’s e-Agriculture Strategy * Digitalization efforts of Ministries and private agritech start-ups * Highlights similarities and differences between existing digital agricultural services and the Green Leaf Platform model * Identify pathways for coordination, complementarity, and potential scaling partnerships with existing digital systems.2.4 RETURN ON INVESTMENT STUDY (OBJECTIVE 5)This research area is new to Farm Radio International. The idea is to demonstrate the extent to which the Green Leaf Platform model could be considered a cost-effective approach to quality agricultural extension compared to other extension models. The researcher/consultant recruited will develop a methodology to conduct this ROI study.* Review of literature in the area of ROI, especially in the context of agricultural extension systems * Identify cost elements to include * Identify benefit component to include in study, for example: * Increased access to quality information * Increased yields or income * Reduced crop losses * Improved climate resilience * Identify ROI metrics to include. For example: * Cost per farmer reached * Cost per adoption * Cost per behavior change outcome * Identify and collect the data (primary, secondary) required for the study * Identify other extension models to include in the study for comparison2.5 GENDER EQUALITY AND INCLUSIONGender Equality and Inclusion (GEI) is central to FRI’s work and should inform the work to be accomplished by the researcher/consultant both in terms of the implementation of the study itself but also as a topic to be included in the research3. DELIVERABLES & TIMELINESThe Table below presents the expected deliverables and approximate due dates. We estimate that the whole assignment - from the inception meeting to the delivery of the last document, should last about 20 weeks. Tentatively, the period of the contract will go from April 1, 2026 to August 21, 2026. A tentative schedule for the various deliverables is provided in the Table below but will be finalized with the researcher/consultant during the inception phase.DeliverableDescriptionDate of submission (tentative)Inception reportReport presenting the roadmap to completing the assignment – activities, timelines, and budget, to be approved by FRI.April 15, 2026Recruitment of local consultants or research assistants in Ghana and UgandaLocal consultants or research will be recruited in Ghana and Uganda to conduct the fieldwork for the case studies (and possibly the ROI). FRI country teams can assist with this recruitment.April 29, 2026Methodology and data collection tools for the case studiesDocument presenting in detail the case study methodology and data collection tools for approval by FRIMay 6, 2026Methodology and tools for the ROI studyDocument presenting in detail the ROI methodology and the data collection tools, for approval by FRIMay 20, 2026Case study publicationPublication presenting the results of the case studiesJune 25, 2026Report on ROI study (Obj. 5)Report presenting the results of the ROI studyJuly 2, 2026Report on GL sustainability and business model (Obj. 3)Report presenting the results of the review, interviews and recommendations for Objective 3July 16, 2026Report on mapping of digital extension ecosystem (Obj. 4)Report presenting the results of the review, interviews and recommendations for Objective 4.July 30, 2026Policy-oriented publication summarizing resultsPolicy-oriented publication presenting a summary of results across the five objectives and recommendations for the implementation of the Green Leaf model in other countriesAugust 21,20264. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONSThis RFP is open to individuals, consulting firms, or research institutions.Lead Researcher / Team Lead* Advanced degree (PhD or MSc) in agricultural economics, development economics, MEL, public policy, or rural development. * Proven experience in ROI analysis, cost-benefit modelling, or digital agriculture evaluation. * Demonstrated knowledge of extension systems in Sub-Saharan Africa. * Strong experience with mixed-methods research and rural fieldwork. * Experience in Uganda and/or Ghana highly desirable.Research Team* Quantitative analyst with econometrics background for ROI. * Qualitative researcher with experience conducting case studies, FGDs and KIIs. * Local research assistants in each country would be an asset – FRI may assist with this componentHOW TO APPLY5. APPLICATIONSFRI values diversity and inclusion. Women, people with disabilities, and members of other equity-seeking or marginalized communities are strongly encouraged to apply. Accommodations are available on request in all aspects of the recruitment process.Applicants must submit:* Technical proposal * Detailed budget * CVs of all team members * Sample relevant reports (confidentiality will be ensured) * ReferencesTo apply, please send all the required to [email protected], clearly indicating "Researcher for study on Green Leaf Platforms in Uganda and Ghana" in the subject line. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. No phone calls, please.