ADRA Uganda
Terms of reference to document local and indigenous knowledge systems that support Anticipatory
Action and Early Warning in the Acholi and Karamoja regions, to inform the development of
contingency plans and district climate action plans.
23rd July 2026
Project: Strengthening Community-Based Climate Adaptation in Uganda and South Sudan
(STRENGTH) project.
Funding partner. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark (DANIDA)
1.0. Background
The STRENGTH project is a two-and-a-half-year initiative supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
of Denmark (DANIDA) and is being implemented through a Consortium led by ADRA Denmark, in
partnership with Welthungerhilfe (WHH) and the Danish Family Planning Association. The project, in
Uganda is implemented by ADRA Uganda as the lead implementing partner and Reproductive Health
Uganda as part of a wider Uganda-South Sudan Consortium.
This project is being implemented in Uganda’s Acholi (Kitgum and Lamwo) and Karamoja (Kaabong and
Karenga) districts with the aims to reduce climate-related loss of livelihoods and natural resources, while
helping prevent conflict and displacement linked to competition over land, water and pasture with three
outcome areas including; preparedness and anticipatory actions; climate-smart livelihoods and conflict-
sensitive natural resource management; and women’s empowerment, SRHR/gender equality and inclusive
decision-making.
As part of the project, ADRA Uganda is supporting local governments in the Karamoja and Acholi sub-
regions to develop contingency plans and implement several climate actions, while also collaborating
with Reproductive Health Uganda (RHU) to develop District Climate Action Plans (DCAPs) in the same
regions. During initial engagements, it was noted that indigenous and local knowledge could
meaningfully inform planning processes related to climate action, anticipatory action, and early warning
systems.
ADRA Uganda therefore seeks to conduct a mapping, analysis, and documentation of local and
indigenous knowledge systems that support Anticipatory Action and early warning in the Acholi and
Karamoja regions, to inform the development of contingency plans and district climate action plans.
2.0. Purpose of the assignment: To conduct a systematic mapping, analysis, and documentation of local
and indigenous knowledge systems that support Anticipatory Action and early warning in the Acholi
and Karamoja sub-regions, in order to generate evidence and insights that will inform the
development of local governments contingency plans, implement climate actions and District Climate
Action Plans (DCAPs). The findings will enable ADRA Uganda and its partners to integrate
community-based knowledge into formal planning processes to strengthen locally grounded, context-
specific approaches to climate action, disaster preparedness, and early warning within the
STRENGTH project target districts of Karenga, Kaabong, Kitgum, and Lamwo.
3.0. Objectives
ADRA – STRENGTH PROJECT 2026
1. To identify, map, and document existing local and indigenous knowledge systems, practices, and
indicators used by communities in the Acholi and Karamoja sub-regions for early warning and
Anticipatory Action.
2. To analyze the relevance, effectiveness, and applicability of documented indigenous knowledge
systems in informing local governments contingency plans and District Climate Action Plans
(DCAPs).
3. To assess the integration pathways and gaps between community-based indigenous knowledge
and formal early warning systems, climate information services, and government planning
structures in the target districts.
4. To document gender-differentiated roles, perspectives, and knowledge within indigenous and
local knowledge systems, ensuring that the voices of women, youth, and marginalized groups are
captured and reflected in the findings.
5. To develop a repository of documented local and indigenous knowledge, including a synthesis
report with actionable recommendations for integrating this knowledge into contingency planning
and climate action planning processes.
6. To propose a framework or mechanism for the continuous capture, validation, and use of
indigenous and local knowledge within formal disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation
planning at the district level.
4.0. Scope of Work and Activities
The consultant will therefore be responsible for undertaking the following scope of work and activities,
Objective 1: Identification, Mapping, and Documentation of Local and Indigenous Knowledge Systems
Objective 2: Analysis of Relevance and Applicability
Objective 3: Assessment of Integration Pathways and Gaps
Objective 4: Gender and Social Inclusion Analysis
Objective 5: Development of a Knowledge Repository and Synthesis Report
Objective 6: Framework for Continuous Capture, Validation, and Use
Cross-Cutting Activities
Develop and submit an inception report detailing the methodology, work plan, data collection
tools, and team composition for approval by ADRA Uganda prior to commencement of
fieldwork.
Conduct a validation workshop with key stakeholders (district local governments, RHU,
community representatives, and project team) to present and validate findings, analysis, and
recommendations.
Submit a draft report for review, incorporate feedback, and deliver final versions of all
deliverables to the Project Manager in both electronic and print formats as required.
Coordinate closely with ADRA Uganda project team throughout the assignment to ensure
alignment with project objectives and ongoing planning processes.
5.0. Deliverables and Outputs
1. Inception Report (IR) – 2–3 pages detailing methodology, data collection plan, sampling, tools,
timeline, and risk mitigation.
2. Final Report: Indigenous Knowledge Systems for Climate Action / Anticipatory action and Early
Warning in Acholi and Karamoja, Uganda. 35–50 pages
ADRA – STRENGTH PROJECT 2026
3. Summary Note and Presentations – 1 briefing note for ADRA Uganda and local government
leaders and a 15–20 slide presentation for stakeholder dissemination.
6.0. Timeline and Schedule (1st July to 20th August, 2026)
Week 1 and 2 (after signature of the MOU). Inception Report; stakeholder mapping; approval of
IR by ADRA
Week 3, 4 and 5. Field data collection – community consultations and participatory assessments
in Districts
Week 6: Data analysis, validation with field teams.
Week 7: Finalize the report; submission of deliverables; stakeholder presentations and debrief.
7.0. Geographic Scope
Uganda, Acholi sub-region (Kitgum and Lamwo) and Karamoja sub-region (Kaabong and
Karenga)
8.0. Expertise and Qualifications
Relevant academic qualifications in environmental sciences, global development, development
studies, anthropology, indigenous studies, climate change adaptation, or related fields.
Demonstrated expertise in participatory research methods, community engagement, and
ethnographic studies related to climate change
Strong understanding of climate change impacts, anticipatory action, disaster risk reduction, and
early warning systems at local and regional levels.
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate indigenous and local knowledge into
formal documentation for planning purposes.
Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including community leaders,
government agencies, and development partners.
Prior experience working in the Acholi and/or Karamoja regions is highly desirable.
10. Logistics and Support
Location: Fieldwork in Acholi and Karamoja; and other areas where key stakeholders might be
located.
Team Composition: One – two lead consultant (s), supported by a field enumerator(s) and a part-
time data analyst (if needed).
Coordination: Regular communication with ADRA Uganda STRENGTH project team; share
drafts for feedback; ensure alignment with project guidelines.
Logistics: The required logistics to be included in the proposal from the candidates.
11. Reporting and Accountability
The consultant will report to ADRA Uganda’s STRENGTH Project Manager.
Deliverables will be reviewed for quality, evidence base, and alignment with STRENGTH project
objectives.
All outputs will be property of ADRA Uganda and STRENGTH project consortium;
12. Budget and Payment
Please provide a proposed budget with daily rates, estimated travel costs, local accommodation,
and any other direct costs.
ADRA – STRENGTH PROJECT 2026
Payment schedule: typically milestone-based (milestones involving the Inception Report, Data
collection and analysis, final report and presentations)
14. Confidentiality and Ethics
All data collected must be treated as confidential; consent procedures must be followed; reporting
should anonymize sensitive information where required.
Adherence to ADRA Uganda’s safeguarding and ethical guidelines.
Submission of a proposal
The proposal should be a 6-8 page technical document detailing objectives, methodology, a detailed
timeline, team roles, relevant experience with contact references, sample data collection tools, a justified
budget, and a risk mitigation plan. Include CVs of leads and key members, plus your portfolio. Please
send your proposal with subject line ‘Application: ‘name of consultant’ Indigenous and local knowledge
for climate action’ to The Procurement and Logistics Officer plo@adrauganda.org; copy in the
STRENGTH Project Manager aliguma@adraUGANDA.org.
Submit before 4th August 2026
ADRA – STRENGTH PROJECT 2026
