CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: RESEARCH CONSULTANCY

TERMS OF REFERENCE (TORs): Consultancy Services to Undertake a Comprehensive Review/study to Understand the State (strength, barriers, growth, and risks) of Kenya’s Climate Justice Movement Across Levels.

General Information

Work Description: Consultancy to undertake a comprehensive review/study to understand the state (strength, barriers, growth, and risks) of Kenya’s climate justice movement across levels.

Project Title: African Activists for Climate Justice

Organisation: Natural Justice (Kenya)

Duration: 30 days (excluding weekends)

Introduction and Background

The African Activists for Climate Justice (AACJ) a five-year programme (2021- 2025) that aims to unify and amplify the voices in Africa; demanding that the most vulnerable groups – women, youth and local and indigenous communities – in the target countries and beyond have the capacity to defend and realise their human rights and live a decent and dignified life in a healthy and sustainable environment, within the context of the climate emergency.

The programme is funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs within the Power of Voices programme and is implemented in eight African countries: Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Mozambique, Senegal, Somalia and South Africa. The AACJ consortium, led by the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA), a coalition of over 1000 civil society organisations spread across 48 countries in the African continent working in the climate justice space. PACJA has been at the forefront of advancing climate justice in Africa for over 10 years, using evidence-based advocacy to shape and improve policies and laws on natural resource management, and supporting local communities to develop climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies. Other consortium members include:

• Natural Justice (NJ), a team of pioneering lawyers and legal experts working with 24 partners in 10 countries in Africa. NJ uses legal empowerment, research, litigation and advocacy to stand with indigenous and local communities as they defend themselves and their ecosystems against environmental impacts caused by climate change and harmful extractive and infrastructure developments.
• FEMNET, a pan-African feminist network that brings together 800 members in 43 countries in Africa. It is strategically positioned as a convener and dialogue facilitator, enabling women and girls to claim, affirm and use their collective power to end all forms of exclusion, oppression, exploitation and injustices against them. FEMNET pushes for the implementation of commitments made by African governments to advance gender equality and realisation of women’s rights.
• Oxfam Novib, a world-wide development organisation that has over 65 years of advocacy and campaign experience. Working in alliance with local allies and people’s movements, it has advocated, and supported numerous actions and initiatives for climate accountability, funding for systemic climate solutions and support for communities least able to adapt. Oxfam Novib is part of the Oxfam Confederation which works in 35 countries on the African continent.
• The African Youth Commission (AYC), an implementing partner playing a key role in bringing more young people on board to raise awareness on climate change and influence national governments to implement climate-related projects in a transparent manner that benefits young people. The network also sees a vital role for youth in Africa to contribute to the development of practical solutions and efforts to enhance the livelihoods of vulnerable communities. The AYC has 228 members in 46 countries on the African continent.

The AACJ Consortium believes that building strong and inclusive movements for climate justice in Africa – starting with the target countries – will be an engine for a powerful pan-African movement for climate justice. These programmes are supported by interventions aimed at influencing policies in the Netherlands and at the level of multinational institutions. 9 Programme Advisory Committees (PAC) are responsible for the implementation of these 10 programme components.

With regards to movements, the main aim of AACJ is to help build a broad-based African movement that is aligned thematically and geographically, which brings together existing movements and struggles. Such a movement will create spaces for and harness the momentum of groups including youth, women, local communities and the more recent types of ‘leaderless movements’ and will integrate multiple sections of society – to rally around critical issues regarding climate justice. AACJ leads climate action in Africa, empowering communities through impactful interventions like awareness campaigns, workshops, and engagement with decision-makers. The program has successfully raised awareness about the urgent need for climate justice by mobilizing diverse segments of society, including women and young people, AACJ fosters collective responsibility in addressing climate change impacts. With a focus on sustainability and scalability, AACJ’s efforts establish a foundation for long-term resilience, adaptation, and mitigation strategies, ensuring a more just and sustainable future for Africa.

Natural Justice is a non-profit organization rooted in the struggles of communities in Africa. As a team of pioneering lawyers and legal experts, we specialize in human rights, environmental, climate, land, indigenous, and heritage law, in pursuit of social, climate, and environmental justice. We strive to enhance the collective rights of people and protect the sacred relationships that Indigenous people and local communities have with nature. Our work is informed by the values, knowledge, and self-determination of the communities which we stand in solidarity with. Through legal empowerment, research, policy influencing, and our Litigation Plus approach, we work in alliance with communities and like-minded coalitions to support communities to know the law, use the law, and shape the law.

Natural Justice’s focus includes enhancing community access to land and governance of natural resources, contributing to the struggle against harmful extractive and infrastructure development supporting processes for recognizing traditional knowledge and access and benefit sharing, supporting community rights within conservation and customary use of biodiversity, and strengthening community actions towards the climate crisis. Together with the communities we work with, we aim to play a key role at the national, regional, and international levels by influencing policy and laws to recognize and enhance the rights of Indigenous people and impacted communities and environmental defenders. We are headquartered in Cape Town, South Africa with regional hubs in Nairobi, Kenya, and Dakar, Senegal. Natural Justice also has additional staff in Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, and Somalia.

Climate justice movements are of paramount importance globally, and their significance in Kenya is particularly pronounced due to the country’s vulnerability to climate change impacts and the need for equitable solutions. According to the Kenya National Climate Change Policy, these movements should focus on:

• Addressing Vulnerability: Kenya is highly susceptible to the adverse effects of climate change, including droughts, floods, and changes in precipitation patterns. Climate justice movements play a crucial role in addressing the vulnerabilities of communities, especially those dependent on agriculture and natural resources.
• Equitable Resource Distribution: Climate justice movements advocate for the fair distribution of resources and benefits, ensuring that vulnerable and marginalized communities have access to necessary resources to adapt to and mitigate climate change impacts. In Kenya, where resource disparities exist, these movements strive to address socio-economic inequities exacerbated by climate change.
• Protecting Livelihoods: Many Kenyan communities, particularly those in rural areas, depend on agriculture for their livelihoods. Climate justice movements work towards protecting these livelihoods by promoting sustainable agricultural practices, providing resilience-building strategies, and advocating for policies that support rural communities.
• Preserving Biodiversity: Kenya is renowned for its rich biodiversity, but climate change poses a threat to various ecosystems and endangered species. Climate justice movements emphasize the preservation of biodiversity, recognizing its importance for ecosystems, local livelihoods, and future generations.
• Mitigating Health Risks: Climate change contributes to the spread of diseases and poses health risks, affecting vulnerable populations in Kenya. Climate justice movements advocate for policies and interventions that address these health risks, ensuring access to healthcare and promoting adaptive strategies in the face of changing disease patterns.
• Empowering Local Communities: Climate justice movements empower local communities to actively participate in decision-making processes related to climate change adaptation and mitigation. In Kenya, this empowerment is crucial for building resilience at the local level and ensuring that communities have a voice in shaping policies that directly impact them.
• Promoting Sustainable Development: Climate justice movements advocate for sustainable development practices that balance economic growth with environmental conservation. In Kenya, where development pressures exist, these movements work towards ensuring that development initiatives consider the long-term impacts on the environment and communities.
• Ensuring Intergenerational Equity: Climate justice emphasizes the principle of intergenerational equity, recognizing that current actions should not compromise the well-being of future generations. In Kenya, this perspective is essential for making informed decisions that consider the long-term sustainability of natural resources and ecosystems.
• Global Responsibility: Kenya, as a developing nation, has contributed relatively minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions. Climate justice movements highlight the responsibility of developed nations to support developing countries in adapting to climate change impacts and transitioning to low-carbon economies.
• Policy Advocacy and Legal Frameworks: Climate justice movements play a pivotal role in advocating for and shaping policies and legal frameworks that address climate change at the local, national, and international levels. In Kenya, this involves influencing legislation that supports climate adaptation, mitigation, and justice.

Climate justice movements in Kenya are crucial for advocating for equitable solutions, protecting vulnerable communities, preserving the environment, and ensuring a sustainable and just future in the face of climate change challenges. These movements contribute to shaping policies, building resilience, and fostering a sense of collective responsibility towards a climate-resilient and equitable society.

Objectives

The purpose of the comprehensive review is to assess the current state of Kenya’s climate justice movement at various levels, including local, county, and national, with the aim of understanding its strengths, barriers, potential for growth, and associated risks. The review seeks to provide a nuanced and evidence-based analysis that can inform strategic interventions by CSOs and policy decisions at the county and national level to enhance the effectiveness of the climate justice movement in Kenya. The Objectives of the study include and are not limited to:

Assessment of current state

• Local level: Understand the dynamics and effectiveness of climate justice initiatives at the grassroots level, including community-led efforts and engagement.
• County Level: Evaluate the impact and collaboration of climate justice activities within individual counties, considering local government involvement and community partnerships.
• National level: Examine the overall landscape of Kenya’s climate justice movement, considering national policies, government initiatives, and the role of prominent organizations.

Mapping movements

• Identify and map climate justice movements at the local, county, and national levels.
• Assess the goals, strategies, and key actors involved in each movement.
• Evaluate the extent of community involvement and empowerment within these movements.

Identification of strengths

• Assess the successful strategies and initiatives that have contributed to the advancement of climate justice at different levels.
• Identify key achievements and milestones within the climate justice movement in Kenya, recognizing positive outcomes and impactful projects.

Analysis of barriers and challenges

• Identify and analyze the barriers and challenges hindering the effectiveness of climate justice initiatives, considering social, economic, political, and environmental factors.
• Understand the disparities and inequities in the distribution of resources and support for climate justice at various levels.

Exploration of growth potential

• Analyse the potential for growth and expansion of the climate justice movement in Kenya, exploring opportunities for increased collaboration, awareness, and engagement.
• Identify areas where the movement can extend its reach and impact, including potential partnerships and innovative approaches.

Assessment of risks and threats

• Evaluate the risks and threats faced by the climate justice movement, including political, economic, and environmental factors that may undermine its progress.
• Understand the vulnerabilities that may impede the resilience of the movement and its ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
• Assess the resilience of these movements to external pressures, including political, economic, and environmental factors.

Stakeholder engagement analysis

• Identify and profile key stakeholders involved in climate justice activities at the local, county, and national levels.
• Assess the level of collaboration and cooperation among different stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, community groups, and international organizations.
• Investigate the role of international organizations and partnerships in supporting Kenya’s climate justice initiatives.

Review of legal and policy frameworks

• Provide a summary of the existing legal and policy frameworks related to climate justice in Kenya at local, county, and national levels.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of current regulations in supporting climate justice initiatives and identify areas for improvement.
• Identify gaps and areas for improvement in existing policies and legal frameworks.

Community Engagement and Awareness

• Assess the level of awareness and engagement of local communities in climate justice activities.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of communication strategies employed by the movement to raise awareness and mobilize support.
• Identify opportunities to enhance community involvement and awareness at different levels.

Capacity Building and Education

• Evaluate the capacity-building initiatives within the climate justice movement at local, county, and national levels.
• Assess the educational programs aimed at raising awareness about climate change and justice issues at each level.
• Identify areas for improvement in capacity building and education at various levels.

Crosscutting Themes

• Identify crosscutting themes such as gender considerations, social equity, economic implications, and health impacts within the context of climate justice.
• Analyse how these crosscutting themes intersect with and influence climate justice movements.

Recommendations and Actionable Insights

• Provide a set of actionable recommendations based on the findings, aiming to strengthen the climate justice movement at local, county, and national levels.
• Present insights that can guide policy development, resource allocation, and collaborative efforts for a more effective and inclusive climate justice movement in Kenya.

Scope of work

This assignment seeks to address several key aspects related to the state of climate justice movements in Kenya. It aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current landscape of climate justice activism across the country and its implications for policy, advocacy, and social change. Specifically, the scope of work seeks to address the following:

• Mapping Climate Justice Actors: Identifying and profiling key climate justice organizations, grassroots movements, and activists in Kenya to understand their objectives, strategies, and impact on policy formulation and implementation. This helps in recognizing the diversity of actors involved in climate justice efforts and their geographical spread within Kenya.
• Policy Landscape Analysis: Evaluating the existing legal and policy framework related to climate change and environmental justice at the national level. This involves assessing the government’s commitment to addressing climate-related issues and identifying gaps and opportunities for policy reform and advocacy efforts on a local and national scale.
• Socio-Economic Impact Assessment: Examining the socio-economic impacts of climate change on various communities and regions within Kenya, particularly focusing on vulnerable populations and marginalized groups. This helps in understanding the disproportionate effects of climate change and the role of climate justice movements in promoting equitable adaptation and resilience strategies nationwide.
• Communication and Media Analysis: Analyzing the role of traditional media, social networks, and digital platforms in shaping climate justice narratives at the local, county and national level. This includes assessing public perceptions, attitudes, and awareness regarding climate change and environmental justice across different regions of Kenya, as well as identifying effective communication strategies employed by climate justice advocates.
• Recommendations: Providing actionable recommendations for enhancing the capacity and impact of climate justice movements nationwide. This involves proposing policy reforms and advocacy strategies tailored to address systemic barriers and promote climate justice at the national level, as well as exploring opportunities for fostering collaboration and solidarity among national and international climate justice movements.

Data Collection and Analysis

1. The exact methodology is to be determined by the consultant; However, it is advisable that the consultant utilize a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods, including interviews, surveys, and data analysis. Also, Ensure the inclusion of diverse perspectives from different regions, counties, and demographics.
2. In addition to a literature review of primary and secondary sources, the consultant should conduct structured and/or semi-structured interviews and/or focus group discussions with AACJ consortium staff with experience or expertise in climate justice movements.

Academic Qualifications

To ensure a comprehensive and well-informed study of climate justice movements, the consultant should possess a strong academic background along with relevant expertise in areas related to climate change, environmental justice, and social sciences:

• Master’s or Ph.D. Degree: Hold a master’s or doctoral degree in a relevant field such as Environmental Studies, Climate Science, Environmental Policy, Development Studies, Sustainability Studies, or a closely related discipline.
• Specialization in Climate Change: Demonstrate a specialized academic/professional focus on climate change, including coursework or research experience in climate science, climate policy, adaptation, mitigation, or related areas.
• Research Methodology and Analysis: Possess strong skills in research methodology, data collection, and analysis. A background in social research methods, qualitative and quantitative data analysis, and experience in conducting surveys and interviews is highly desirable.
• Environmental Law and Policy: Familiarity with environmental law and policy is essential. The consultant should have knowledge of international, national, and local policies related to climate change and environmental justice.
• Understanding of Social Sciences: Have a solid grounding in social sciences, including sociology, anthropology, or political science, to analyze the societal impacts and justice aspects of climate change.
• Climate Justice and Ethics: Showcase expertise in climate justice, environmental ethics, and related ethical considerations. Understanding the principles of equity, fairness, and justice in the context of climate change is crucial.
• Interdisciplinary Knowledge: Ideally, have interdisciplinary knowledge that spans across natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities, enabling a holistic understanding of climate justice issues.
• Public Policy or Development Studies: A background in public policy, development studies, or a related field can provide insights into the policy implications and developmental aspects of climate justice movements.
• Environmental Economics (Optional): Knowledge in environmental economics can be beneficial, especially when assessing the economic aspects of climate justice and the distribution of costs and benefits.
• Publication Record: A consultant with a record of academic publications, articles, or reports related to climate justice or climate change issues adds credibility to their expertise.
• Experience in Fieldwork: Demonstrated experience in fieldwork, especially in the context of climate change and justice movements, can contribute to the consultant’s ability to engage with communities and gather on-the-ground insights.
• Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential for effectively conveying research findings and recommendations to diverse audiences, including policymakers, NGOs, and local communities.

Deliverables

Inception report, that includes a clear study matrix, describing indicators and methodology to be used. The inception report should be approved before the start of the implementation phase.

Data-collection tools, to be approved before the start of the implementation phase.

Raw and processed data, of both qualitative and quantitative data

Provide support in a results dissemination strategy, among all relevant stakeholders (consortium / partner organizations, communities)

Draft study report and final study report – Provide a comprehensive report detailing the findings of the review at each level. The report should be clear, comprehensive, and accessible to a diverse audience, including policymakers, stakeholders, NGOs, and the public.

Include actionable recommendations for strengthening the climate justice movement at the local, county, and national levels.

Present the information in a clear and accessible format for various stakeholders in a scheduled 2-day engagement meeting after the study

Executive Brief or Summary Infographic: Create a visually appealing executive brief or summary infographic that distills key findings and recommendations for quick dissemination.

Proposed report format:

• Executive Summary: Provide a concise summary outlining the purpose, methodology, key findings, and recommendations. This section should offer a quick overview for readers who may not have the time to delve into the full report.
• Introduction: Introduce the study, its objectives, and the context within which the research was conducted. Clearly state the scope and limitations of the study.
• Methodology: Detail the research methods employed, including data collection techniques, sample selection, and any challenges encountered during the research process. Transparency in methodology enhances the report’s credibility.
• Contextual Background: Provide a brief overview of the global and national context of climate justice movements, including relevant historical, social, and environmental factors.
• Current State of Climate Justice Movements: Present a comprehensive analysis of the strengths, barriers, growth potential, and risks associated with climate justice movements. Include insights from local, county, and national levels.
• Stakeholder Analysis: Profile key stakeholders involved in climate justice movements, highlighting their roles, interests, and contributions. Assess the level of collaboration and cooperation among different stakeholders.
• Legal and Policy Landscape: Evaluate existing legal and policy frameworks related to climate justice at local, county, and national levels. Identify gaps and areas for improvement.
• Community Engagement and Awareness: Report on the level of awareness and engagement of local communities in climate justice activities. Assess the effectiveness of communication strategies employed by the movement.
• Capacity Building and Education: Evaluate the effectiveness of capacity-building initiatives within the climate justice movement, including educational programs and training. Identify areas for improvement.
• Data Presentation: Present data and analysis in a clear and visually appealing manner, using charts, graphs, and tables where applicable. Ensure that data supports key findings and enhances the report’s accessibility.
• Case Studies (if applicable): Include relevant case studies that illustrate successful climate justice initiatives or highlight challenges faced by specific communities. Case studies add depth and context to the overall findings.
• Crosscutting Themes and Trends: Identify crosscutting themes and trends emerging from the study, such as gender considerations, economic implications, or health impacts. This section enhances the holistic understanding of climate justice issues.
• Recommendations: Provide actionable and evidence-based recommendations for strengthening climate justice movements. Clearly outline short-term and long-term strategies, highlighting key priority areas.
• Policy Implications: Discuss the policy implications of the study, including potential policy changes, amendments, or new initiatives that could enhance climate justice at different levels.
• Conclusion: Summarize the main findings, restate the importance of climate justice movements, and emphasize the significance of the study’s contributions to the field.
• References: Include a comprehensive list of all sources, literature, and references used throughout the study, ensuring proper citation.
• Appendices: Attach any supplementary material, additional data, or detailed information that supports the main findings but may not be central to the main body of the report.
• Executive Brief or Summary Infographic: Create a visually appealing executive brief or summary infographic that distils key findings and recommendations for quick dissemination.