Appendix 2: sample terms of reference for the needs assessment and action plan studies.

This sample terms of reference (TOR) was used to conduct the needs assessment and action plan studies. For future studies, the TOR should be tailored to the unique needs of the country and to the unique demands of local context. The general principles could remain the same.

1. OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study is to

* assess supply and demand constraints and capacity influencing the production and diffusion of appropriate technologies in Rwanda;

* develop an action plan for boosting the capacity of actors involved in technology development and distribution, and build targeted incentives for those actors; and

* increase the adoption of appropriate technologies by households, farms, businesses, youth, and women--for income generation and poverty reduction.

The needs assessment and action plan study will focus on:

* energy technologies;

* sanitation and waste management technologies;

* low-cost housing technologies;

* water supply, rainwater harvesting, and storage technologies;

* agriculture technologies and food-processing tools; and

* entrepreneurial tools and technologies

2. SCOPE AND METHODOLOGY

1. A team of one international and two national consultants will conduct a 30-day study in Rwanda.

2. The study should use the body of knowledge existing on appropriate technologies in Rwanda.

3. The study should harmonize and liaise with related initiatives and projects.

4. The study should evaluate the performance and mutual interaction of actors involved in the development and transfer of technology:

** Demand-side actors

* Technology users (households, firms, farms, youth, women, schools, and so forth)

** Intermediary actors

* Education and training institutions (technical and vocational education and training [TVET], universities, engineering colleges, and so forth)

* Technology suppliers and distributors (small and medium-size enterprises, nongovernmental organizations, and so forth)

* Microlending institutions offering credits to technology buyers

** Supply-side actors

* Public institutions for technology development and transfer (the Centre for Innovation and Technology Transfer [CITT], the Institute for Scientific Research and Technology [IRST], and so forth)

* Private firms importing/producing and selling technology

3. EXPECTED TASKS

Task 1: Conduct a baseline study of existing capacity and constraints.

The baseline assessment should help answer the following questions about the development and diffusion of appropriate technologies:

* What is the demand and need for appropriate technologies in the country?

* How do demand-side factors (purchasing power, access to information, perceived benefits of technology, and so forth) and supply-side factors (capacity in technology agencies and so forth) influence technology adoption?

* How effective is the interaction between technology actors?

* What are the strengths and weaknesses of public and private technology/research agencies?

* What incentives exist for developing and diffusing appropriate technologies?

* How well are the training and education institutions meeting the needs of technology actors?

Task 2: Develop a vision and an achievable set of short- and long-term goals and objectives.

Using the baseline assessment results, what feasible goals and objectives can the country aim for in the next one to five years?

Task 3: Prepare a detailed action plan.

The action plan should list detailed and practical action steps for

* boosting the capacity of technology actors,

* improving interaction between technology actors,

* removing constraints in technology adoption,

* building targeted incentives for technology development and diffusion, and

* using education and training for capacity building at all stages of technology flow.

It should provide a timeline and costs associated with the action items.

4. REQUIRED OUTPUT

The final output is a detailed report fulfilling the expected outcomes (baseline study and needs assessment, strategic program, action plan). The intermediate outputs include the following:

* a proposed methodology and milestones for the study;

* a draft report, with consolidated results of fieldwork and tentative action proposals;

* the presentation of draft report at a stakeholders' meeting in Rwanda; and

* a final report incorporating comments.

5. EXPECTED QUALIFICATIONS

The candidate should have demonstrated success in designing and implementing technology diffusion strategies in developing countries, especially in Africa. An advanced degree in engineering, technology management, rural development, public policy, or a related field is desired; relevant experience is mandatory. Experience in handling multilateral, multicultural projects is an advantage. Knowledge of English and French is desired.