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PURPOSE OF THIS CONTRACT

The direct motive for this procurement for consultancy services is to analyse the quantitative and qualitative data collected through the Community-Based Pesticide Action Monitoring (CPAM) research methodology in 8 provinces in Cambodia and produce a high- quality research report on pesticide and herbicide use in the rice value chain.

The consultancy aims to transform the data from surveys, FGD and KII into clear, evidence-based findings and recommendations that document:

• Types and magnitude of pesticide use
• Health and social impacts
• Gender and social differences in exposure and practices
• Policy and practice implications at community and national level

The final report will support advocacy, policy engagement and programmatic decision-making by Oxfam, Partners and Pesticide Action Network Asia Pacific (PANAP).

BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT

Agricultural work is among the most hazardous form of labour globally, workers face wide array of risks – from physical dangers, such as exposure to extreme weather and heavy machinery, to toxic hazards stemming from pesticide and chemical use. A major concern is exposure to banned or restricted pesticides often in the absence of appropriate protective equipment and safety training. Many agricultural workers are ill-equipped to handle hazardous chemicals properly due to a lack of information, inadequate enforcement of regulations and limited access to safer alternatives.

Pesticide use in Cambodian rice farming is often intensive, with frequent applications, mixed products, and limited use of personal protective equipment (PPE). This exposes farmers and laborers to acute and chronic health risks, including pesticide poisoning and long-term illness, compounded by poor knowledge of safe handling and application techniques. Pesticide use is closely connected with issues of social protection and occupational health and safety—especially for smallholder farmers and rural workers. Most rice farmers face substantial health risks due to frequent, unsafe application of pesticides, lack of training, and exposure to toxic chemicals.

Oxfam, in collaboration with PANAP and local partners (Banteay Srei, CCFC, and CLC), is conducting participatory research on pesticide and herbicide use in Cambodia’s rice value chain.

The research applies PANAP’s Community-based Pesticide Action Monitoring methodology, a participatory action research approach that empowers community members to document pesticide use and its impacts.

2.1. Overall Objective of the research    

To document and analyse grounded evidence on the types and magnitude of pesticide used in the rice value chain including clear documentation of the health and safety risks and impacts among farmers and their families.

2.2. Research Questions

The research questions/objectives will include:

Pesticide Use:

1. What pesticides are being used and its effects, including risks factors that could lead to health impacts?
2. How do cultural beliefs and practices influence pesticide use among farmers?
3. How do practices differ by gender, indigenous people, urban, rural residents and its impacts?
4. What level of knowledge farmers have regarding safe pesticide application?

Impact on health:

1. What health impacts are experienced by farmers (men and women)?
2. How do farmers perceive the risks associated with pesticide use? (health, society, soil, ecosystem, water pollution, etc.).

Sampling

Data collection will be conducted across eight provinces (Ratanakiri, Kratie, Preah Vihear, Battambang, Siem Reap, Kampong Thom, Kampong Speu, and Svay Rieng), covering:

• 560 household surveys
• 16 focus group discussions (gender-segregated)
• 2–3 key informant interviews with national stakeholders

The consultant will use this completed data collection package to deliver a rigorous analysis and a well-structured research report aligned with the original research objectives and questions.

SCOPE OF WORK

The consultant will be responsible for data analysis and report writing. Data collection and data entry will be managed by Oxfam, PANAP and partners using the CPAM database.

Specific tasks related to this scope of work are outlined as:

1. Data clearing and supervision
2. Analysis of CPAM quantitative survey data
3. Analysis of FGDs and KIIs
4. Collaborate with Oxfam and partners to clarify any issues arising from the data collection and data entry
5. Integration of intersectional lens and labour perspectives (age, gender, indigenous people, etc.)
6. Drafting, and writing the final research report
7. Support validation of findings
8. Report editing and layout and graphics

DELIVERABLES

Objective: To produce a high-quality, evidence-based research report on pesticide and herbicide use in Cambodia’s rice value chain.

Specific outputs and deliverables

The consultant is expected to deliver the following outputs:

1. OUTPUT 1 – Data cleaning and supervision. Review CPAM survey datasets, FGD notes and KII transcription. Ensure data is of quality, clear, consistent and complete in coordination with Oxfam/PANAP.
2. OUTPUT 2 – Quantitative and qualitative data analysis. Analyse the data collected from the CPAM database, FGDs and KIIs.
3. OUTPUT 3 – Report writing. Produce a full research report, and revise based on Oxfam and partner feedback.

PAYMENT SCHEDULE

Remuneration is based on submission of final deliverables according to the schedule. No payment will be made in advance.

METHODOLOGY

The consultant is expected to apply a mixed-methods analytical approach, aligned with participatory action research principles and CPAM methodology, including:

·         Descriptive and cross-tab quantitative analysis

·         Thematic qualitative coding and interpretation

·         Gender and social inclusion lens

·         Ethical handling of sensitive data

The consultant will work closely with Oxfam and PANAP for coordination, feedback, and validation.

Planned timeline

PROFILE REQUIREMENTS

The company/ individual(s) should have the following competencies:

Essential criteria

• Advanced degree in public health, social sciences, environmental studies, or related field
• Minimum 7–10 years’ experience in research, data analysis, and report writing
• Proven experience with mixed-methods research
• Strong understanding of pesticide, agriculture, health, or environmental issues
• Experience working with NGOs or community-based research
• Excellent analytical writing skills in English
• Familiarity with CPAM or similar participatory methodologies
• Experience working in Southeast Asia or Cambodia
• Understanding of gender and social inclusion analysis
• Knowledge of agroecology or sustainable agriculture debates

APPLICATION PROCESS

Submission deadline

Administrative compliance (list of documents to be submitted)

To be shortlisted for evaluation against award criteria, the following documents must be included in the application: