Call for proposals for an individual or organization to implement a qualitative study on drivers of food choices in Sri Lanka

CGIAR Research Initiative on Fruit and Vegetables for Sustainable Healthy Diets (FRESH)

1. Background

Inadequate diets are a major contributor to malnutrition and a significant driver of non-communicable diseases globally. Improving dietary habits, including increasing the consumption of fruits and vegetables, has the potential to save one in five lives lost annually. However, fruit and vegetable intake worldwide is far below the recommended level of 400 grams per person per day. Low- and middle-income countries are also affected, although the full extent of the problem and the reasons for low intake remain poor understood.

Addressing this dietary challenge necessitates a consumer-centric approach. Understanding dietary patterns and addressing barriers related to desirability, accessibility, affordability, and availability is crucial. To achieve this, cost-effective solutions are needed that span the entire food system, from intake to production. The CGIAR Research Initiative Fruit and Vegetables for Sustainable Healthy Diets (FRESH), aims to tackle these issues comprehensively. FRESH adopts an end-to-end approach that not only seeks to increase fruit and vegetable consumption but also enhance diet quality, nutrition, and health. Simultaneously, it aims to improve livelihoods, empower women and youth, and mitigate negative environmental impacts.

Under FRESH, IFPRI is carrying out a quantitative study to assess dietary patterns in one of four focus countries, Sri Lanka. Although limited dietary studies in Sri Lanka have shown that people do not adhere to the national Food-Based Dietary Guidelines (FBDGs), there is insufficient data on the contextual factors that shape individual eating habits. Understanding these factors and consumer food choices is essential for promoting healthy eating habits within the Sri Lankan population. Therefore, a qualitative study is also planned to understand dietary choices, especially barriers and facilitators to fruit and vegetable consumption. The target population for this study is women and adolescents in Sri Lanka.

To ensure the effectiveness of the qualitative study and the subsequent qualitative data analysis, we seek to engage an experienced qualitative methods consultant.

2. Objectives

The primary objective of the consultancy is to provide training in effectively conducting focus group discussions and analyzing qualitative data. The consultant is expected to provide comprehensive training, guidance, and support throughout the qualitative study process to our local Sri Lankan collaborating research team, which has already been identified.

3. Scope of Work

In partnership with IFPRI and the local collaborator, the consultant will be responsible for the following tasks:

• Training in Focus Group Discussions:
  • Develop and deliver a training program on conducting focus group discussions.
  • Cover key aspects such as participant recruitment, discussion facilitation, note-taking, ethical considerations and documentation of challenges encountered and deviations from protocol.
  • Provide practical exercises and simulations to enhance the research team’s skills.
• Training in Qualitative Data Analysis:
  • Develop and deliver a training program on qualitative data analysis.
  • Introduce various methods and tools for analyzing qualitative data, including coding, thematic analysis, and software use (e.g., NVivo).
  • Provide hands-on exercises and case studies to practice data analysis techniques.
• Guidance and Support:
  • Offer ongoing support and guidance to the research team during the data collection, transcription, translation and analysis phases.
  • Provide guidance on quality control during data collection, transcription, translation and analysis processes.
  • Review and provide feedback on the focus group discussion guides, data collection instruments, and analysis plans.
  • Assist in the interpretation of qualitative data and the preparation of reports.

4. Deliverables

• Training materials for conducting focus group discussions.
• Training materials on qualitative data analysis.
• Detailed training program schedule in consultation with IFPRI and local collaborator.
• Brief reports summarizing data collection, quality control and analysis phases.
• Final consultancy report summarizing the training provided and observed skills developed and implemented by training participants.
• Review and provide feedback on report summarizing the findings.

5. Duration and Timeline

The consultancy will be for a period of 3 months, starting from end of August to end of November 2024. The training sessions are expected to be completed within the first month, with ongoing support provided for the remaining duration, as needed.

6. Required qualifications

• A relevant advanced degree (master’s or Ph.D.) in social sciences, public health, anthropology, sociology, or a related field.
• In-depth knowledge of ethical guidelines and best practices for conducting qualitative research, including obtaining informed consent and ensuring participant confidentiality.
• Extensive experience in designing and conducting qualitative research, particularly focus group discussions (FGDs).
• Proven track record of analyzing qualitative data using various methods (e.g., thematic analysis, content analysis).
• Experience in training and capacity building for research teams, including developing training materials and conducting workshops.
• Proficiency in qualitative data analysis software (e.g., NVivo, Atlas.ti).
• Experience working in diverse cultural settings, preferably in the region where the study is being conducted.

Instructions to Apply

Please submit your technical proposals, financial proposals, detailed CV(s) presenting previous relevant experience, and 3 most recent client references for similar work, on the IFPRI website. Please share examples of training guides developed for other projects. Please direct any questions about the assignment to Nadia Koyratty at n.koyratty@cgiar.org.