Spatial Analysis and Land Use - Consultant at World Resources Institute (WRI)

Specific Objectives

• The consultancy aims to:
• To analyze the patterns and trends of LULC changes in Nakuru City, in Nakuru County, Kenya  
• To evaluate the effects of LULC changes on environmental degradation including; vegetation loss, soil erosion and land degradation in Nakuru City, Kenya.
• To analyze the impact of LULC changes on food security in Nakuru City, Kenya
• To develop recommendations for the integration of sustainable spatial land use planning and management strategies.

The assignment

Scope of work, activities, and Tasks

• To achieve the assignment’s objectives, the firm will engage in the following activities
• Spatial Data Collection and Literature Review to acquire satellite imagery and relevant spatial datasets, gather and compile existing land use and zoning plans.
• GIS Mapping and Spatial Analysis to map the existing/current land use including agricultural land and urban growth/expansion. Assessment and documentation of the dynamics of land use changes, conversion of agricultural land to other uses, property development trends and environmental impact zones.
• Thematic Analysis to assess the main drivers of land use changes in the study areas and evaluate environmental suitability, land productivity, and food security implications.
• Identification of challenges and barriers to sustainable agriculture and land use planning and management
• Dissemination: Preparation of a presentation desk for stakeholder validation workshops.

Key Tasks:

• Literature Review, Gap Analysis and preparation of inception report
• Project set up-project planning and field logistics
• Data acquisition and processing
• Land cover mapping
• Field work for ground trothing and verification
• Interviews and Stakeholder engagement 
• Field data integration and report writing

Expected Outcomes

• The key deliverables from this consultancy are as follows:
• Inception Report: A draft inception report to be submitted 15 days after the acceptance of the assignment detailing how the consultant intends to carry out the assignment for approval by FOLU Kenya Secretariat;
• A Progress report: To be submitted to FOLU Kenya not later than One and Half months (TBC) after the submission of the Inception Report. Detailing data acquisition process, imagery collection from 2015 -2024, data processing and progress on field work.
•  A Draft report: To be submitted to FOLU Kenya not later than 2 weeks (TBC) after the submission of the progress Report. Detailing LULC Maps, change detection maps, land degradation maps, progress on data collection, data analysis and report writing
•  Final Report: Finalized consolidated report of the synthesis of findings, recommendations, and strategic roadmap for intervention, incorporating feedback from stakeholders and addressing any comments or concerns raised during the consultation process. To be submitted 15 days after receipt of feedback from FOLU Kenya.

Deliverables

• Inception report indicating the methodology, tools, work plan and budget
• GIS Data Layers and Thematic Maps
• Time series spatial analysis report indicating trends in land use changes and hotspots
• Policy report supported by pertinent policy briefs on sustainable environmental and food systems, spatial planning and land management
• Stakeholder Engagement Desk
• Final report, maps and briefs

Duration of the assignment

• This consultancy assignment is for a duration of (3 Months) including commencement and submission of final report

Required qualifications.

• A master’s degree or above in GIS and remote sensing.
• Previous experience in land use planning, strategy and natural resource management.
• Proven experience environmental planning and ability to work with diverse and multiple stakeholders including public and private sector.
• Extensive experience and expertise in environmental policy and strategy development.
• Strong analytical skills (qualitative and quantitative) and ability to synthesize large amount of data to produce desired outputs.
• In-depth understanding of the Kenyan agricultural sector and land use practices
• Excellent English writing and oral communication skills
• A great team leader and team player
• Good work ethics