Call for Consultancy: Assessing Climate-Induced Displacement and Loss and Damage: A Study of affected Communities in Africa – Case Kenya/Somalia

Project “Local to Global Action for Climate Justice, Phase 1”

Assessing Climate-Induced Displacement and Loss and Damage: A Study of affected Communities in Africa

Case: Kenya/Somalia

Terms of Reference (ToR)

1.    Introduction
Climate justice advocacy and policy engagement is a key priority in the current Strategy of the Lutheran World Federation (2025-2031). The LWF has engaged with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) for more than ten years as observer, contributor and participant in climate negotiations and other processes. Its longstanding commitment to climate justice englobes building resilience, climate adaptation and mitigation, as well as supporting communities affected by climate change impacts and undertaking advocacy from local to global levels.

The Action for Justice- AfJ Unit is the advocacy hub of the LWF and accompanies member churches, World Service Country Programmes, and collaborates closely with ecumenical and faith-based organizations, civil society, as well as communities affected by climate impacts. The LWF advocacy methodology is essential to accelerate actions needed to set up a pathway for a sustainable and resilient society and economy where we protect the environment as the foundation for all life.

Local to Global Action for Climate Justice is a global project in 18 countries that includes
Africa: Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Sierra Leone, Madagascar, South Africa, Ghana;
Asia and Pacific: Philippines, Bangladesh, Nepal, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and,
Latín America and the Caribbean: Peru, Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, El Salvador, and Cuba

The overall goal of the project is to accelerate climate action from local to global by boosting the global commitment to the Paris Agreement. The objectives of the project are:

• Churches and faith-based organizations (FBOs) in the project countries have increased their engagement for climate justice.
• By the end of the project, churches, FBOs and partner civil society actors in the project countries have effectively influenced national and regional policymakers for ambitious national and regional climate policies.
• National religious leaders, churches, and faith-based actors actively contribute to climate justice advocacy in international forums.

Target groups for the project include churches, faith-based leaders, and faith-based organizations, their congregations, and the communities where they live and indirectly, local, district and National Government officials and policy makers. The project also targets and influences interfaith and civil society actors from local to global levels.  LWF member churches in 18 focus countries represent more than 31 million people according to the LWF 2019 membership figures and engage with many more in their diverse communities.

A particular focus is placed on youth, women, and vulnerable people most impacted by climate change. The project aims for equal participation of women and men when possible and when not, at least will ensure 40% participation whether male or female.

Key stakeholders in civil society such as environmental and climate justice organizations are important allies and critical to the reach and impact of the project, as are academia and the scientific community to ensure science-based actions are taken and evidence-based advocacy is employed for effective influencing and results.

2.    Internal displacement in the context of Climate Change
Climate change is increasingly recognized as a major driver of internal displacement.  Rising sea levels, extreme weather events, droughts, flooding and other climate-related phenomena are forcing communities to leave their homes, disrupting livelihoods, resulting in varied human rights violations such as GBV and creating complex humanitarian challenges. Despite growing awareness, there remains a critical gap in comprehensive data on the impact of climate-induced displacement, the needs of affected communities, and the responses needed to support them effectively.

This research seeks to assess the extent to which fundamental human rights are being violated, community adaptive and response capacity, the adequacy of duty bearers’ responses to affected populations and protect their rights, and the role of national frameworks in addressing climate-induced displacement.

This research will inform the Regional Durable Solutions – ReDDS2 on policy processes.

It will also explore opportunities for engagement with the UNFCCC, in particular the Task Force on Climate-Induced Displacement, and assess the effectiveness of National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) and resettlement or return strategies in selected countries.

Current context in Somalia – World Service Kenya-Somalia country program.
The Displacement Context in Somalia
According to the Somali Health and Demographic Survey, Jubaland report 2021, over 61% of the population lived in rural areas, relying on agriculture and pastoralism for their livelihoods before displacement. Homes were built from local materials, providing basic shelter. While access to water was limited, it was relatively manageable through traditional practices. Health issues mainly resulted from infectious diseases, but the healthcare system could handle predictable challenges. Social structures were strong, with extended families and clans playing essential roles in community cohesion.

Jubaland’s economy relied on agriculture, pastoralism, fishing, and small-scale trade. Farmers cultivated crops like sorghum and maize, while pastoralists relied on livestock as a primary livelihood. Coastal communities benefited from fishing, which supplemented food security and income. Local markets facilitated trade, creating a stable rural economy adapted to natural drought and rainfall cycles. Additionally, remittances from the Somali diaspora played a significant role in supporting livelihoods.

However, after displacement the living conditions have worsened significantly. Many now live in overcrowded camps or informal settlements, often in makeshift shelters made from cloth and plastic, lacking proper sanitation facilities. Water scarcity has worsened due to prolonged droughts, leading to severe health risks like cholera. Overcrowded living conditions and lack of clean water and sanitation facilities have led to higher incidences of waterborne diseases and malnutrition, particularly affecting children and the elderly. Social integration is mixed; while some areas exhibit strong cultural ties fostering mutual support, others face tensions due to resource competition.

Displacement has intensified vulnerabilities for women in Jubaland, with overcrowded, unsanitary living conditions increasing health and security risks. Men face economic instability, losing traditional livelihoods. Gender roles have shifted, straining social dynamics and exacerbating conflicts over limited resources, with women and girls facing heightened risks of GBV, including sexual violence and intimate partner violence. Education and other social activities are further impacted.

Furthermore, climate-induced displacement has led thousands of the Somali communities to seek refuge in neighboring countries particularly into Dadaab Refugee Camp, Garissa County, Kenya. The journey to Dadaab is fraught with challenges as most of the displaced people travel long distances on foot or overcrowded vehicles lacking adequate food, water and medical services and supplies as well as shelter from harsh climatic events. As a result, the migrants especially the vulnerable groups, women, children, the elderly and persons with specific needs are exposed to dehydration, malnutrition, violence, exploitation and abuse. Dadaab Camp, one of the largest in the world hosts over 300,000 people with over 90% from Somalia. Refugees face restrictions on movement and work, limiting their opportunities to earn a livelihood and improve their living conditions. This dependency on humanitarian aid creates a cycle of poverty and instability. The host community in Kenya also grapples with the influx of refugees, leading to tensions over limited resources like water and grazing land.

3.    Objective of the research 
This research seeks to examine the human rights impacts of climate-induced displacement by assessing violations of fundamental rights such as housing, livelihood, and security, and evaluating the effectiveness of duty bearers in addressing these issues.

Additionally, the study will assess the role of National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) in addressing displacement and protecting vulnerable populations, including analyzing the inclusion and alignment of resettlement or return strategies with human rights standards, focusing on their adequacy, inclusiveness, and effectiveness

The findings will highlight ways to address internal displacement through UNFCCC frameworks, especially the Task Force on Climate-Induced Displacement, and identify opportunities to integrate human rights-based approaches.

4.    Expected deliverables
The research will include the following.
–    Inception report: Detailed methodology, data collection tools, proposed work plan and agreement on the questionnaire.
–    Interim Progress Report: Preliminary findings and assessed national policy framework
–    Consultation with relevant stakeholders: A summary presentation of findings and preliminary recommendations to get feedback
–    Final report: A comprehensive document presenting research findings, analysis and recommendations for national climate policies. The report should include an executive summary, methodology, key findings from the case studies and actionable recommendations.

These deliverables are to be:
Prepared in English

5.    Suggested time frame and period of the assignment 
The assignment will take place from March – May 2025.

6.    Methodology
This methodology should integrate the following:

• Desk review of secondary data and relevant literature, including collecting specific data through desk research and expert interviews on past climate conditions and extreme weather events that served as drivers of human mobility.
• In-depth analysis of national climate change policies, such as NAPS, to assess the inclusion of climate-related displacement issues.
• Assess national resettlement strategies in the context of climate change and their compliance with human rights standards, focusing on adequacy, inclusiveness and effectiveness.
• Qualitative methods:
• Conduct in-depth interviews with climate-displaced people and households to document their experiences, challenges and current needs.
• Facilitate Focus group discussions with different community groups (e.g. women, youth and elders) to understand the impact on different demographic groups.
• Examine the relationship between displaced and host communities, focusing on integration and resource sharing.

A consent form will be signed by the interviewee.

It is expected that 25 in-depth interviews and 3 focus groups with a maximum of 8 participants each will be conducted, including one focus group with young people, one with women and one with older people.

The expected number of days for this assignment is 30 days

• Proven experience in climate justice-related work.
• Proven expertise in human rights.
• Proven track record of conducting similar work
• Experience in conducting research (in-depth interviews, focus groups, online interviews, surveys etc.)
• Demonstrable knowledge of the displacement context in the region.
• Eligible to undertake such an assignment in Kenya and Somalia.
• Proof of functional operations in Somalia and Kenya is an advantage.
• Excellent writing skills in English.
• Experience in working with faith-based organizations;
• Knowledge of LWF and the ACT Alliance members is an advantage.

Content of the consultant’s offer 
Interested candidates who fulfill the above qualifications shall submit the following:

• A technical and financial offer according to the present terms of reference.
• The technical offer shall contain a summary presentation of the proposed approach, the suggested methodology to be used, a proposed template for elaboration and analysis of good practices.
• The financial offer shall contain the costs for honorarium (including taxes) based on a daily rate as well as any other costs. The technical offer will include a proposed number of consultancy days needed to provide the expected deliverables within the timeframe mentioned above.
• CV(s) of all consultants involved.
• A written sample of previous similar work.
• Applications (financial and technical offers) should not be more than 15 pages

Additional information:
Location: Kenya-Somali
Contract with the national office in Kenya-Somalia