Terms of Reference: Call for the provision of services for a landscaping study on the potential for eCooking in informal settlements

MECS is pleased to announce the call for the provision of services for a landscaping study on the potential for eCooking in informal settlements.

Project Outline/Introduction

This Terms of Reference calls for a landscaping study (with field work) on the intersect between informal settlements and the potential of eCooking.  As eCooking in Low and Middle Income countries moves from being a niche technology to a mainstream option, this study should document the infrastructural barriers, and suggest the details that those working in informal settlements should look for when planning a project.

Scope of Work

MECS research has generated evidence that eCooking with energy efficient appliances can in many contexts be the cheapest form of clean cooking.  However, for that to be realised households need reliable access to electricity.   This study is about clarifying the infrastructural barriers, constraints and opportunities and suggesting the sort of details that those working in informal settlements should look for when planning a project.

Key research questions to be addressed are;

1. What are the key issues/constraints to electricity access in the study area/s
2. Are these key issues/constraints common across the study areas or are there differences between and within the study areas (e.g. due to diversity of populations, income levels, geographies etc).
3. Within the constraints of the key issues which need to be addressed by state and municipal actors, what could civil society and private sector do to improve access to reliable, sustainable access to modern energy (electricity) that would be strong enough to cook with i.e. eCooking?*
4. Are there possibilities for improved electricity access inclusive of eCooking even if the macro issues are not yet addressed**.

*We note that multiple fuels such as LPG, Ethanol, briquettes, etc can give a modern energy cooking experience with minimal household air pollution.  They can be accessed even in the absence of one or more other services.  However, this landscaping TOR is directly about the link between, and possibilities of, electricity access and eCooking.  Other fuels should be cited only when referring or comparing to eCooking barriers and possibilities, and there should not be detailed case studies of other fuel services (eg PAYGO LPG) except where it is a referent comparator to eCooking (e.g. experience with PAYGO LPG services, may give insight into eCooking PAYGO services).  

**We note that the use of off-grid technologies such as Solar Photovoltaic panels which are now cost effective, can sometimes be stolen.  Are there innovative approaches which have promise?

Approach

The research questions should be answered through a combination of literature review/desk study and ground realities found during the fieldwork.

Field work in up to three locations within one country can be proposed. The fieldwork should included data collection to provide detailed information on the type of intermediaries who offer electricity, the cost and power consumption boundaries they impose, and the possibilities of residents ability to work around these constraints. 

The proposal should include a clear data collection plan with specific methods/tools to be utilised.

Getting access to collect data in informal settlements can be challenging. The proposal should outline what links to suitable authorities already exist in order to facilitate smooth access to the necessary communities.

Important Information

• The tender exercise is managed by Loughborough University.

• Please send all responses to mecs@lboro.ac.uk with the subject ‘Informal settlements’.
  
• All proposals must be received by Thursday 19^th September 2024, 23:55 BST.
  

Access the full Terms of Reference below: