1. SECTION A: PROJECT RATIONALE AND APPROACH
Project summary
The GEF 7th Operational Phase (OP7) which is under implementation for the period 2018 - 2021, seeks to support the creation of global environmental benefits and the safeguarding of the global environment through community and local solutions that complement and add value to national and global level action. This broad objective is broken down into the following themes: 1) community landscape/seascape conservation, 2) climate smart innovative agro-ecology, 3) low carbon energy access co-benefits, 4) local to global chemical management coalitions, 5) CSO-government policy and planning dialogue platforms, 6) promoting social inclusion (e.g, gender mainstreaming, youth involvement, indigenous peoples fellowships and working with People with Disability) and 7) global reach for citizen practice based knowledge programme (e.g, digital library of community innovations and south-south community innovation exchange).
In preparation for grant making for OP7 phase, SGP has been allocated a grant to develop its strategy for OP7. This grant seeks to cover the following:

1) Evaluation of Shurugwi pilot landscape
The first activity involves the evaluation of the work that was done under Shurugwi pilot landscape under Operational Phase 6. The evaluation will capture the results achieved and lessons learnt for sharing with the new landscapes under OP7. The process will involve production of Shurugwi Landscape evaluation report and video documentary for sharing with SGP partners.

2) Updating baseline reports for Binga and Chimanimani that were produced under Operational Phase 6
Under O.P6, consultative workshops were held that resulted in the selection of 3 landscapes that include Binga, Chimanimani and Shurugwi. After selection of these landscapes, baseline surveys were conducted in January 2016 that helped to provide information for the production of the CPS. Under O.P7, SGP is still continuing to support Binga and Chimanimani landscapes and there is need to update the baseline reports that were produced in 2016 to reflect the current changes on the social, economic environment front.

3) Multi-stakeholder Consultations.
To initiate the development of the SGP OP7 Country Programme Strategy (OP7 CPS), the consultation process will involve conducting workshops with relevant stakeholders from government, civil society, UNDP country office, sector agencies and other partners. Specifically three meetings will be held 1) in Harare, (2) in Bulawayo, and (3) in Mutare. The purpose of the workshops is for SGP to share what was achieved under O.P6 and lessons learnt, identify the gaps and opportunities of SGP for programming in OP7. Through these workshops, there will be contributions on how SGP can improve its delivery under O.P7. In addition, up to 30% of grant resources could be allocated outside of the landscape areas and a typology of innovative projects that can be may be identified during the consultative workshops.

4) Development of the CPS for O.P 7.
This activity involves drafting the CPS for GEF 7 using data obtained from the consultative meetings, key informant interviews and literature review.

1.2. Organizational Background and Capacity to Implement the Project
1.2.1. Profile
Institutional Profile of the University of Zimbabwe Department of Geography and Environmental Science: GIS and Earth Observation Centre of Excellence
In this section, we present our company profile, as the University of Zimbabwe, Department of Geography and Environmental Science.

Figure 1: Department of Geography and Environmental Science Building, University of Zimbabwe. The antenna is for the Near Real-Time satellite receiving station in the Department.
The University of Zimbabwe was established by the University of Zimbabwe Act (1982) and is the oldest institution (since 1952) of higher learning, research and consultancy in Zimbabwe. The University of Zimbabwe has 10 faculties that house well over 60 Departments. Within this context, the structure of the Department of Geography and Environmental Science at the University of Zimbabwe is illustrated in figure 2. The Department is headed by the Chairperson of the Department who is responsible for the day-to-day running of the Department with the support of both the Academic and Non-Academic (Technical and Clerical) Staff. The Professorial Chair is the next level that consists of a professor who provides academic vision and guidance to the Department. The next level consists of senior lecturers followed by (Junior) Lecturers who are involved in teaching and research. Graduate Teaching Assistants, Research Fellows and Technical Staff provide assistant to the Academic staff in terms of teaching and research.

Figure 2: The diagrammatic representation of the Department of Geography and Environmental Science management structure within the context of the University of Zimbabwe.
1.2.2. Facilities
The Department of Geography and Environmental Science comprises of a fully equipped GIS and Remote sensing (Geotechnology) laboratories with all the necessary hardware and software that is needed for research and training in near real-time data collection systems, Climate change and vulnerability analysis within the framework of Earth Systems Science and GIS and Remote Sensing. The Department hosts Near Real-time Satellite Receiving Station receiving SPOT VGT and MSG2, critical for monitoring the environmental resources and climate variability. The Geotechnology laboratories are well equipped to be able to handle large volumes of Earth Observation (EO) data including climate data, as well as to have improved capacity to train students in EO. The Department also hosts servers for near real time data collection that include an ODK data aggregation server, Ushahidi, Sahana, RapidSMS and Frontline SMS which puts the UZ at the forefront of this technology.
Through the research and development activities of DGES in the area of Geoinformation Science (GIS and Remote sensing), the GIS laboratory has been equipped with a huge Geospatial database of nearly 15 terrabytes (1500GB) that include downscaled climate change scenarios. This includes a GIS database of current ward, district provincial and national boundaries. The geospatial database also includes a collection of satellite imagery of different resolutions (ASTER, LANDSAT, MODIS, and NOAA AVHRR), digital topographic maps. There is also data on the communication or road infrastructure, schools (90 % complete), clinics (approx 80% complete), as well as a toponomy database with names of many places, rivers and topographic features which is very critical for the accomplishment of this project. In the GIS and Remote Sensing Labs, we have capacity to develop Databases in proprietary database software such as MS-ACCESS, as well as Open Source software such as Open Office and PostGIS.

1.2.3. Project team
The project team (Table 1) is composed of well qualified and dedicated research, academic and technical staff with demonstrated capacity for strategic thinking and analysis plus expertise in Writing High level policy documents, Geoinformation Science, Near-Real time data collection, database development and implementation and social science research including working with communities in development projects. Based on this expertise, the team has been able to undertake several capacity building projects, and organizational research both nationally and regionally (see section on completed projects). Through these projects, the team personnel have been able to make the department the current national and regional leader in linking GIS, GPS, Remote Sensing with Participatory and Social Survey methodologies for community development and environmental management. Brought together, this capacity enables the team to assist different organizations, the Government of Zimbabwe and the SADC region to improve accuracy and cost?effectiveness of studies, keep data collection costs low, and identify hotspots for implementation of programmes aimed at helping regions to develop. The CVs of the key personnel are provided in Appendices 1.
Table 1. Key Personnel and relevant expertise on GEFSGP thematic areas
Key Personnel GEFSGP thematic area of expertise
Dr P. Tagwireyi Biodiversity
Dr I. Gwitira Climate change
Dr H. Ndaimani Land degradation
Dr F. Zengeya, Chemicals
Dr S Shekede International waters

Experience in similar work
The DGES has relevant experience in conducting similar work. For example the DGES produced the OP6 CPS, the landscape selection as well as the baseline for Binga, Chimanimani and Shurugwi. For reference regarding: 1) expertise in preparing documents; 2) experience in working with community-led initiatives as well as experience in community and stakeholder participatory processes; 3) expertise on global environment and sustainable development issues; experience on issues relating to landscape management; and 4) capacity to produce high quality qualitative research and ability to absorb, analyze and synthesize large amounts of complex information within tight deadlines, please see Table 2.


# Title Team leader Source of support Amount
14 Delineation of the Dreifontein Wetlands (2019) Dr H Ndaimani Birdlife Zimbabwe $2,500
13 End of Project Evaluation of the 2019 Mass Drug Adminstration for Trachoma (Gokwe South and Mudzi districts) (2019) Dr P. Tagwireyi Sightsavers, UK $15,000
12 Mbire Land Use Plan for the Conservation of Biodiversity (2019) Dr H. Ndaimani African Wildlife Foundation $41,000
11 GIS and Remote Sensing Analysis For A Project To Reduce Deforestation in the Buffer Area of Hurungwe, Ward 8, Zimbabwe (2019) Dr P. Tagwireyi African Wildlife Foundation $8,000
10 End of Project Evaluation of the Pfizer Life Course Immunization Project in Gokwe North and Gokwe South Districts (2018) Dr P. Tagwireyi World Vision Zimbabwe $18,000
9 United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification 7th Reporting for Zimbabwe (2018) Dr P. Tagwireyi UNDP, EMA $10,000
8 Design and Implementation and Maintenance of an Online Database Management System for Land Management Projects in Zimbabwe (2018) Dr P. Tagwireyi The government of Zimbabwe, Environmental Management Agency $25,000
7 Endline Evaluation of the 2017 Mass Drug Administration Project (MDAP) for Zimbabwe (2018) Dr P. Tagwireyi End Fund, USA $18,000
6 The Baseline for 6 Projects Funded under Nyanga Landscape and Co-ordinated by Chitsanza Development Association (CHIDA) (2017) Dr P. Tagwireyi UNDP/GEF OP6 $4,500
5 Pilot Global Fuel Economy Program (2017) Dr P. Tagwireyi Zimbabwe Energy Regulating Authority $27,000
4 Life Course Immunization Project ? Knowledge Attitudes Practices Beliefs (LCIP-KAPB) Immunization coverage baseline for Gokwe North and South Districts, Zimbabwe (2017) Dr P. Tagwireyi World Vision Zimbabwe $13,000
3 Endline Evaluation of the Improving Girls? Access through Transforming Education (IGATE) - Bicycles for Educational Empowerment Programs (BEEP) Project (2017) Dr P. Tagwireyi World Vision Zimbabwe $6,300
2 SGP 6th Operational Phase Country Program Strategy Development Process (2016) Dr P. Tagwireyi UNDP-GEF $25,000
1 Scaling up Adaptation in Zimbabwe, with a Focus on Rural Livelihoods Project (2016) Prof A. Murwira UNDP-GEF 120,000

Please see sections on CVs, and completed projects for documented evidence of expertise in the designated GEFSGP thematic area

1.1. Project Objectives and Expected Results
The part of the OP7 project covered by this proposal has four main activities:
1. An evaluation of Shurugwi pilot landscape that was supported under Operational Phase 6 (OP6) to capture results and lessons learnt.
To achieve this objective we plan to hold key consultative meetings with stakeholders in three selected project wards of Shurugwi district. Participants will be drawn from representatives of government and non-government, traditional leadership and OP6-funded project leaders in the selected wards. The purpose of the meetings is to solicit information to answer end of project evaluation questions pertaining but not limited to:
Impact. Assess the quality of the project?s Theory of Change (ToC) and assess the project?s positive and negative economic, social and environmental effects resulting from the project basing on the verified ToC.
Relevance/Appropriateness. How far has the project addressed the needs of the target communities, supported government policies related to environment protection.
Effectiveness. How far did the project achieve the intended outputs and outcomes? Document factors that enabled as well as disenabled the project?s success, success stories, e.g. case-studies, best practice.
Efficiency. Were resources used efficiently, activities cost-efficient and milestones met in time? Could the project have been implemented at lower costs and achieved the same objectives?
Sustainability. Appraise the project?s social and communal sustainability i.e, community ownership, partnering, transformed relationships, social accountability and conflict resolution. Assess the economic sustainability i.e., resilience and risk reduction at multiple levels (ward, village, household and individual level).
The key output of the first objective will be the End of Project Evaluation Report supported with video documentary. The output will be used to focus OP7 on Binga and Chimanimani landscapes for achievement of greater strategic impact through clustering of projects and achievement of synergies.
2. Multi-stakeholder consultations.
The consultative meetings will involve the SGP National Steering Committee, and other relevant partners from government, civil society, UNDP, partner agencies in order to achieve a broad consensus on the country programme approach in OP7 and to solicit for ideas on typology of innovative projects that can be supported with 30% of the grant. outside of Binga and Chimanimani selected landscapes.
3. Updating Baseline Report for the Landscapes of Binga and Chimanimani
A lot has changed after the baseline assessments that were conducted for Binga and Chimanimani in January 2016. The updating process will target, baseline assessments for biodiversity including livestock and rangelands, water, soil, and community needs. The rationale of these assessments (rapid assessment) is to gather both geo-scientific and socio-economic baseline data for potential strategic investments. Specifically the baseline seeks to (a) develop the landscape strategy that will guide grant-making with typology of projects proposed, and sets of indicators for selected SGP strategic initiatives, and, (b) provide information about the current state of Binga and Chimanimani landscapes. Methods to be used to gather the data include but are not limited to focus groups discussions with local communities, key informant interviews, transect walks, water and soil sample collection for lab analysis and satellite image analysis. The output of the baseline assessment will be used as a basis for setting goals and desired outcomes for projects to be funded under OP7. Possibilities for: linking and connecting the projects with Binga and those in Chimanimani, fostering engagement with local authorities, identifying policy influence and scaling up opportunities, promoting participatory M&E that enables community involvement, and facilitating knowledge management and capture and dissemination of results will be articulated.
The key result of the baseline assessments will be the updated baseline reports for Binga and Chimanimani.

4) Drafting and finalisation of Country Programme Strategy for GEF 7.
This activity involves drafting the CPS for GEF 7 to the specifications stated by the SGP office including its circulation among stakeholders before submitting to the New York office. To achieve this objective, we plan to write the CPS using information derived from the consultative meetings, baseline assessments, literature review and key informant interviews. The literature to be reviewed includes national policy documents, MEAs, GEFSGP Global Project Document for OP7 and UNDP Country Programme Document.

1.4. Description of Project Activities
The specific activities of this project involve:
1. Evaluation of Shurugwi Pilot landscape
The first activity involves the evaluation of the work that was done under Shurugwi pilot landscape under Operational Phase 6. The evaluation will produce a report and video documentary capturing the achievements and lessons learnt that will help to inform the work to be done under GEF 7. The evaluation will involve a visit to all key projects sites and meeting with project teams.

2. Updating baseline reports for Binga and Chimanimani that were produced under Operational Phase 6
OP7 will support Binga and Chimanimani landscapes that could not be funded under O.P6. Baselines were conducted in January 2016, but will need to be updated
inco-operate current changes on the environment and economic front. For example, Chimanimani was affected by cyclone IDAI and consequent changes need to be reflected in the updated baseline reports. The updating process will also seek to give an inventory of the current efforts being done by different agencies that OP7 can scale up.

3. Multi-stakeholder consultations
The consultation process will be covered through conducting at least one meeting in Harare, Bulawayo and Mutare. Consultations will be held with the NSC, other relevant partners from government, civil society and UNDP in order to have broad consensus on the country programme approach in OP7. At the meeting, data will be gathered to be used in the selection of the granting area(s) of focus for OP7. One of the major outputs will be selection of projects to be funded underOP7 taking into consideration SGP?s niche, opportunities, challenges, and potential for synergies.

4. OP7 Country Programme Strategy consultations and Scoping exercise and production
Under this area, the activities to be covered include the following:
? Communications, outreach and capacity development about OP7 and its strategic initiatives.
? Conduct an assessment and scoping exercise to take stock of the results and achievements of the SGP OP6 country programme.
? Identify the priority directions for programming in OP7 in line with the SGP OP7 project document, the country?s national priorities and OP7 programming directions.
? Literature review of National Level documents to come up with National priorities for support especially in the environmental sector that SGP seeks to address.
? Literature review of UNDP Country Programme Document (CPD) and Strategic plan to ensure that the CPS is aligned to these.
The final process involves writing the CPS, and presenting the CPS to the NC and NSC for review and approval.

Table 2: Objectives, activities and outputs

OBJECTIVE 1
Operational Phase 7Evaluation of Shurugwi Pilot landscape funded under OP6.
Activities relating to objective 1 Outputs of completed activity

1.1 Designing instruments for evaluation of OP7 projects that were supported under Shurugwi district.

1.2 Consultative meetings in all wards with OP6 funded projects under Shurugwi District.

1.3 Writing the report and data analysis and production of video documentary.

1.1 Instruments in the form of Questionnaires, Focus Group Discussion guide and Key Informant Interview guide.


1.2 Meeting reports in all the wards supported by GEFSGP.


1.3 The OP6 Evaluation Report video documentary.
OBJECTIVE 2:
Updating Baseline Assessments for Binga and Chimanimani
Activities relating to objective 2 Outputs of completed activity
2.1. Updating Baseline assessments on the threats and status of biodiversity, water, land degradation, climate and livelihoods for Binga and Chimanimani districts with special emphasis on community needs. 2.1 Updated Baseline Assessment Reports for both Binga and Chimanimani Districts.
OBJECTIVE 3:
Multi-stakeholder Consultations.
3.1. Three meeting each for Harare, Bulawayo and Mutare 3.2. Data for developing the CPS
3.3. Typology of projects for focus under OP7
OBJECTIVE 4:
Country Programme Strategy (CPS) Finalization
Activities relating to objective 3 Outputs of completed activity
4.1. Data analysis and synthesis
4.2. Literature review
4.3. Writing the CPS 41. Country Programme Strategy Report