Farm Radio International (FRI) is seeking a qualified Researcher or Research Team to conduct a comprehensive study assessing the sustainability, return on investment (ROI), and impact of its Green Leaf (GL) Communication Platforms in Uganda and Ghana. This consultancy is listed on ReliefWeb and offers a unique opportunity to evaluate an innovative agricultural extension model that integrates radio and digital technologies across sub-Saharan Africa. Position Overview Role Title: Researcher – Green Leaf Platforms Study Location: Remote (fieldwork in Uganda and Ghana required) Reports to: Manager, MERL Application Deadline: 19 March 2026 Contract Period: 1 April 2026 – 21 August 2026 Type: Consultancy Career Category: Monitoring & Evaluation The consultant will assess the Green Leaf platform model’s impact, cost-effectiveness, business sustainability, and ecosystem alignment, providing evidence to inform scale-up strategies and policy engagement. About Farm Radio International and Green Leaf Platforms Farm Radio International is a communication-for-development organisation serving rural African communities through radio and mobile technology. The Green Leaf (GL) platforms combine interactive radio programming with digital tools to deliver accessible, high-quality agricultural extension services. GL hubs consist of: Local radio producers Agricultural extension officers Farmers and civil society actors Private sector stakeholders The model has been tested across sub-Saharan Africa, with more extensive implementation in Ghana and Uganda (with support from the IKEA Foundation). FRI now seeks to rigorously assess whether the GL model is a cost-effective, scalable, and sustainable agricultural extension solution. Study Objectives The consultant will evaluate five key areas: Impact Assessment – Effects on farmers’ knowledge, behavior change, and livelihoods Operational Functioning – Management systems, participatory content design, stakeholder engagement Sustainability & Business Model Viability – Governance, funding models, institutionalisation Digital Extension Ecosystem Alignment – Fit within national digital agriculture strategies Return on Investment (ROI) – Cost-effectiveness compared to other extension models Findings will inform donor reporting, scale-up decisions, and potential peer-reviewed publications. Scope of Work 1. Case Studies (Objectives 1 & 2) The consultant will design and lead qualitative case studies in: 2–3 Green Leaf hubs per country 4–9 communities per country Methods may include: Document review Key informant interviews (radio producers, extension officers, stakeholders) In-depth farmer interviews Community observations Local research assistants will support fieldwork. 2. Sustainability & Business Model Analysis (Objective 3) This component includes: Review of financial and strategic documents Interviews with implementers and stakeholders Governance and revenue mapping Identification of financial and operational bottlenecks Recommendations for viable long-term funding models 3. Digital Extension Ecosystem Mapping (Objective 4) The consultant will map digital agricultural extension services in Uganda and Ghana, including: Government and NGO initiatives Private agritech actors IVR, SMS, mobile apps, AI advisory tools National frameworks such as Uganda’s NAEP and Ghana’s e-Agriculture Strategy The goal is to position GL within national digital ecosystems and identify scaling partnerships. 4. Return on Investment (ROI) Study (Objective 5) FRI seeks a robust methodology to determine GL’s cost-effectiveness relative to other models. The consultant will: Review ROI and cost-benefit literature Identify cost and benefit components Define ROI metrics (e.g., cost per farmer reached, cost per adoption) Compare GL with other extension approaches Collect and analyse primary and secondary data 5. Gender Equality & Inclusion Gender Equality and Inclusion (GEI) must be integrated into: Research methodology Data analysis Findings and recommendations Key Deliverables Deliverables will be completed over approximately 20 weeks, including: Inception report (April 15, 2026) Case study methodology and tools (May 6, 2026) ROI methodology and tools (May 20, 2026) Case study publication (June 25, 2026) ROI report (July 2, 2026) Sustainability & business model report (July 16, 2026) Digital ecosystem mapping report (July 30, 2026) Policy-oriented summary publication (August 21, 2026) Required Qualifications Lead Researcher Advanced degree (PhD or MSc) in agricultural economics, development economics, MEL, public policy, or rural development Proven ROI and cost-benefit analysis experience Knowledge of African extension systems Mixed-methods research expertise Experience in Uganda and/or Ghana preferred Research Team (if applicable) Quantitative analyst with econometrics background Qualitative researcher (FGDs, KIIs, case studies) Local research assistants in each country How to Apply Applicants (individuals, firms, or institutions) must submit: Technical proposal Detailed budget CVs of all team members Relevant report samples References Send applications to: jobapps@farmradio.orgSubject line: “Researcher for study on Green Leaf Platforms in Uganda and Ghana” Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. No phone calls. This consultancy offers a strategic opportunity to evaluate an innovative communication-for-development model and shape evidence-based agricultural extension systems across sub-Saharan Africa. For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering the scholarships. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.