Purpose:
Research Methods International was contracted by CARE International to conduct a baseline study for the Tayambuka Project, “Prevailing over Food Insecurity Challenge in a Dignified Way,” implemented in Bikita District, Zimbabwe. The purpose of the study was to establish benchmark values for key food security, resilience, gender, and social inclusion indicators, and to generate evidence to inform adaptive programming and future impact measurement.

The baseline assessed household food consumption, hunger levels, coping strategies, income, gender dynamics in decision-making, and community satisfaction with humanitarian assistance, with a strong focus on vulnerable groups, including women-headed households and people with disabilities.

Methodology:
The study applied a rigorous mixed-methods design, combining quantitative household surveys (204 households), focus group discussions, and key informant interviews across five wards in Bikita District. Data collection and analysis adhered to internationally recognised food security measurement standards.

Status:
Completed. The baseline report was finalised and submitted in November 2024, providing CARE with robust, actionable evidence to guide implementation, monitoring, and learning for the Tayambuka Project.