| Overview : This is the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the UNDP-GEF Midterm Review (MTR) of the full -sized project titled “Addressing barriers to adoption of improved charcoal technologies and Sustainable land management practices through an integrated approach” implemented through the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD), National Forestry Authority (NFA) and four district Local Governments including Kiryandongo, Kiboga, Nakaseke and Mubende.. The project was signed in May 2014, though full implementation commenced in July 2014 and is currently in its second year of implementation. In line with the UNDP-GEF Guidance on MTRs, this ToR sets out the expectations and its process will follow the guidance outlined on http://web.undp.org/review/documents/guidance/GEF/mid-term/Guidance MidtermReview_EN_2014.pdf Over 80% of the entire population in Uganda depend on biomass as the main source of energy for cooking. Charcoal is most preferred in most urban centres due to its higher energy density, easier storage and transportation. Recent estimates indicate that the demand for charcoal has been increasing steadily at an estimated 6% per annum. The industry also faces challenges relating to inadequate mechanisms for regulation and conflicting policy provisions besides no designate policy for the country hence making it difficult for Local Governments to perform their roles. The industry also experiences challenges such as; poor production methods and lack of sustainable supplies, exuberated by low capacities of Local Governments to address the current management challenges within the industry including enforcement of regulations governing the production and utilization of biomass energy and the demand for commercialization of charcoal. Eventually, the growing demand for charcoal if not properly managed may translate into dis-incentives that may escalate the degradation of the charcoal sources (forests/woodlands). Since July 2014, the Government of Uganda through MEMD with support from UNDP/GEF has implemented the Green Charcoal project supporting institutional and capacity development at the district level on both policy and policy adaptation/implementation, delved into transfer of technologies for efficient charcoal production and sustainable land management practices, and enhanced tree stocks with NFA. Being half –way the project life, this MTR will help to document the progress made so far, recommend strategies that will enhance delivery of intended project results commensurate with the investments made. According to the GEF guidance notes, MTRs are a monitoring tool to assess project status and challenges, identify corrective actions to ensure that projects are on track to achieve planned outcomes. As such, MTRs are required for full-sized UNDP supported projects with GEF financing such as this one. | 
