Consultancy Service for Forest Species Assessment and Agroforestry in Nepal's Mid-Hills Region

Terms of Reference (ToR)

Consultancy Service for Forest Species Assessment and Agroforestry in Nepal's Mid-Hills Region (1000-2000m)

Introduction

People in Need (PIN) is a non-governmental, non-profit, international organization founded in the Czech Republic in 1992. PIN arrived in Nepal as part of a humanitarian response to the April 25, 2015 earthquake. Since its inception in Nepal, PIN has had a strong role advocating and addressing the needs of vulnerable population affected by disaster including person categories who live in geographically remote areas of the country, historically marginalized ethnic groups, and those marginalized because of their age and/or gender identity. PIN has also supported Nepal's post-earthquake reconstruction efforts ensuring that the most vulnerable people are not left behind with resilience (focused on shelter and resettlement) and education programming. PIN-Nepal is strongly committed to the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults, including persons with disabilities, in line with its safeguarding framework and child protection policy. 

People in Need (PIN) Nepal is implementing Pratibaddha-III project funded by European Union Commission for Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection which aims is to enhance early action and forecast-based planning in six palikas across Pyuthan, Jajarkot, and Bajhang (2 in each district). The overall objective of this project is to save lives, properties, and livelihoods of people from recurring hazards such as landslides, flashfloods, fire and earthquake.  

Objectives of Assessment 

People in Need (PIN) seeks to engage a forestry consultant to conduct comprehensive research on suitable tree species combining agroforestry practices and bio-engineering solutions and species selection for landslide prevention and erosion control for Nepal's mid-hills region (1000-2000m altitude). This assessment will support PIN's initiatives in sustainable land management, erosion control, and community-based forestry programs. And will PIN's disaster risk reduction initiatives through nature-based solutions, with particular emphasis on stabilizing slopes and preventing soil erosion in vulnerable areas. 

Major Objectives 

The Major objective of the assessment are: 

• Assess and recommend appropriate tree species for different altitudinal zones between 1000-2000m 
• Evaluate species performance across multiple criteria 
• Develop species mixing recommendations for public and agricultural lands (blueprint) 
• Document existing successful bioengineering and agroforestry practices 
• Analyze soil conditions and current vegetation in target areas 

Scope of Assignment

1. Species Assessment and Evaluation 

• Conduct comprehensive research on suitable tree species for the 1000-2000m altitude range 
• Evaluate and rank species based on the following criteria:  
  • Economic productivity (income potential from harvests) 
  • Carbon sequestration capacity 
  • Soil improvement capabilities 
  • Erosion control effectiveness 
  • Drought resilience 
  • Contribution to biodiversity 
  • Cultural acceptance and local preferences 
  • Market demand for tree products 
  • Growth rate and maintenance requirements 

2. Species Mixing Recommendations 

• Develop specific recommendations for species combinations suitable for:  
  • Different altitude ranges within the 1000-2000m zone 
  • Various slope aspects (north-facing, south-facing, etc.) 
  • Different soil types and conditions 
  • Public lands (community forests, roadside plantations) 
  • Agricultural lands (agroforestry systems) 

3. Field Assessment 

• Conduct soil sampling and analysis in selected areas  
  • Minimum 3 samples per representative site 
  • Analysis of soil pH, organic matter content, and major nutrients 
• Document existing vegetation patterns and successful species 
• Assess current state of natural regeneration 
• Document existing bioengineering structures and their effectiveness 

4. Best Practices Documentation 

• Research and document successful bioengineering practices in Nepal 
• Compile case studies of successful agroforestry systems 
• Document traditional and indigenous knowledge related to tree-farming systems 
• Identify challenges and opportunities in implementation 

Experience and Qualifications

The firm should have:

• More than 7 years’ experience Nepal's forestry sector 
• Lead consultant should have Master's degree in forestry, Natural Resource Management or related field.
• Experience in species selection and agroforestry systems, Soil sampling and relevant analysis, 
• Preferred, one with previous experience working with INGOs.

Timeline

The time frame for this assignment is from 24 February 2025 to 24 May 2025. Further, together with Pratibaddha Team, the consultant should prepare realistic plan. 

Deliverables 

1.     Inception Report  

• Detailed methodology 
• Work plan 
• Site selection criteria for field assessment 

2.     Species Assessment Report  

• Comprehensive species database with rankings 
• Detailed evaluation matrices for each species 
• Species combination recommendations 
• Maps showing recommended species distribution by altitude 

3.     Field Assessment Report  

• Soil analysis results 
• Current vegetation documentation 
• Photo documentation 
• GPS coordinates of sampling sites 

4.     Final Technical Report Including:  

• Executive summary 
• Detailed findings 
• Species recommendations with rationale 
• Implementation guidelines 
• Challenges and opportunities 
• Best practices documentation 
• Recommendations for scaling 

Methodology 

The consultant will conduct a thorough study using a combination of quantitative and qualitative research methods. This may include surveys, interviews, focus group discussions, and analysis of data collected from secondary sources. 

Facilitation 

PIN will assist the consultant with communication with relevant stakeholders and local government and provide necessary information on the project.

Logistics

PIN will cover the transportation for field work.

Location

Consultant will have to travel to selected local levels of Bajhang, Jajarkot, Pyuthan, Sindhupalchowk and Rasuwa district based on the desk review and inception report.  

Evaluation method (performance of evaluation criteria): 

A. Price (40%)

The evaluation result of this criterion equals the following formula: Price A/Price B * criteria weight. 

Price A = lowest price from all submitted offers; Price B = actual price offered by the tenderer.

B. Quality (60%)

The bids will be evaluated by a procurement committee considering the following criteria for a technical proposal. The total marks of the technical evaluation will be 60 whereas the weightage is given below-

The evaluation result of this criterion equals to the following formula: Points B/Points A * criteria weight. Points A = highest points score from all; Points B = actual points score received from committee.

Payment Terms

PIN will provide the consultancy fees in two instalments, the first instalment (30%) will be provided immediately after the signature of the agreement, the second instalment (70%) will be provided after the submission of the final manual as mentioned above in Deliverable section. As per GON policy, tax shall be deducted from the contractual amount. 

Application procedure

The applications should submit the following documents:

• Profile of the institution with CVs of key Personnel
• Technical proposal with proven experience, key deliverables, plan of action, and timeline, including field visits
• Financial proposal budget breakdown 
• A copy of the Company Registration certificate (where applicable)
• A copy of VAT certificate and/or PAN details (obligatory)
• A copy of latest tax clearance 2080/81 (where applicable)
• Sample of Previous similar Work

Interested individuals/firms are requested to send their application by 16th February 2025 COB to milan.silwal@peopleinneed.net