Terms of Reference (ToR) for the Consultancy Services on Study on local races of crop varieties in project area and their roles in climate change adaptation in agriculture sector’

Terms of Reference (ToR) for the Consultancy Services on

‘Study on local races of crop varieties in project area and their roles in climate change adaptation in agriculture sector’

Background and Rationale:

Rural Development Centre (RDC) Nepal is a non-political and non-profitable organization established on May 2002 with its head office in Rautahat District, Madhesh Province, Nepal. Since then, RDC Nepal is heavily engaged in humanitarian assistance, community development, conservation of natural resources, and environmental protection mainly in the Terai region of Nepal through the dozens of humanitarian and long-term development projects reaching out to the children, adolescent, youth, women, landless, urban poor and people living with disabilities, HIV & AIDS patients, conflict and disaster survivors from the poor families of historically marginalized Dalits, Muslims, Madhesi and Indigenous communities and other underprivileged groups.

Throughout its journey, RDC Nepal has been recognized by the Government of Nepal, Donor Communities, UN Agencies, many International Relief and Development Agencies for its achievements in transforming the society, for its good governance, inclusive operating structure, result-oriented development interventions and humanitarian assistance, which RDC Nepal considers its greatest strength to take the lead in the social & development sector across the country.

For creating greater impact of its program, RDC Nepal has been working on advocacy & influencing on Climate Change, Disaster Management & another relevant sector. Since April 2023, the organization has been implementing the Oxfam-funded “Climate Change Adaptation & Advocacy Project (C-CAAP)” in Chandrapur Municipality, Rautahat district. Climate change poses significant challenges to communities affecting various aspects of life including agriculture, health and livelihood and many more. At the local level, the effects of climate change, including rising temperatures, extreme weather events, shifting precipitation patterns, droughts, and infestation by pests on agriculture are already being felt and are expected to intensify in the coming years.

One of the key focus of the project is the study and promotion of local crop varieties. These varieties, developed through generations of traditional knowledge, play a vital role in building climate-resilient agricultural systems. They are naturally adapted to local conditions, require fewer external inputs, and contribute to conserving agro-biodiversity. By fostering the use of local crop varieties, the project seeks to create sustainable and equitable food systems capable of adapting to and mitigating the impacts of climate change. In this connection, this Terms of Reference (ToR) outlines the need for a detailed study to document and analyze the role of local crop and neglected and underutilized species (NUS) varieties in supporting climate change adaptation in agriculture in project area i.e. Chandrapur Municipality, Rautahat. The study’s findings will inform future programming, advocacy efforts, and policies aimed at fostering resilience and sustainability in Chandrapur and adjacent relevant geographical agricultural sector in Nepal.

Objective of the study:

The primary objectives for conducting this study are:

• To identify and document the existing local races of crops and NUS varieties in Chandrapur municipality.
• To analyze their specific roles in climate change adaptation, including their resilience to climatic stresses.
• To assess their cultural, economic, ecological significance and uses in the context of sustainable agriculture.
• To provide actionable recommendations for conserving and promoting these crop varieties 

Role or Scope of Work:

The consultant/firm will be responsible for assuring minimum but not limited to:

• Conducting a literature review to understand existing knowledge on local crop races and their climate adaptation roles in the project area/district.
• Engaging with local communities (members from empowerment centers), farmers, and agricultural stakeholders to identify key crop races and collect detailed data on their traits and uses.
• Documenting the agronomic characteristics, adaptability, and resilience of the identified local crop varieties.
• Exploring the challenges to their conservation and sustainable use, with a focus on climate-related vulnerabilities.
• Producing a comprehensive report with actionable recommendations for integrating these local crop races into broader climate adaptation policies and programs.
• Providing visual documentation (photos/videos) to illustrate the diversity and significance of the documented crop varieties.

Methodology:

To achieve the objectives of this assignment/study, the following methodology will be employed but not limited to;

1. Literature Review:

• Collect and review existing studies, reports, and publications on local crop varieties in the project area.
• Analyze national and international policy frameworks on agro-biodiversity conservation and climate change adaptation.

2. Field Surveys and Data Collection:

• Conduct field visits to selected sites within the project area.
• Use participatory tools, including focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and other tools as necessary to gather data from farmers, local communities, and local stakeholders.
• Document traditional knowledge related to local crop varieties, including seed-saving practices, cropping patterns, and resilience to environmental stresses.

3. Sampling and Agronomic Assessment:

• Identify and sample key local crop varieties for detailed agronomic analysis.
• Assess their adaptability, yield potential, and resistance to abiotic (e.g., drought, heat) and biotic (e.g., pests, diseases) stresses.

4. Stakeholder Engagement:

Organize consultations with local governments, agricultural experts, and community leaders to validate findings and gather additional insights.

5. Data Analysis and Reporting:

• Analyze qualitative and quantitative data collected during the study.
• Synthesize findings into a comprehensive report that highlights key roles of local crop varieties in climate adaptation, challenges to their conservation, and recommendations for their promotion.

6. Visual and Multimedia Documentation:

• Capture high-quality photographs and videos showcasing the identified crop varieties and related farming practices.
• Prepare visual content to complement the study report and for advocacy purposes.

Duration of the Assignment

The consultant/firm is expected to conduct this study by the beginning of the January and should not exceed the first week of February 2025.

Language of the Assignment:

The study will be carried out entirely on English language.

Deliverables:

• Inception Report: Outlining the methodology, data collection tools, and work plan (within a week] of contract signing.
• Draft Report: Presenting preliminary findings, including the identified crop races and their climate adaptation roles, for review and feedback within 10 days of field visit accomplishment.
• Final Report: A polished, comprehensive report incorporating feedback, with key findings, conclusions, and recommendations within a week of feedback received from RDC Nepal.
• Visual Documentation: High-quality photographs and/or video footage showcasing the identified crop races and related practices.

Expertise and Management:

The consultant will work in close coordination with the C-CAAP project focal person (i.e., Project Coordinator) from RDC Nepal & Technical Coordinator from Oxfam in Nepal. The deliverables will be formally approved by the project focal person, after considering the comments from Technical Coordinator, Oxfam in Nepal, and Executive Director from RDC Nepal.

The work will be carried out by the expert comprising following expertise: 

• At least master’s degree on the relevant discipline (ideally agronomist) and solid working experience on Agriculture and/or Climate change for the lead consultant. 
• Proven experience in agricultural research, with a focus on crop biodiversity and climate change adaptation.
• Expertise in documenting indigenous agricultural practices and local crop varieties.
• Strong analytical, writing, and communication skills with familiarity with the socio-economic and cultural context of the project area.
• Prior experience of accomplishing similar consulting assignments would be added value.

Responsibilities of RDC Nepal:

The RDC Nepal will be responsible for:

a) Ensuring the participants and coordination with relevant stakeholders for the events i.e. FGD and KII.

b) Finalizing date, time, and venue for the interview and discussion.

Tasks, Deliverables and Suggested Timeline for the Consultant

The budget is inclusive of all applicable taxes. Please prepare the financial proposal (RFQ) based on the above suggested timeframe:

Proposal Review/Scoring criteria

The assessment of the quotations will start with an assessment of the administrative criteria. That means that if these criteria aren’t met in your quotation, this quotation will be put aside, and the award criteria of this quotation will not be assessed.

The quotations that meet the administrative criteria will be assessed against the award criteria. The award criteria are assessed according to the following distribution of points.

Reporting Line:

The consultant will report to Project Coordinator of C-CAAP Project, RDC Nepal.

Mode of Payment:

The payment shall be made in the following installments:

Application Procedures:

Interested candidates and agencies should submit their application material (technical and financial proposal) in the detail below with statement of subject “Study on local races of crop varieties in project area and their roles in climate change adaptation in agriculture sector” by 24th of December 2024. Hard copies of the application can be submitted to RDC Nepal Office. Application materials should include:

1. Legal documents – (Updated CVs, Education and Experience Certificates, PAN Card)
2. Cover letter clearly summarizing your experience.
3. Technical and financial proposal, budget, and expression of interest.
4. Work plan including proposed timeline.

By accepting these terms of reference, the selected consultant/team agrees to adhere to the objectives, scope of work, and deliverables outlined above. Any deviations or changes must be communicated and agreed upon in writing with Rural Development Centre (RDC) Nepal.

Rural Development Centre (RDC) Nepal

Chandrapur-4 Rautahat

Contact no: +977 55 540203 and +977 9864008942

Email: procurement@rdcnepal.org