RFPs: Yak-Based Livelihood Enterprise Development Value Chain Support (India)

Deadline: 08-Jun-2026

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is seeking a qualified organisation to implement a specialised livelihood enterprise development and biodiversity conservation initiative focused on yak-based livelihoods in the Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh, India. The project aims to strengthen traditional pastoral economies, promote women-led enterprises, support sustainable yak-based value chains, and integrate biodiversity conservation into community livelihood systems.

The initiative will work closely with the Brokpa community across villages including Kibber, Komic, Hikkim, Langza, Chicham, and Key. The programme combines livelihood development, market access, traditional knowledge preservation, conservation financing, and sustainable grazing management to create a scalable pastoral development model for high-altitude Himalayan communities.

What is the UNDP Yak-Based Livelihood Initiative?

The project is a community-based livelihood and conservation programme designed to revitalise yak-based pastoral economies while protecting fragile Himalayan ecosystems.

The initiative supports:

• Yak-based livelihood enterprises
• Women-led entrepreneurship
• Traditional dairy and wool processing
• Sustainable grazing systems
• Biodiversity conservation
• Community-based value chains
• Cultural heritage preservation
• Ethical market development

The project aims to strengthen economic resilience while preserving the ecological and cultural identity of the Brokpa pastoral community.

Project Location

The programme will be implemented in the Spiti Valley region of Himachal Pradesh, India.

Target Villages Include:

• Kibber
• Komic
• Hikkim
• Langza
• Chicham
• Key

These villages are home to traditional yak-herding Brokpa communities living in high-altitude Himalayan ecosystems.

Main Objectives of the Initiative

The programme seeks to integrate sustainable livelihoods with biodiversity conservation and community empowerment.

Key Objectives Include:

• Strengthening yak-based livelihoods
• Supporting women-led enterprises
• Improving market access for yak products
• Preserving traditional pastoral knowledge
• Promoting biodiversity conservation
• Enhancing sustainable grazing systems
• Developing ethical value chains
• Supporting climate-resilient livelihoods

Focus Areas of the Project

Yak-Based Livelihood Enterprise Development

The initiative supports development of sustainable enterprises linked to yak-based products and services.

Traditional Dairy and Wool Processing

Projects will document and strengthen traditional processing methods related to:

• Yak cheese
• Dairy products
• Yak wool yarn
• Handwoven textiles
• Handicrafts

Women-Led Entrepreneurship

The programme strongly prioritises women’s participation through:

• Women-led self-help groups
• Cooperative development
• Enterprise training
• Business mentoring
• Market participation support

Biodiversity Conservation

Conservation activities will focus on:

• Habitat restoration
• Sustainable resource management
• Grazing management systems
• Biodiversity protection
• Community conservation financing

Branding and Product Development

The initiative includes support for:

• Product design
• Collective branding
• Packaging development
• Storytelling materials
• Ethical marketing strategies

GI Certification Support

The project will assist communities with:

• Geographical Indication (GI) processes
• Product identity protection
• Documentation support
• Heritage-based branding approaches

Multi-Phase Project Structure

The initiative will be implemented through several interconnected phases.

Phase 1: Baseline Assessment

The selected organisation will conduct detailed assessments of existing livelihood systems.

Assessment Areas Include:

• Yak herd sizes
• Existing product categories
• Household income levels
• Women’s participation
• Market access conditions
• Community institutions
• Livelihood challenges

Deliverables During This Phase

The implementing partner must submit:

• Inception report
• Detailed assessment report
• Strategic recommendations for future interventions

Phase 2: Enterprise Foundation Development

This phase focuses on community mobilisation and enterprise planning.

Key Activities Include:

• Community orientation workshops
• Local-language engagement sessions
• Women-focused enterprise workshops
• Traditional knowledge documentation
• Skills assessments
• Co-design of enterprise models

Product Development Roadmap

The selected organisation must develop a roadmap identifying at least four new or improved yak-based products.

Possible Products Include:

• Dried yak cheese
• Flavoured cheeses
• Yak wool yarn
• Woven textiles
• Handmade crafts

Branding and Packaging Development

The project includes extensive support for product identity creation.

Activities Include:

• Collective brand identity creation
• Visual branding development
• Eco-friendly packaging design
• Storytelling and marketing materials
• Cultural heritage integration
• GI-aligned branding systems

All branding must respect Brokpa cultural heritage and avoid exclusive ownership claims over traditional knowledge.

Phase 3: Enterprise Scale-Up

The scale-up phase focuses on strengthening business operations and production systems.

Activities Include:

• Field-based enterprise mentoring
• Product co-creation support
• Practical artisan training
• Formation of women-led cooperatives
• Self-help group registration
• Business development training

Business Training Topics

Training may cover:

• Product quality standards
• Pricing strategies
• Packaging systems
• Bookkeeping
• Market readiness
• Enterprise management

Expected Outputs

At least:

• Two new community-developed product lines

must be launched during this phase.

Phase 4: Market Linkage and Content Creation

This phase supports promotion and commercialisation of yak-based products.

Market Linkage Activities Include:

• Participation in fairs and exhibitions
• Ethical retail partnerships
• Buyer engagement
• Product showcases
• Marketing campaigns

Required Market Outcomes

The implementing partner must formalise:

• At least two market partnership agreements

with buyers or ethical retail platforms.

Documentary and Storytelling Content

The project also requires production of:

• A short documentary

OR

• A high-quality photo essay

The content should highlight:

• Revival of yak-based livelihoods
• Community conservation efforts
• Brokpa cultural heritage
• Women-led enterprise development

The materials will be shared through UNDP and related networks.

Biodiversity Conservation Components

The initiative integrates livelihood development with environmental conservation.

Conservation Activities Include:

• Supporting Biodiversity Management Committees
• Strengthening women artisan collectives
• Operationalising Local Biodiversity Funds
• Developing conservation financing systems

Conservation Financing Requirement

A portion of enterprise income must contribute toward:

• Habitat restoration
• Sustainable resource management
• Biodiversity conservation activities

Phase 5: Consolidation and Replication

The final phase focuses on sustainability and long-term replication.

Activities Include:

• Enterprise consolidation
• Transition planning
• Replication strategy development
• Community grazing management planning

Community Grazing Management Plan

The project requires development of a grazing plan combining:

• Traditional Brokpa rotational grazing systems

with

• Scientific land management approaches

The goal is to ensure long-term ecological sustainability.

Replication Framework

The selected organisation must develop a framework for scaling similar pastoral livelihood and conservation models across other Himalayan communities.

Gender Inclusion Requirements

The programme places strong emphasis on women’s participation.

Mandatory Requirement

At least:

• 50 percent participation of women

must be ensured across all:

• Trainings
• Enterprise activities
• Capacity-building programmes
• Community engagement processes

Cultural Heritage Protection

The initiative requires all products and branding systems to:

• Respect Brokpa cultural heritage
• Avoid proprietary ownership claims
• Protect traditional knowledge systems
• Ensure ethical representation of community identity

Who is Eligible?

Eligible proposers must comply with UNDP procurement and eligibility requirements.

Eligible Applicants May Include:

• Nonprofit organisations
• Development organisations
• Social enterprises
• Community development agencies
• Livelihood and conservation organisations
• Research and implementation institutions

Consortium and Joint Venture Eligibility

Joint ventures and consortium applications are permitted.

Requirements Include:

• Formal partnership agreements
• Designation of a lead entity
• Clear division of responsibilities

Compliance Requirements

Applicants must comply with:

• Conflict-of-interest policies
• UNDP procurement standards
• Non-debarment requirements
• Ethical implementation conditions

Why This Initiative Matters

Supports Indigenous and Pastoral Livelihoods

The project strengthens traditional Himalayan pastoral economies and preserves indigenous knowledge systems.

Promotes Women’s Economic Empowerment

Women-led enterprise development is central to the initiative’s livelihood strategy.

Protects Fragile Himalayan Ecosystems

The programme integrates biodiversity conservation with sustainable economic development.

Strengthens Sustainable Value Chains

The initiative promotes ethical, culturally respectful, and environmentally sustainable market systems.

Creates Scalable Community Models

The project aims to develop a replicable framework for other high-altitude pastoral communities across the Himalayas.

How to Apply

Step 1: Review UNDP Procurement Requirements

Ensure compliance with all eligibility and procurement conditions.

Step 2: Develop a Technical Proposal

Prepare a proposal covering:

• Livelihood development strategy
• Conservation integration
• Gender inclusion approach
• Community engagement methods
• Enterprise development systems

Step 3: Build Partnerships if Necessary

Form consortiums or partnerships where relevant.

Step 4: Prepare a Work Plan

Include:

• Project phases
• Activity timelines
• Monitoring systems
• Staffing structure
• Community participation strategy

Step 5: Demonstrate Relevant Experience

Highlight expertise in:

• Livelihood development
• Pastoral systems
• Biodiversity conservation
• Women-led enterprises
• Himalayan community engagement

Step 6: Submit the Proposal

Complete the official UNDP submission process before the application deadline.

Tips for a Strong Proposal

• Demonstrate experience with indigenous communities
• Include gender-responsive implementation strategies
• Show understanding of pastoral systems
• Integrate conservation and livelihood approaches
• Prioritise ethical and culturally sensitive branding
• Include realistic market linkage strategies
• Demonstrate strong field implementation capacity

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Weak community participation strategies
• Insufficient gender inclusion planning
• Ignoring cultural heritage considerations
• Unrealistic market assumptions
• Poor sustainability planning
• Limited conservation integration
• Weak stakeholder coordination mechanisms

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the main goal of this UNDP initiative?

The project aims to strengthen yak-based livelihoods while promoting biodiversity conservation and women-led entrepreneurship in Spiti Valley.

Where will the project be implemented?

The initiative will be implemented across villages in Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh, including Kibber, Komic, Hikkim, Langza, Chicham, and Key.

Who are the target communities?

The project primarily supports the Brokpa yak-herding community.

What types of products will be developed?

Products may include yak cheese, flavoured dairy products, yak wool yarn, woven textiles, and handicrafts.

Is women’s participation mandatory?

Yes. At least 50 percent participation of women is required across all project activities.

Can consortiums apply?

Yes. Joint ventures and consortium applications are allowed with appropriate agreements and a designated lead entity.

What conservation activities are included?

The initiative supports biodiversity management, habitat restoration, grazing management systems, and community conservation financing.

Final Thoughts

The UNDP Yak-Based Livelihood and Conservation Initiative 2026 represents an important effort to strengthen sustainable pastoral economies while protecting fragile Himalayan ecosystems and preserving indigenous cultural heritage.

By integrating women-led enterprises, ethical value chains, biodiversity conservation, and traditional knowledge systems, the programme creates a comprehensive model for climate-resilient and community-driven development in high-altitude Himalayan regions.

For more information, visit UNDP.