RFPs: Promoting Regenerative Agriculture System through Safe Farming Practices (Nepal)

Deadline: 03-Apr-2026

The United Nations Development Programme Nepal, in partnership with Dhangadhi Sub-Metropolitan City, is seeking service providers to operationalize agricultural collection centers and strengthen market linkages. The initiative focuses on green jobs, climate-resilient farming, and sustainable livelihoods under the Green Transition Portfolio. Eligible applicants must have experience in sustainable agriculture, farmer training, and community-based development.

What is This Initiative?

The UNDP Nepal Green Transition Initiative aims to improve agricultural livelihoods, market access, and sustainability in Dhangadhi through the development of collection centers and promotion of safe farming practices.

This initiative is part of UNDP’s Green Transition Portfolio, which supports:

• Climate-resilient agriculture

• Green job creation

• Inclusive economic development

Key Definitions

Collection Centers

Collection centers are local aggregation points where:

• Farmers bring produce

• Products are sorted, stored, and marketed

• Buyers can access bulk supply

They improve market efficiency, pricing, and farmer income.

Safe Farming Practices

Agricultural methods that:

• Protect soil, water, and biodiversity

• Reduce chemical inputs

• Ensure safe and sustainable food production

Green Jobs

Employment opportunities that:

• Contribute to environmental sustainability

• Support climate resilience and circular economy

Project Objectives

The initiative focuses on three core goals:

1. Strengthen Livelihoods and Employment

• Create green jobs

• Improve farmer income

• Promote climate-resilient farming

2. Improve Market Linkages

• Establish and operationalize collection centers

• Enhance access to buyers and markets

• Support value chain development

3. Enable Scaling and Replication

• Generate data and lessons learned

• Support expansion to other wards and communities

Geographic Focus

• Location: Dhangadhi Sub-Metropolitan City

• Target Areas: Wards 7 and 17 (initial focus)

• Expansion: Other wards based on results

Scope of Work

1. Assessment and Gap Analysis

• Review safe farming practices (2024–2025)

• Identify gaps and improvement areas

2. Farmer Capacity Development

Training areas include:

• Soil health improvement

• Biodiversity conservation

• Income diversification

• Regenerative agriculture

3. Technical Support for Implementation

• Site and farmer selection

• Identification of tools and technologies

• Promotion of safe farming practices

4. Onsite Training (Farmers Field School Approach)

• Practical, field-based learning

• Topics include:

  • Crop production techniques

  • Business planning

  • Marketing and branding

5. Market System Strengthening

• Operationalize collection centers

• Improve supply chain coordination

• Enhance product quality and market access

Who is Eligible?

Eligible Applicants

• Service providers, NGOs, and organizations with relevant expertise

Minimum Requirements

• At least 3 years of experience in:

  • Sustainable agriculture

  • Agroforestry

  • Green skills development

  • Enterprise promotion

Preferred Experience

• Agri-product entrepreneurship

• Innovative agricultural technologies

• Collaboration with:

  • Local governments

  • Cooperatives

  • Private sector

  • Academic institutions

Added Value

• Experience with United Nations Development Programme or similar organizations

• Understanding of:

  • Gender equality

  • Social inclusion

  • Leave No One Behind principles

  • PSEA (Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse)

Why This Initiative Matters

Economic Impact

• Improves farmer incomes through better market access

• Supports rural employment and entrepreneurship

Environmental Sustainability

• Promotes climate-resilient and regenerative agriculture

• Protects natural resources

Social Inclusion

• Engages local communities and vulnerable groups

• Encourages equitable participation

Systemic Change

• Builds scalable models for sustainable agriculture

How It Works

Implementation Model

The initiative follows a community-based, integrated approach:

1. Assess existing farming practices

2. Train farmers using practical methods

3. Establish collection centers

4. Strengthen market connections

5. Monitor results and scale successful models

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Review Requirements

• Understand UNDP objectives and project scope

• Confirm eligibility and experience

Step 2: Develop a Proposal

Include:

• Implementation strategy

• Training and capacity-building plan

• Market linkage approach

Step 3: Prepare Technical Plan

• Outline tools, technologies, and methodologies

• Include sustainability and inclusion strategies

Step 4: Compile Documents

• Organizational profile

• Past project experience

• Team structure and CVs

• Budget and timeline

Step 5: Submit Application

• Follow UNDP submission guidelines

• Ensure completeness and compliance

Step 6: Evaluation

Applications are assessed based on:

• Technical expertise

• Feasibility and innovation

• Community engagement

• Alignment with green transition goals

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Weak understanding of local agricultural context

• Lack of clear market linkage strategy

• Insufficient farmer engagement

• Vague or unrealistic implementation plans

• Ignoring inclusion and sustainability principles

Tips for a Strong Application

• Demonstrate hands-on experience with farmers

• Emphasize market-driven solutions

• Provide clear, measurable outcomes

• Align with green and inclusive development goals

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the main goal of this initiative?

To improve agricultural livelihoods through sustainable farming and better market access.

2. Where will the project be implemented?

In Dhangadhi Sub-Metropolitan City, particularly wards 7 and 17.

3. What are collection centers?

Facilities where agricultural products are aggregated, stored, and linked to markets.

4. Who can apply?

Organizations with experience in agriculture, community development, and market systems.

5. What type of training is provided?

Farmers Field School training on production, business, marketing, and sustainability.

6. Is prior UNDP experience required?

Not mandatory, but considered an advantage.

7. What makes a proposal competitive?

Strong technical expertise, community engagement, and clear implementation strategy.

Conclusion

The UNDP Nepal Green Transition Initiative offers a strategic opportunity to transform agricultural systems in Dhangadhi through sustainable practices and improved market linkages. By integrating climate resilience, green jobs, and community empowerment, the program supports long-term economic and environmental sustainability. Organizations with practical experience and inclusive approaches are best positioned to deliver impactful results.

For more information, visit UNDP.