TERMS OF REFERENCE (TOR) 

TO

DEVELOP MANUAL ON REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE AND DELIVER TRAINING OF TRAINERS (TOT)

1.    BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT

Heifer International is a global development organization on a mission to end hunger and poverty in a sustainable way with caring for the earth. Heifer International Nepal aims to bring smallholder farm families above the living income benchmark sustainably through their engagement in competitive, sustainable, resilient, and inclusive agricultural value chains. To date, Heifer has supported over 400,000 farming families, 5,000 self-help groups and 300 Social Entrepreneur Women Cooperatives (SEWCs) in Nepal through strengthening social capital development, farm performance improvement in market system development approach with substantial efforts for caring of earth.

Heifer considers regenerative agriculture as a viable approach for restoring and enhancing the agroecological health including improved improving soil quality, water retention, and overall farm resilience. The intention of regenerative agriculture is to increase the land’s ability to heal and restore itself, so the soil productivity remains sustainably sufficient. Considering the geographical, socio-economic, agroecological and farming system diversity across diverse eco-belts in Nepal, locally adaptable extension resources are rarely available. Therefore, Heifer International intends to develop a manual on regenerative agriculture which can be useful reference for the front-line extension workers, practicing farmers, input suppliers, policy makers and other stakeholders. This manual shall provide practical guidance, knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to successfully implement regenerative agriculture methods to care for earth across diverse farming systems.

2.    OBJECTIVES

The primary objective of this assignment is to develop a practice field manual on regenerative agriculture followed by delivering a tailor-made a training to the trainers, the front-line extension staffs. Specifically, it should aim to:

• Provide a clear and accessible introduction to regenerative agriculture principles and practices.
• Offers practical guidance on how to implement regenerative techniques in Nepalese farming contexts.
• Includes step-by-step instructions, case studies, illustrations, and resources to support effective learning and implementation.
• Serves as a key knowledge resource for regenerative agriculture practitioners on designing, implementing and monitoring the regenerative agriculture and soil health.
• Enhance knowledge and skills of front-line agriculture professionals on regenerative agriculture.

3.    SCOPE OF WORK

The scope of this assignment is developing regenerative agriculture manual primarily targeting for field extension staffs and farmers with innovative tools, techniques and practices that helps farmers transition from conventional to regenerative practices. The manual will cover, not limited to, the following key aspects:

a.    Introduction to Regenerative Agriculture

• Overview and definition of regenerative agriculture.
• Key principles of regenerative agriculture.
• The significance of regenerative practices for sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship, soil health improvement in global, national, and local context.

b.    Core Regenerative Practices

• Soil and soil fertility management techniques
• Tillage and agronomic practices.
• Integrated crop and pest management.
• Agroforestry practices including homestead gardening, fruit forest, fodder/forage,
• Soil moisture management practices.
• Crop-livestock integration and management.
• Water conservation practices, including rainwater harvesting, efficient irrigation systems, and moisture retention methods.

c.    Economic and Social Aspects of Regenerative Agriculture

• Economic benefits and challenges of adopting regenerative practices.
• How regenerative agriculture can increase farm productivity and resilience.
• Social and community benefits (e.g., improved food security, community engagement, and rural development).
• Regenerative agriculture coping for climate change.

d.    Monitoring and Evaluation

• Tools and techniques for monitoring soil health, biodiversity, and overall farm performance.
• Metrics for evaluating the success of regenerative practices.
• Case studies and examples of successful regenerative agriculture projects and farms.

e.    Practical Exercises and Resources

• Step-by-step guides for implementing regenerative techniques.
• Illustrations, photos, and diagrams to support the learning process.
• Template forms, checklists, and other practical tools to aid farmers in applying the techniques.

f.    Challenges and Solutions

• Common challenge in transitioning to regenerative agriculture
• Practical solutions and recommendations for overcoming these challenges.
• Support networks, training opportunities, and resources available to farmers.

g.    Glossary and References

• Definitions of key terms and concepts in regenerative agriculture.
• A list of further reading materials, research papers, and online resources.
• References to scientific studies and field reports on regenerative practices.

4.    TARGET AUDIENCE

This manual shall serve for a wide range of stakeholders, including:

• Farmers: Small-scale farmers, with low or no experience in sustainable and regenerative agriculture practices.
• Agricultural Extension Workers: Trainers, field extension officers, and others who provide support to farmers.
• Community Leaders and NGOs: Individuals and organizations promoting sustainable and/or regenerative farming practices.
• Policymakers: Government representatives working on agricultural and environmental policy.

5.    METHODOLOGY

The development of the training manual will involve the following steps:

5.1.Desk review and literature research

• Review of existing literature on regenerative agriculture, including academic papers, reports, and training materials.
• Analysis of best practices and case studies from regions or projects where regenerative agriculture has been successfully implemented.

5.2.Consultation with Heifer and other Stakeholders

• Consultation with Heifer on its experience and objectives of this manual preparation,
• Interviews and focus group discussions with farmers, agricultural experts, and practitioners of regenerative agriculture.
• Gathering input from agricultural extension services, NGOs, and community groups about the specific needs of the target audience.

5.3.Content Development

• Drafting and structuring the manual in a clear, simple, and user-friendly manner.
• Incorporating both theory and practical instructions to facilitate effective learning.
• Ensuring that the content is relevant to local contexts and adaptable to different types of farming systems.
• Incorporating diagrams, flowcharts, photographs, sketches and illustrations to enhance understanding of the concepts.
• Using case study examples and success stories from local or regional farms to provide context.

5.4.Pilot training of trainers using the manual 

• Design training design and contents for a 5 day’s Training of Trainers (TOT)
• Conduct the training need assessment, pre-test and post-test assessment.
• Delivery the TOT using the drafted manual.
• The training should use blended approach, combining theoretical sessions with practical demonstrations. The methods will include Lectures and Presentations, Field Visits, Group Discussions and Case Studies, Hands-on Exercises and Q&A Sessions.
• Develop user-friendly presentation slides, cases and stories for the TOT and community level training.

4.5. Review, feedback and finalization

Seeking feedback from Heifer team and other stakeholders including farmers, experts, extension staffs and institutions) to ensure the manual is practical and effective.

Reviewing and editing the content for clarity, accuracy, and completeness.

Preparing the final version of the manual, including formatting for print and digital versions.

Developing supplementary materials such as a Power-Point presentation for trainers and a printable toolkit for farmers.

6.    DURATION

The estimated time for completing the assignment is 30 effective person days spreading over 2 months from date of contract, broken down as follows:

• Desk review and initial consultations: 5 days
• Content development and drafting: 12 days
• Review and feedback: 5 days
• Pilot training (TOT): 5 days
• Finalization and production: 3 days

7.    DELIVERABLES

The final deliverables for this assignment will include:

a.    Inception report: this inception report shall present the clarity of the assignment, context, objectives and deliverables, appropriate tools, techniques, and methodologies as well as timeline.

b.    Regenerative Agriculture Manual: A comprehensive, well-structured manual in both print and digital formats, including visual aids, case studies, and practical tools. This manual should be in Nepali language.

c.    Supplementary Materials: PowerPoint presentation, handouts, checklists, and other resources for trainers and participants.

d.    Training package: Training session and guideline for TOT and field level training events.

e.    Training delivery: Deliver a 5 day’s training of trainers organized by Heifer in Dang. The training delivery will be in Nepali language.

f.    Report: A final assignment completion report summarizing the entire process and outputs.

8.    INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS AND REPORTING 

HPIN shall provide relevant information, project document and resources to the consultant and support as and when necessary. The project shall not provide any direct logistical support to the consultant during the assignment, particularly for the manual development. However, Heifer will take the leadership role on organizing the TOT including identification of training participants, arrangement for training materials as requested and logistical support for the training. HPIN shall designate a primary contact person who will function as professional and support counterpart personnel to the consultant team for any necessary assistance. The consultant shall collaborate closely with her/him and the concerned team members for quality deliverables. Similarly, s/he will liaise with other collaborating partners and stakeholders as necessary.

9.    BUDGET AND FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS

The total consultancy fee of this assignment shall be released by defined milestone.

10. REQUIRED COMPETENCY AND ELIGIBILITY OF THE CONSULTANTS 

The consultant(s) should have following competency and eligibility criteria:

• At least master’s degree in agriculture with minimum 10 years professional experience in related field.
• Proven experience of preparing manual on sustainable agriculture, sustainable soil management and regenerative agriculture.
• Successful experience of accomplishing similar assignments in recent past.
• Proficient in designing and delivering trainings on related field.
• Sound knowledge and experience sustainable agriculture / regenerative soil management practices, climate change, agroecology and farming systems in Nepalese perspectives.

11.HOW TO APPLY 

Interested eligible consultant(s) or firms is requested to submit application to Procurement-NP@heifer.org including below documents mention email subject line “Application for Regenerative Agriculture Manual Preparation and Training” by 24th January 2025, 5 : 00 PM.

• Cover letter
• Brief technical proposal including methodology, outline of the manual and training schedule
• Financial proposal including appropriate cost breakdown
• Curriculum-Vitae of the consultant(s)
• Examples of similar assignments undertaken
• Firm/company registration/renewal certificate
• Copy of VAT/PAN registration certificate
• Tax clearance certificate (FY 2080-81)

Applications received with incomplete documents and after the due date will be disqualified. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for further evaluation process. Applications will be evaluated based on understanding of the assignment, proposed methodology and approach, relevant experience, qualifications, cost-effectiveness of the proposal.

HPIN reserves all the rights to reject any or all applications without providing any reasons.