Terms of Reference: Feasibility Study for the project proposal

Terms of Reference

Feasibility Study for the project proposal

Project title: Strengthening Food Systems in the high hills of Sudurpashchim Province: Pathways to Sustainable Nutrition and food security

1. Introduction of Welthungerhilfe

Deutsche Welthungerhilfe e. V. is one of the largest non-governmental organisation in Germany operating in the humanitarian assistance and development fields. It was established in 1962, as the German section of the “Freedom from Hunger Campaign”, one of the world’s first initiatives aimed at the eradication of hunger. Welthungerhilfe’s work is still dedicated to the following vision: All people have a right to a self-determined life in dignity and justice, free from hunger and poverty.

Welthungerhilfe (WHH) has been operational in Nepal since 2012, and it is currently managing different projects in twelve districts under seven thematic areas (sectors): Humanitarian Actions, Agriculture, Climate Reliance and Natural Resource Management, Nutrition & Health, WASH, Economic Development, Civil Society Empowerment and ICT4D. WHH works partnership with civil society in Nepal to empower socially marginalized and economically poor citizens, to strengthen their resilience and to ensure their right to adequate food and nutrition through a systems thinking approach.

Welthungerhilfe believes that achieving zero hunger is only possible through a systemic transformation of food systems. Such systems ensure food and nutrition security for all by providing diverse and inclusive pathways to access the right to food. Achieving this goal requires coordinated transformational change at national, regional, and local levels. Welthungerhilfe, together with its partner organizations, is actively working and advocating for this change to build sustainable and resilient food systems across all levels.

2. Background of the proposed project

The food system in Bajhang, a remote and mountainous district in Sudurpaschim Province of Nepal, faces a persistent "triple burden" of food system challenges: high food insecurity, chronic malnutrition, and deep-seated vulnerability to climate and socio-economic shocks. It ranks 69th in HDI (0.379) and 38th in MPI among 77 districts.

The current challenges are not merely a function of low production but are embedded in the complex, interlinked dynamics of the local food system, such as difficult topography and climate change, migration, market access and weak extension which operates under severe structural constraints.

Despite being among the most affected, smallholders’ farmers and youth in Bajhang have limited opportunities for meaningful engagement in food system transformation.

3. Objectives and tasks

3.1. Overall objective of the feasibility study

The overall objective of the feasibility study is to provide WHH Nepal with a robust and system-wide feasibility assessment by identifying the pre-requisites, opportunities, leverage points and risks within the local food system providing analytical foundation and strategic direction on how to design a transformative full-scale project proposal.

The study will assess the technical, economic, financial, environmental, social, and institutional feasibility of the proposed project and systematically check the extent to which the project approach can plausibly achieve the planned changes under the existing framework conditions.

Overall, the study should analyze the situation and context, the problems resulting thereof and the target groups and stakeholders, at micro, meso and macro (national) levels, elaborating specific recommendations for the design of the project.

3.2. Tasks assigned to the selected consultant.

The consultant is responsible for planning and implementing the feasibility study, including forming and leading the feasibility study team. In particular, the consultant is responsible for:

1. Preparing a detailed study design including timeline, methodology, research techniques, sample used, etc. explicitly leveraging the methodologies of the WHH Food System Framework (e.g., Six Phases for Systemic Change and Systems Marker). The consultant shall present the feasibility study design and planning to WHH team for approval.

2. Describing the context of the planned project at all relevant levels (micro, meso, macro), including any essential data relevant to understanding the present situation. The elaboration of context and problem analysis should include but not limit to:

Systemic Diagnosis and Bottleneck Analysis:

• Based on the WHH FST framework, define the boundaries of the Bajhang food system, map key flows (food, finance, knowledge), and conduct a systemic bottleneck analysis to identify the root causes (dysfunctionalities) that maintain high food insecurity and malnutrition.
• What is the status of food and nutrition security, in line with the local food system in the targeted area? 
• How are current production systems (crops, livestock, NTFPs) functioning and also assess agroecological practices, productivity, diversity, and reliance on external inputs.
• What post-harvest handling, processing, and storage infrastructure and practices exist at household and community/commercial levels.

Opportunity Crops (OCs):

• Based on local diets, climate forecasts, and soil health data, what 2-3 high-impact and market-viable ‘Opportunity Crops’ (OCs - e.g., indigenous grains, legumes, micronutrient-rich vegetables) should be prioritized for scaling climate-smart/agroecological production?

Market Systems Development (MSD) Analysis:

• Conduct a focused Market Systems Analysis (MSA) that identifies the specific constraints and opportunities within the ‘Hidden Middle’ (traders, processors, storage, aggregators, financial service providers) for the prioritized Opportunity Crops.
• What market/value chain interventions (e.g., financing mechanisms, risk-sharing models) can most effectively enhance youth and women’s incomes and entrepreneurial success (Output 2) and enable them to move beyond subsistence farming?

Policy and Governance Levers:

• What are the key gaps in the localization, budgeting, and effective implementation of the Right to Food and Food Sovereignty Act 2018 at the municipal level?
• What governance mechanisms (e.g., establishing or strengthening a Multi-Stakeholder Platform for FST) can most effectively enhance local accountability, policy coherence, and drive collective action across the food system?
• Do municipalities have relevant plans and policies on food systems and youth engagement?
• How do the existing national frameworks (e.g., ADS) align with the proposed project objectives?
• How can youth and smallholder farmers be effectively engaged as change leaders in food system transformation?

Power Dynamics and Equity Analysis (Stakeholder Mapping):

• Stakeholder mapping (governmental and non-governmental stakeholders, local authorities, CBOs,) including their interests, position, influence. 
• Go beyond identifying interests to assess the systemic power dynamics (e.g., financial, social, political influence) between local government, private sector actors, and marginalized groups (women, Dalit, smallholders). Identify specific, actionable leverage points to shift power and resources towards equitable outcomes (Output 2).
• What potential contributions can be expected from the identified actors? How should be developed the collaboration/coordination? (meso/macro)

3. Developing a detailed socio-economic target group analysis, including but not limited to: 

• Do the proposed target groups align with the local context and existing vulnerabilities? If so, why? Which groups are most vulnerable, and how should the project prioritize them?
• What criteria should be used in the selection of the target group? 
• Are there multiple target groups affected differently by the identified issues? How?
• What are the specific needs of the target groups, and how can the project effectively address them? 
• Could the project support create conflicts between target and non-target groups or among other stakeholders?
• What is the capacity of the target group(s) for ownership, self-initiative, self-help, and local problem-solving? 
• Are communities, civil society organizations, local institutions, and authorities willing to engage with and support the proposed project?
• What are the current migration trends and patterns? Are there youth who are interested in remaining in the area?
• What is the interest of youth, what professional fields would they like to pursue?

4. Elaborate CBOs analysis, including but not limited to:

• How many community-based organizations (CBOs) and networks are currently active in the proposed area? What types or categories of CBOs and networks exist? What are their major strengths and areas to improve? Are any of them engaged in climate change or youth-related initiatives? If yes, who are their partners and what is the nature of their collaboration?

5. Completing a detailed risk analysis including political, socio-economic, logistical, financial, environmental risks and mitigating actions that lie within the project's scope.

6. Elaborating concrete suggestions and recommendations to be incorporated into the project based on the main findings and assessment, such as:

• This must include the articulation of an initial Project Theory of Change (ToC) that clearly links the identified FST levers (Opportunity Crops, MSD, Policy/Governance) to the project’s outputs and its planned transformative impact.
• Which components, if any, are missing in the project concept to make the cause-effect relationships more coherent and to sustainably achieve the planned objectives?
• Which planned components are not suitable or could have negative effects, and for what reasons? 
• Which findings and relevant data of the study are suitable to be integrated into the project proposal?

4. Methodology

The methodology design of the feasibility study will be proposed by the consultant and approved by WHH, but it must detail the specific systemic tools and methods to be used for the FST Diagnosis. but it should comprise a combination of:

• Systemic Data Collection Methods:
  • Literature review (including review of WHH’s FST Framework and Global Strategy) (Global, regional and national context, in-depth analysis of existing policy of Government, reflection in periodic plans, commitments, major innovations and initiative from Federal, provincial or local Government).
  • Qualitative data collection and analysis (Key Informant Interviews - KIIs and Focus Group Discussions - FGDs with community, target group and concern stakeholders at all levels).
  • Field observations.
• Inclusive Design Workshop (MSP approach):
  • The consultant must facilitate at least one multi-stakeholder workshop with key actors (including marginalized target groups, local government, and the private sector) to collaboratively validate the System Map and Bottleneck Analysis, and co-design the critical project intervention entry points/levers.

The persons to be interviewed/consulted are representatives of the different stakeholders to be involved in the project, including Local and province government, thematic officers (agriculture, health & nutrition, climate change), local representatives, and target groups such as marginalized women, Dalit, landless HHs, youth, CBOs etc.  The consultant will lead the feasibility study with regular coordination and consultation with WHH Nepal and its implementing partners, ensuring compliance with ethical data collection standards and safeguarding protocols.

5. Geographical scope

The feasibility study is to be undertaken for a project that will be implemented in two municipalities in Bajhang district.

6. Deliverables

1. An inception report including a detailed design and work plan for the elaboration of the feasibility study (see 3.2 “Tasks assigned to the selected consultant”)
2. Draft report in English (max. 30 pages + annexes) and presentation to WHH 
3. Participate in a design workshop to share the findings of the study.
4. Final report, including executive summary and actionable way forward, in English (max. 30 pages + annexes), no later than 5 days after receiving comments on the draft report. (Open to feedback twice before finalization of the report)  
5. Debriefing meeting with WHH after submission of draft report with detail presentation
6. Submit 2 pager extract of the feasibility study report.

7. Timeline

The consultancy duration is 35 days, and study should be completed (that is, the final report should be submitted within this timeframe). The draft report should be submitted before 15 January 2026 with presentation slides.

8. Qualification and experience required.

The consultant or team of consultants must meet the following criteria: 

1. Master or equivalent advanced degree in Agriculture, social sciences, environmental science, or other relevant academic fields. 
2. Excellent track record in designing and conducting quantitative and qualitative research, analysis, feasibility studies and evaluations with focus on climate change, biodiversity, food system and youth. 
3. Knowledge of the local context in Sudurpaschim or prior experience in Bajhang will be an added advantage.
4. Require understanding of youth engagement approaches in climate action.
5. 5Ability to conduct high quality research, meet deadlines and respond to requests and feedback provided timely and appropriately.
6. Flexible, independent and good communication skills. 
7. Excellent spoken and written English. 
8. The consultant is required to liaise regularly with WHH Nepal team and its partners and is expected to deliver results in a timely manner.

9. Submission of proposals

The interested and qualified consultant/ consulting firm must apply by 17:00 hours (COB) dated 11 December 2025 via following email address: procurement.nepal@welthungerhilfe.de The proposal should include the following documents:

1. Letter of expression of interest (EoI) signed by the main applicant. 
2. Detailed technical proposal including methodology (Literature review:- in-depth analysis of existing policy of Government, reflection in periodic plans, commitments, major innovations and initiative from Federal, provincial or local Government; methods of data collection, analysis, samples of experience/studies of similar nature, etc.), composition of the feasibility study team and their roles (this should include detailed information about capacity of the team/person to carry out the objectives of the consultancy, clear description of role and responsibilities within the team, expected time dedicated to the assignment).
3. Implementation Plan following the attached format (Annex 1) 
4. Detailed financial proposal that must include an estimate of all staff costs (calculated for fees based on number of consultancy days) as well as direct costs related to the consultancy including travel, hotel, etc. (Annex 2).  (Kindly submit the financial proposal in pdf format with password protection, Provide the password via the same email address on 12 December 2025. The financial proposal submitted without password protection will be considered as ineligible for further processing)
5. Firm profile detailing the past assignments (at least two feasibility report as a sample copy)
6. Detailed curriculum vitae of the consultant and of all team members, if any, highlighting their areas of work and experience
7. Company registration certificate
8. Latest tax clearance certificate
9. VAT registration certificate (for both firms and individual consultants).
10. Signed supplier declaration form

Note: Only Nepalese consulting firm/individuals can apply for this tender

If firm/individual has worked with WHH before, please clearly mention team members and their role in the past assignment in technical proposal.

Please go through the link below to download the Supplier Declaration form and other relevant documents:

Feasibility Study Bajhang

10. Selection Criteria

Technical and financial Study Criteria: Criteria used to evaluate the bidder’s ability, skill and experience in relation to the requirements. Bids will be evaluated against the same pre-agreed criteria. The offer will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

Based on above selection criteria, 3 highest scorers will be invited for the physical presentation/interview. After completion of interview process, cumulative analysis will be used to evaluate and award proposals.

Please note that the selected consultant/ consulting firm should adhere with WHH data protection and other relevant policies during the assignment.

For any queries or concerns, please contact us at procurement.nepal@welthungerhilfe.de at least by 17:00 hours (COB) dated 7 December 2025.

Only short-listed applicants will be contacted for further evaluation process. Welthungerhilfe Nepal reserves all the rights to reject any or all application without assigning any reasons.

Annex 1: Implementation Plan

Annex 2: Budget