Terms of Reference for Consulting on Business Plan Establishment (1st Local Training) on Cash Crop and Dairy

Terms of Reference

Consulting on Business Plan Establishment (1st Local Training) on Cash Crop and Dairy

Background

KOICA Inclusive Rural Development Project in Bardiya (IRDB) District, Nepal aims to enhance the economic resilience and operational performance of local cooperatives by strengthening their capacity across the agricultural value chain, including production, post-harvest management, processing, and marketing.

This LIP (Locally Initiated Project) is being implemented in collaboration with the Government of Nepal and the Government of the Republic of Korea, and is managed by the Project Management Consultancy Korea Institute for Development Strategy (KDS) and Global Expert Hub Consultancy (GEH).

To support cooperatives in transitioning from their current status toward their targeted improvements, IRDB will conduct a one-day practical training on Business Plan Establishment for selected cooperative members.

Objective of the Training

The primary objective of this assignment is to deliver a hands-on, results-oriented training that equips participants with the skills required to develop realistic, market-aligned, and financially sound business plans. The training will enable participants to link business planning with value-chain priorities, cooperative needs, and investment opportunities.

Specifically, the training will help participants to:

• Understand the purpose, structure, and key components of a business plan.
• Relate business planning to value-chain analysis, cooperative priorities, and investment requirements.
• Identify existing challenges and define strategic improvements based on the value-chain assessment.
• Conduct basic cost estimation, revenue forecasting, and profitability analysis.
• Develop a preliminary business plan tailored to their cooperative’s context.

Scope of Work and Key Deliverables

Training Module (Crop)

• The trainer is required to deliver the training module. Training module shall contain and based on the current status (As is) and expected out (To Be) of the cooperative and contextualized to Bardiya district.
• Training shall focus on the value chain steps Production. Post-harvest, Processing and Marketing and Distribution of the product.
• Covers the following essential value-chain considerations:
  • Ensure reliable access to quality agricultural inputs including high-quality seeds, fertilizers, compost, and pest/disease management support.
  • Strengthen irrigation systems and production infrastructure, including water pumps, borings, plastic tunnels, and basic agricultural machinery.
  • Reduce post-harvest losses through improved storage facilities (dry and cold storage), proper handling practices, and basic grading/sorting.
  • Introduce and upgrade processing and value addition facilities such as oil processing, grain milling, seed processing, and packaging systems.
  • Enhance market linkages and marketing efficiency by expanding sales channels, improving branding/packaging, and reducing transportation costs.
  • Build cooperative members’ capacity through comprehensive training across the value chain covering production, post-harvest, processing, IPM, branding, and marketing.
  • Orient the cooperatives members on business idea development.

Training Module (Dairy):

• The trainer is required to deliver the training module. Training module shall contain and based on the current status (As is) and expected out (To Be) of the cooperative and contextualized to Bardiya district.
• Training shall focus on the value chain steps Production. Post-harvest, Processing and Marketing and Distribution of the product.
• Covers the following essential value-chain considerations:
  • Overview of the purpose, key components, and strategic relevance of business planning for dairy cooperatives.
  • Analysis of key “As-Is” gaps and corresponding “To-Be” improvements across dairy production, collection, processing, and marketing functions.
  • Conducting a focused SWOT assessment to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in dairy development.
  • Requirements and planning considerations for high-yield breeds, upgraded cattle sheds, fodder and forage systems, irrigation solutions, and standardized cattle management practices.
  • Identification of needs for milk collection centers, cold storage facilities, chilling vats, dairy processing machinery, and adoption of standardized processing protocols.
  • Development of branding, packaging, promotion, diversified market linkages, and strategies to reduce logistics and distribution costs.
  • Estimation of required investments, operational expenses, revenue forecasts, and profitability analysis for dairy enterprise development.
  • Step-by-step guidance to prepare a comprehensive dairy business plan with clear targets, implementation strategies, and actionable timelines.

Reporting and Documentation:

• Submit a comprehensive training report summarizing: Methods used, Key achievements, Participant performance, Challenges and recommendations.

Methodology

• Trainers shall use the appropriate method for the knowledge transfer to the participant based on the nature of the session.
• Session shall be participatory and interactive among the all participants
• Trainer shall prepare and distribute the educational material, PPT, handouts and references materials to the participants in English and Nepali Language

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Economics, Rural Development, or related field
• At least 5 years of professional experience in value chain development, cooperative strengthening, or agribusiness planning
• Proven experience in preparing Business Plans, especially in dairy and crop sectors
• Experience working with donor-funded rural development projects
• Excellent analytical, communication, and report-writing skills
• Ability to work in the field and coordinate with local stakeholders

Interested candidates who meet the above-mentioned criteria are required to submit their Letter of Interest, proposal and updated CV via email to irdbbardiya.project@gmail.com no later than 07 December 2025, 17:00 hours.

Consultants may choose to submit a proposal for either one component or for both components, depending on their expertise and preference.

The Project Management Office reserves the right to cancel this Expression of Interest (EoI) at any stage without any notification.