Terms of Reference (ToR) for a Landscape Study of Yaks (Bos grunniens) in Nepal

Terms of Reference (ToR) for a Landscape Study of Yaks (Bos grunniens) in Nepal

1. Background and rationale

Heifer Project Nepal (HPN) is implementing a signature program " Milky Way- Transforming Dairy Sector of Nepal" since 2023. In this initiatives, genetic improvement of dairy animals, scaling of climate friendly and production enhancement technologies, making smallholder dairy farmers resilient in present context of climate change and overall improvement of dairy market and policy environment are the major priority areas. Yak (Bos grunniens) and chauries are very important and truly multipurpose livestock species in high Himalayan region contributing significantly in the livelihood of people residing there. Yaks are the backbone of the high-altitude economy in Nepal, providing milk, fiber, transportation, and manure; and supports in food security, nutrition, climate resilience, and biodiversity conservation. It has been speculated that the population of these important species is declining rapidly due to multifaceted constraints including climate change and shifting socio-economic reality. As of 2025, the yak/chauries population in Nepal has dropped to approximately 53,195, down from over 200,000 in the 1960s. The conservation and promotion of this important species is therefore critically  important. This TOR has been developed for conducting a comprehensive yak/chauri landscape study in Nepal aimed at generating evidence for strategic investment, program design, and policy engagement for sustainable development of Nepal’s Yak sector. 

2. Objectives of the Study

The primary objective is to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the yak landscape to inform program design, policy advocacy, and investment planning for sustainable and climate resilient yak sector development.

• Map the geographic distribution and population trends of yak in Nepal
• Assess production system, rangeland management, and transhumance practices. 
• Analyze the yak value chain and market opportunities. 
• Assess the socio-economic importance of yak for local communities and the national economy. 
• Identify threats to yak populations and their habitats, including climate change, habitat degradation, diseases etc. 
• Review existing policies, institutions engaged, and service delivery system. 
• Identify constraints, opportunities, and investment priorities.
• Provide actionable recommendations for program and policy intervention for sustainable development of yak sector in Nepal.

3. Scope of Work

The consultant / team will cover the following scope of work:

• Population Estimate and Trend Analysis: Determine the current population of domestic yaks and crossbred (chauries) through primary data in selected study locations and secondary data from the national publications. Also, trend analysis should be carried out. 
• Habitat Assessment: Evaluate the quality and carrying capacity of alpine rangelands in selected study sites.
• Production potential assessment: Production system, herd management, and breeding practices of pure yak/nak and crossbred chauries; feed and forage system, animal health service delivery system 
• Socio-economic Mapping: Analyze the household dependency on yak farming, income contribution and livelihood importance, gender and social inclusion aspects, youth engagement and migration trends. 
• Yak value chain and market assessment: Analyze the live animals market, milk and dairy products (cheese, butter, churpi, etc);  fiber markets; Market actors and value chain mapping; pricing, demand trends, and market constraints and opportunities; opportunities for value addition and enterprise development, export opportunities expansion; Impact of border closures on herder livelihoods.
• Climate Vulnerability: Map how receding glaciers and changing vegetation affect traditional grazing routes (transhumance).
• Institutional and policy review: Review current policies, Role of government, private sectors, farmers institutions, and development partners and NGO. initiative and the Syangboche Yak Genetic Resource Centre 
• Conduct SWOT analysis: to recommend doable strategies and action plan with major focus on animal health service delivery and input supply, genetic improvement and breeding services, rangeland management and restoration, climate-resilient infrastructure, yak dairy and meat enterprises, market linkage and branding, youth and women engagement, Policy and institutional strengthening. 
• Review past work carried out by different government and development organization in strengthening yak 

4. Methodology

The consultant team shall provide detail methodology of study and shall cover the following

• Desk Review (literature review and secondary data analysis)
• Household surveys- also collecting indigenous knowledge and traditional yak herding practices
• Key Informant Surveys (Government, private sector, Farmers institution, development partners etc)
• Herders' survey
• Focus Group Discussion
• Stakeholders consultation
• Rangeland assessment (carrying capacity and present stocking)  

Suggested districts:

• Taplejung or Panchthar, Solukhumbu, Manang or Mustang, Dolpa or Humla and Rasuwa

5. Deliverables

• Inception Report: Detailed work plan and sampling design.
• Draft Landscape Report: Preliminary findings on population, SWOT analysis, value chain analysis, market analysis and habitat status.
• Yak Conservation Action Plan: A 5-year roadmap for genetic improvement and pasture management.
• Final Report and presentation slide deck
• Policy Brief

6. Required Expertise

The study team should include:

• Wildlife Biologist/Animal Scientist: Expert in high-altitude bovines, Himalayan region rural development
• Rangeland /Climate expert: Specialist in alpine flora and rangeland / grazing management.
• Socio-economist: Experienced in Himalayan pastoral livelihoods and value chains.

7. Timeline:

The study is expected to be completed within 2.5 months from the date of commencement.

8. Proposal requirements:

• Cover Letter
• Technical proposal
• Financial proposal 
• CVs of team members
• Sample relevant work
• Firm/organization registration certificate
• VAT certificate
• Tax clearance certificate (FY 081/82)

9. Submission Guidelines

Applications, including a cover letter, firm/organization profile, CVs, and proposals (technical and financial), must be submitted by the email by 18th February 2026, 5:00 PM to Procurement-NP@heifer.org  with the subject line: “Application for Yak Landscape Study.”

HPN will only contact the shortlisted firms/organizations. Verbal and telephone calls will not be entertained.

Note: VAT registered vendors are encouraged to apply.

HPN reserves the right to accept or reject any proposal.