Terms of Reference (TOR) for Consultancy Services

Scoping study: Evaluating the Structure and Opportunities of VDVKs in Strengthening the NTFP Value Chain

Title	Evaluate the structure, gaps, and opportunities of Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs) in strengthening the Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP) value chain.
Timeline	02 months
Expected area of expertise	Research and Analysis, Data Collection and Synthesizing, Analytics based recommendation, Sustainability and Climate/ Livelihoods, NTFP
Apply Link	https://forms.gle/QzmuGdTh57SG3ifm7 (Contact Procurement for Form Link)
Last Date for Apply	17th May, 2025

Overview

Call for proposal: Research and Documentation - Researchers and Agencies can apply for focus and analysis Focused Geography: Maharashtra.

About SELCO Foundation:

SELCO Foundation’s mission is to create a platform of solutions that uses sustainable energy as a catalyst to bridge environmental sustainability and poverty alleviation. With holistic development as the primary focus, the organization strives to create equitable societies, where services are accessed by all communities. The interventions of SELCO lead to a sustainable delivery model of essential services like livelihoods, education, and health till the last mile. (Read more about SELCO here: http://www.selcofoundation.org/)

Background:

SELCO Foundation is actively exploring opportunities within the NTFP value chain. The aim is to develop climate smart solutions and build an ecosystem that enhances localized processing, diversifies household incomes, reduces drudgery, and ensures accessibility for forest-dependent communities. VDVKs have been identified as a pivotal structure supporting NTFP-based livelihoods and tribal communities. This scoping study will analyse their current operations, identify challenges, and explore opportunities to strengthen their role in the NTFP value chain. These insights will guide SELCO Foundation's interventions in the sector.

Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) are a critical source of livelihood for over 300 million forest- dependent individuals in India, particularly tribal communities. NTFPs contribute nearly 70% of forest product income for tribal households. The Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana (PMVDY), launched in 2018, aims to strengthen tribal micro-enterprises by establishing VDVKs. To date, over 50,000 VDVKs have been set up across 27 states, engaging 300,000 tribal gatherers.

Goal and Objective:

Goal:

VDVKs function as community-managed centres facilitating the collection, processing, and marketing of NTFPs. Despite their potential, they face several challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, limited technology adoption, financial constraints, and weak market linkages. This study aims to evaluate the structure and functioning of VDVKs and identify ways SELCO Foundation’s climate smart solutions can integrate with these centres to enhance their operational capacity and impact on PVTGs and other tribal/ forest dwelling communities.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Expertise and relevant experience in tribal livelihoods, NTFP value chains, community-based enterprise development.Prior experience in conducting scoping studies, stakeholder mapping and program design.
2. Knowledge of renewable energy solutions and their application in rural contexts.
3. Strong analytical, research, and reporting skills.
4. Expertise and familiarity with the selected geography and its socio-economic and ecological context is preferred.

Submission Requirements

1. A detailed proposal outlining Program Plan, approach, methodology, and timelines for each focus area.A financial quote with a breakdown of costs.
2. Profiles and relevant experience of the team.
3. Examples of similar past projects.

Note: Applicants are required to submit applications for specific the state. Each application should detail the research plan, methodology, and deliverables specific to the chosen state.

To apply

Interested consultants / organisations, with relevant experience (please include samples and/or references of the previous similar work as proof of experience) and based out of India are requested to reach out with a detailed proposal giving a brief on the methodology and the process they will uptake for this project, including budgets (with break-ups and explanation), timelines and milestones and submit the same to google form https://forms.gle/QzmuGdTh57SG3ifm7 on before 17th May, 2025.

Any further queries please write to procurement@selcofoundation.org with a subject line: “Research and Documentation in Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs) in strengthening the Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP) value chain” (Name of Project)

To download the full ToR, click here

Tags Governance Innovations and Technology Livelihood Solar Energy