Request for Proposal (RfP) for
Baseline Study of Goat- Sheep based Livelihoods Project in Western Rajasthan
Project: Enhancing Dryland Sheep and Goat Farmers’ Livelihoods through Strengthening of Producer and Market Linkages.
Implementing Organizations: Urmul Setu Sansthan (USS) and Urmul Khejadi Sansthan (UKS)
Supported by: Sir Ratan Tata Trust (SRTT)
Project Locations: Selected blocks and villages of Bikaner and Nagaur Districts, Rajasthan
1. Background
The Thar desert region of Rajasthan is characterized by arid climatic conditions, erratic rainfall, and limited livelihood opportunities. Sheep and goat rearing is one of the most resilient livelihood options for rural households in this region, particularly among small and marginal farmers and landless families. Women play a significant role in livestock management, yet their economic contributions often remain undervalued.
With support from Sir Ratan Tata Trust (SRTT), Urmul Setu Sansthan and Urmul Khejadi Sansthan are implementing a multi-year livelihoods project aimed at strengthening goat and sheep based livelihood systems through breed improvement, improved animal management, better access to veterinary services, fodder development, aggregation of livestock, and improved market linkages. The project also aims to strengthen community institutions and promote women’s leadership in livestock-based livelihoods.
The project aims to improve livelihoods of small and marginal livestock-rearing households, particularly women, through:
- Improved goat and sheep management practices
- Breed improvement
- Strengthening community-based animal health services through Pashu Sakhis
- Fodder development and water availability
- Livestock aggregation and market linkages
- Strengthening farmer institutions and producer collectives
- Improving access to fair livestock markets
Please see Annexure 1 to understand the LFA framework of the project, its major activities and results areas. More details will be worked out at the study finalisation stage.
2. Purpose of the Baseline Study
The baseline study will establish benchmark information on the socio-economic conditions of target households, livestock management practices, productivity levels, access to services, and market linkages. The study will provide evidence to guide project implementation and will serve as a reference point for measuring change during midline and endline evaluations.
3. Objectives of the Baseline Study
- Assess the socio-economic status of target households,
- Capture the livelihoods sources and household incomes, with breakup from various sources.
- Document current sheep and goat production systems, morbidity and mortality rates.
- Assess herd size, breed composition, and productivity.
- Understand livestock management practices including feeding, housing, and health care.
- Estimate the contribution of small ruminants to the household income.
- Understand the trends of community’s interest and dependence on small ruminant based livelihoods over past 10-15 years.
- Assess women’s participation and decision-making roles in livestock management.
- Assess how much wool is sold per year, at what rate, to whom, expense of shearing every year and total income.
- Understand current livestock marketing channels and price realization.
- Identify key constraints and risks in livestock-based livelihoods.
- Establish measurable baseline indicators for project monitoring and evaluation.
The last date to apply for this assignment is March 31, 2026
For detailed information, please check the complete version of the RFP attached below.