Deadline Date: June 08, 2026
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Nepal has invited technical and financial proposals from interested institutions, NGOs, firms, and private companies to conduct a value chain study on bamboo products, banana fiber products, pottery/clay products, safe farming produce, and glass waste recovery in Dhangadhi Sub-Metropolitan City (DSMC), Nepal.
The initiative focuses on inclusive green opportunities, circular economy development, waste transformation, upcycling and recycling, sustainable livelihoods, eco-friendly product development, regenerative agriculture, safe farming practices, youth and women empowerment, community-driven growth, environmental sustainability, climate change adaptation, disaster risk reduction, institutional capacity strengthening, resource efficiency, market-driven interventions, employment generation, green jobs, sustainable infrastructure, and promotion of local enterprises and cooperatives.
UNDP Nepal has been working in Nepal since 1963 in collaboration with the Government of Nepal, development partners, civil society organizations, academia, and the private sector to support participatory and inclusive development. Under the Green Transition Portfolio approach, UNDP and DSMC have been implementing interventions since April 2025 aimed at promoting sustainable development, resilience, and circular economy systems within the city.
The project highlights the growing need to strengthen livelihood opportunities while addressing environmental concerns such as plastic waste, e-waste, and glass waste. DSMC has already established a Material Recovery Facility for plastic waste management and is now exploring alternatives including bamboo, clay, and banana fiber products to reduce reliance on single-use plastics and timber products. These materials are considered environmentally friendly, biodegradable, and capable of supporting local employment and enterprise development.
The study will examine the bamboo product value chain by mapping activities from cultivation and harvesting to processing, marketing, and consumption. It will assess stakeholder participation, market demand, product competitiveness, investment opportunities, and policy frameworks while recommending interventions to strengthen the sector. Special attention will be given to value addition, eco-certification, market access, financial sustainability, and participation of women, youth, and marginalized groups.
The banana fiber products study will assess the availability of banana waste materials, existing fiber extraction systems, processing technologies, and market opportunities. The study will evaluate opportunities for developing textiles, handicrafts, composites, ropes, and eco-friendly packaging materials while examining the potential of banana fiber enterprises to reduce agricultural waste and generate livelihoods for rural communities.
The pottery and clay product value chain study will focus on identifying opportunities for replacing single-use plastic products with eco-friendly clay alternatives such as cups, plates, bowls, decorative items, and storage containers. The study will analyze market demand, production systems, consumer preferences, infrastructure gaps, and institutional support systems while identifying interventions to improve quality, durability, and commercialization.
The assignment will also assess safe farming practices and evaluate the feasibility of training programs related to bamboo, banana fiber, pottery, and safe farming as sustainable livelihood options. Additionally, the study will examine the current status of glass waste generation, collection, disposal, and recycling in DSMC to identify feasible recovery initiatives and evaluate their environmental and economic benefits.
Through this initiative, UNDP and DSMC aim to strengthen local economies, promote sustainable enterprises, create green employment opportunities, and encourage environmentally responsible production and consumption systems across Nepal.
For more information, visit UNDP.
