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Ramji-Bhattarai

Ramji Prasad Bhattarai

Director, Carbon Farmers of Nepal

Academic Qualifications

  • M. Sc. Ag. in Plant Breeding from Agriculture and Forestry University (AFU), Chitwan Nepal in 2016 with Grade Point Average- 3.7 (4.00 basis)
  • M.A. in Rural Development at Central Department of Rural Development, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal (Academic: Year 2009-2010)
  • BSc Agriculture at Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science, Rampur, Chitwan, Tribhuvan University, Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal. (Completed Year – 1997): (Four Academic year; Elective – Plant Breeding)
  • I Sc Agriculture at Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science, Paklihawa College, Tribhuvan University, Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal. (1990-1992).

Language Proficiency

Excellent reading, writing, and speaking skills in both Nepali and English.

Professional Experience

1. Agriculture specialist in Carbon Farmers of Australia (CFA) Pty Ltd from July 2018 to date.

Key responsibilities

A. Desk research/review on:

  • Carbon farming and processes, CFA to provide Australian materials
  • Gold Standard Methods/Systems/Mechanisms
  • Document Agro-Forestry GS method and process, and report to CFA and Smart Agri-Carbon Solutions
  • Establish contact with relevant organizations and agencies with the assistance of CFA and SACS
  • Government’s existing rules and mechanisms for carbon farming, e.g. Nepal’s INDC (Intended Nationally Determined Contribution) and SDG (Sustainable Development Goal)

B. Identifying potential sites/field works

  • Interact with local governments (rural and urban municipalities and their members
  • Establish a network with government and non-governmental organizations in conjunction with CFA and SACS
  • Develop CFN’s own workshops/training when needed but in the first instance we encourage him to participate in the workshops organized by local bodies and agri-related organization to present CFN’s views on agri-organic farming, and in long term goal is to develop educational and extension materials on Carbon Farming

C. Project development with Gold Standard (GS) Methods

  • Identify the best approach for carbon farming with GS in Nepal at this stage by understanding Nepal’s INDC (Intended Nationally Determined Contribution) and SDG (Sustainable Development Goal)
  • Identify the agro-forestry GS standard that suits to rural municipalities, e.g. Gorkha, Dhading, and other districts of Nepal
  • Develop GS agro-forestry project proposals for funding and implementation, hoping we can expand to Southeast Asia in the next years or so
  • Identify the appropriate methods of the calculation of CO2 certificates for the trees in the project areas.

D. Implementation of the project activities

  • Implement the Gold Standard Agroforestry Project in Nepal with the lead role as a Project Manager
  • Prepare all the requirements, reports and field works to calculate the amount of carbon sinks by the trees under agroforestry for climate change mitigation and provide the carbon credits to the smallholder farmers of Nepal
  • Provide technical support to farmers

E. Communication/Reporting/Meeting

  • Set up for fortnightly meeting with stakeholders
  • Email/Skype/phone correspondence whenever needed
  • Prepare monitoring reports
  • Prepare Monthly and annual reports
2. Team Leader of Consultants for National Agriculture Research and Development Fund (NARDF) from 7 April 2018 to 6 July 2018 to conduct the impact study of 10 completed projects under NARDF funding

Key responsibilities

  • Take lead role for the study work
  • Provide guidance to the agriculture and livestock specialist and technicians about the methodologies for conducting impact study
  • Carry out an impact assessment (HHs survey, FGD, KII, and other instruments) to find out the socioeconomic transformation, production, productivity enhancement, livelihood improvement, and other related aspects of completed ten projects implemented with the financial support of NARDF
  • Coordinate with project coordinators of completed projects to draw relevant information regarding projects outputs
  • Conduct workshop to validate draft report
  • Consider the reviews and comments on survey methodology and draft report as suggested
  • Present and submit the revised final synthesis of report to the secretariat within the speculated time frame
3. District Program Coordinator in Resource Identification and Management Society (RIMS) Nepal from 1 August 2017 to 31 March 2018 under Protracted Relief and Recovery Operation (PRRO) - II phase of World Food Program (WFP) in Dhading District

Key responsibilities

  • Perform as a key person in the program district for the implementation of project activities
  • Provide guidelines, support and backstopping to the project staff with the consultation of project manager of Welthungerhilfe (WHH) and World Food Program (UN/WFP)
  • Maintain close level of coordination and communication with WHH, WFP team as well as Rural Municipalities and other relevant stakeholders for enabling program synergies and effectiveness in the district
  • Create conducive working environment for the entire project team in close coordination with WHH project manager to work with high commitment, confidence and dedication
  • Establish effective linkages and coordination among district level stakeholders/line agencies and explore matching resources
  • Provide technical and training support to project beneficiaries ensuring accountability and transparency at all stages of implementation
    Accomplish program reports within the stipulated time in close coordination with M&E and reporting officer of WHH with proper monitoring and reporting as per the project work plan
  • Remain close in touch with Central team of RIMS Nepal for regular and updated project information of the district activities.
  • Perform other rational deemed responsibilities and tasks as discussed or instructed by Cooperating Partner Organization, donor agencies and RIMS central team
4. Agricultural Expert/Team leader in Rural Development Centre (RDC) Gorkha from April 2017 to July 2017

Key responsibilities

  • Review the related documents and reports of 188 completed projects submitted to NARDF secretariat up to 10th call
  • Document projects details including contact details, major interventions, analyze outputs/achievements
  • Carry out impact assessment (survey, focus group discussion, interview, and other instruments) to find out socioeconomic transformation, production, productivity enhancement, livelihood improvement and other related aspects of completed five projects implemented by NARDF
  • Coordinate with project coordinators of completed projects to draw relevant information regarding projects outputs
  • Conduct workshop to validate draft report
  • Consider the reviews and comments on survey methodology and draft report as suggested
  • Present and submit the revised final synthesis of report to the secretariat within the speculated time frame
5. Program Manager of System Development Service Centre (SDSC) Gorkha from January 2016 to March 2017

Key responsibilities

  • Implement the UN/FAO funded project (Emergency assistance to restore agricultural-based livelihoods of vulnerable earthquake-affected smallholder farmers in the Gorkha district of Nepal)
    • Beneficiary selection, ensuring adherence to beneficiary selection criteria and protocols under UN/FAO Emergency Response program
    • Arrange for approval of field and community activities with DADO/FSC and DDRC
    • Ensure Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP) measures are undertaken during all activities
    • Working with FAO Irrigation Expert and District Coordinators for site selection of appropriate schemes
    • Development of work plans for all activities to be undertaken- ensuring compliance with budget agreements
    • Implement agriculture and livestock input distribution program to the vulnerable community especially improved crop seeds having potentially with high productivity
    • Organize training on Urea Molasses Mineral Block (UMMB), FYM improvement, fodder and pasture management to the leader farmers of 16 Livestock Service Centers (LSC) of Gorkha district
    • Conduct training and research on high-value crops production especially commercial vegetable farming, cereal seed production and cash crops for income generation activities for earthquake-affected vulnerable women farmer groups
    • Undertake the rehabilitation of Small-Scale Irrigation Schemes (SSIS)
    • Undertake the construction of collection centers and seed storage buildings for agricultural cooperatives
  • Provide technical support and guidance to program officers of WASH, Livelihood, and Infra-structure activities funded by Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and Poverty Alleviation Fund (PAF)
    • Baseline survey and need assessment
    • Participatory planning for rehabilitation of infrastructures such as drinking water, irrigation canal, foot trails and community buildings etc for recovery of livelihood of poor people.
    • Coordination with donors and government line agencies (DDRC, DDC, DADO, DLSO, DFO, WDO etc.)
    • Guidance for implementation of cash for work for rehabilitation of infrastructures
  • Conduct monitoring and supervision of the project activities periodically and review the progress status of the activities towards achieving the project outputs validating both qualitative and qualitative indicators
  • Prepare annual technical reports and submit to the donors
6. Program coordinator of System Development Service Centre (SDSC) Gorkha June 2013 to March 2014

Key responsibilities

  • Capacity building of the Chepang women of Gorkha district through trainings and meetings
  • Implement income generation activities such as vegetable farming, goat farming, pig farming, and banana farming to Chepang women in Gorkha district for environment-friendly sustainable entrepreneurship development
  • Prepare success stories, documentation, and periodic reports of the projects
  • Coordination with donors, district line agencies, and other stakeholders for better implementation of the project
  • Formation and mobilization of seed producer groups and cooperatives for Quality Protein Maize (QPM) seed production in Gorkha district with an aim of developing resource centre of QPM seed in Gorkha district
7. Outcome Monitoring Consultant in Local Infrastructure for Livelihood Improvement (LILI) / Helvetas funded by SDC from February 2013 to May 2013

Key responsibilities

  • Collect the information for the set indicators of outcome from the selected schemes of Jajarkot, Okhaldhunga, and Khotang districts of Nepal
  • Collect the agriculture-related outputs, cropping intensity, on-farm production, and income of the targeted beneficiaries
  • Access the current agricultural situation of the community and identify the gaps between the current agricultural practices and possibilities of improved techniques for the community
  • Monitor and analyze the achievement status of the outcome indicators as per mentioned in the logical framework
  • OMS result sharing and feedback to UC, LSP, LILI, and DDC for sustainable management of the schemes
  • Prepare OMS report and submit to LILI, Helvetas
8. Program Coordinator in Rural Development Centre (RDC) Gorkha from January 2011 to December 2012

Key responsibilities

  • Need identification, participatory program planning, implementation and monitoring of projects
  • Implement projects related to production and marketing of organic vegetable and fruits in Gorkha district
  • Provide training and technical support to the farmers about the Homestead Food Production Program (HFPP) for improving food and nutritional security of the marginalized community in the remote VDCs of Gorkha
  • Formation and strengthening agriculture cooperatives for production and marketing of organic vegetables
  • Build and maintain relationships with donors and local partners.
  • Monitor the implementation status of the agriculture and community development projects in Gorkha district
  • Supervise and monitor the performance of the staff
  • Conduct outcome-focused participatory monitoring and performance evaluation of the projects
  • Organize training, workshops, and seminars for organic vegetable and fruit production
  • Write proposals and submit to donors
  • Prepare monthly, trimester, and annual reports
9. Project Coordinator in Ujjyalo Nepal from January to December 2010

Key responsibilities

  • Implement projects related to commercial production and marketing of high-value crops in Sindhuli district
  • Formation and strengthening agriculture cooperatives for production and marketing of vegetables
  • Supervise and monitor programs and activities and provide necessary guidance and technical support to the field staff
  • Conduct outcome-focused participatory monitoring and performance evaluation of the projects
  • Organize training, workshops, and seminars to accomplish the purpose of the program
  • Prepare monthly, trimester, and annual reports
10. Monitoring Officer in Vital Consult, Kathmandu from January to December 2009

Key responsibilities

  • Monitoring and evaluation of NARDF funded ongoing projects as an independent monitor implemented by NGOs in mid-western region (Banke, Dang, Surkhet, and Dailekh districts) of Nepal
  • Outcome Monitoring Survey of completed NARDF funded projects as an independent monitor implemented by NGOs in Surkhet and Dailekh districts of Nepal
  • Prepare monitoring and evaluation reports
  • Organize workshops in NARDF for presenting the monitoring and evaluation reports
11. District Programme Advisor (DPA) at Agriculture Perspective Plan Support Program (APPSP) of MOAC/ DFID for Pyuthan and Jajarkot districts from 24 July 2004 to 31 Dec 2008

Key responsibilities

  • Assist DDC to hold DADC and its sub-committee meetings in order that key decision will be taken timely and appropriately
  • Implement the decision of DADC pertaining to the program
  • Empower and encourage district-level service providers to access and identify target groups (Poor, disadvantaged, and socially excluded groups) and implement the program related to livelihood improvement and income generation
  • Assist and encourage APP partners to use the opportunities created by the program particularly DADF and other related program and projects implemented through the support of other external agencies
  • Facilitate DADC sub-committee to screen the proposals for efficient, and effective funding of DADF
  • Assist DADO/DLSO in establishing and implementing participatory integrated planning and monitoring mechanism with all concerned stakeholders
  • Assist DDC that the financial aid is received timely, released to the approved program, and audited timely by the Auditor General
  • Supervise and monitor programs and activities and provide necessary guidance and technical support to the implementing partners
  • Conduct outcome-focused participatory monitoring and performance evaluation with public auditing at different stages of program implementation in the district
  • Organize district level training, workshops, and seminars to accomplish the purpose of the program
  • Act as resource person/facilitator in district and field level agriculture and livestock training and workshop and seminars
  • Assist NGOs, Cooperatives, and Farmer Groups to implement the program in an efficient way
  • Prepare monthly, trimester, and annual reports
  • Manage the district Support Unit (DSU) and handle the DSU operational account
12. Technical Officer (Biometrics) in Agriculture Research Station, Pakhribas from Dec 1999 to Feb 2004

Key responsibilities

  • Write PCN and full proposal related to agricultural, agroforestry, Non-Tiber Forest Product (NTFP) etc
  • Implement different on-station and on-farm research related to agricultural crops, agroforestry and NTFP funded by NARC, HARP, and CIMMYT
  • Assist agricultural scientist in designing agricultural experiment especially in the hilly areas as well as data analysis and interpretation
  • Report writing of the research experiments
  • Coordinate and create positive working relations with communities, local authorities, and concerned line agencies.
  • Conduct outcome-focused participatory monitoring and performance evaluation
  • Prepare periodic progress reports, activity reports, and annual technical reports
  • Support for implementing several research and development projects being an active member of the multidisciplinary teams of ARS, Pakhribas
  • Software development and data analysis of agriculture research projects
13. Agriculture Officer in Community Based Economic Development (CBED) of CECI/CEAPRED in Baitadi from January 1999 to November 1999

Key responsibilities

  • Motivate and assist community to identify and prioritize development plans following PRA
  • Organize community people into community-based organizations (CBOs) such as Producer Group (PG), saving and Credit Organization (SCO), Forest User Group (FUG) etc
  • Strengthen PGs by organizing training
  • Conduct different trainings related to vegetable and fruit farming
  • Establish linkage with cooperative for with SCOs to obtain credit.
  • Arrange cooperative exchange visit in different market area of Nepal
  • Assist PGs to federate and prepare by-laws
  • Assist screening micro-irrigation projects and help construction staff to implement such projects
  • Supervise agricultural technicians in the area and coordinate with other agriculturists to develop agricultural production Plan

Training Attended

SN Name of Training Date Place Organization
1 Training on Leadership Development on Facilitation and Participatory Strategic Planning 20 to 23 March, 2018 Kathmandu, Nepal Institute of Cultural Affairs Nepal
2 Participatory Learning and Action-Improving Nutrition Outcomes (Linking Agriculture, Natural Resource Management and Nutrition – LANN Plus) 21-25 August 2017 Nawalparasi, Nepal Civil Society Academy/ Welthungerhilfe (WHH)
3 Proposal Writing Training 17-19 February 2017 Kathmandu HR Development Center Pvt. Ltd., Pulchok, Lalitpur, Nepal
4 Social Development Organization Management Training 13-16 August 2017 Dhulikhel USAID/SAMUHIK ABHIYAN
5 Police strengthening of NGO 22-15 August 2017 Besisahar, Lamjung USAID/SAMUHIK ABHIYAN
6 Third Summer School in Climate Change Adaptation 17-22 July 2012 Kathmandu ISAS in collaboration with the USAID funded Hariyo Ban Program
7 Training on Trainers (TOT) On Cooperative Management 16/12/2010- 14/01/2011 Kathmandu Central Cooperative Training Centre, Baneshwor, Kathmandu
8 GIS Training 16-18/02/ 2010 Kathmandu TU/ Department of Geography
9 Outcome Monitoring Training 16-18/01/ 2009 Kathmandu Vital Consult, Kathmandu
10 Key issues in sustainable peace building in Nepal 16-18/02/ 2009 Kathmandu Institute for Conflict management Peace and Development (ICPD), Nepal & Karuna Peace Building Centre, America
11 Appreciative Inquiry (AI) Training 01-07/05/2005 Kathmandu The Vision Group Nepal
12 Risk Management Training 07-08/12/ 2004 Nepalgunj Risk Management Office (DFID/GTZ))
13 Conflict Transformation Training 15-20/04/2004 Ktm ICPD
14 Gender Training 13 – 14/11/ 2003 Kathmandu CIMMYT
15 Advanced Biometrics Training 8- 12/ 04/ 2002 Kathmandu AREP/NARC
16 Participatory Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (PPM&E) Training 8- 12/ 04/ 2002 Pakhirbas, Dhankuta Hill Agriculture Research Project (HARP/DFID)
17 Project Cycle Management (PCM) Training 8- 12/ 04/ 2002 Pakhirbas, Dhankuta HARP/DFID
18 Introductory Biometrics Training 25 – 30 June 2000 Pakhirbas, Dhankuta HARP/DFID
19 Proposal and Report writing Training 10 – 23 January 2000 Pakhirbas, Dhankuta HARP/DFID
20 TOT on Facilitation Skill Training 10-15 October, 2000 Kathmandu CBED/CEAPRED
21 Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) Training 26 Jan.- 1 Feb. 1999 Baitadi CBED/CEAPRED
22 Gender Training 23 -25 January 1999 Baitadi CBED/CEAPRED
23 Account and record Keeping Training 10 – 14 February 1999 Baitadi CBED/CEAPRED

Publications

1. Bhattarai, R.P., Ojha, B.R., Thapa, D.B., Kharel, R., Ojha, A. & Sapkota, M. (2017). Evaluation of elite spring wheat (Triticum aestivum) genotypes for yield and yield attributing traits under irrigated condition. J. Appl. Sci. Biotechnol., 5(2), 194-202.

2. Bhattarai, R.P., Thapa, D.B., Ojha, B.R., Kharel, R., Ojha, A. & Sapkota, M. (2017). Cluster analysis of elite spring wheat (triticum aestivum L.) genotypes based on yield and yield attributing traits under irrigated condition. J. Exp. Res. Rev., 10, 9-14.