Comparison of Market Analysis Tools – World

Attachments

Introduction

Market assessments are designed to gather information about key market systems, marketplaces, and supply chains to better understand their functionality and accessibility for all groups. An essential component of any situational analysis, market assessments seek to determine whether humanitarian and development programs should work through local markets, and if so, how. Understanding local markets is critical in designing programs and interventions that are “market- aware.”

Any intervention should aim to promote market recovery and unlock development opportunities in the wake of a crisis. It should also aim to avoid the negative impacts of distorting markets and/or replacing or undermining market actors. It is therefore crucial, no matter what the circumstances, to move beyond quick assessments of cash feasibility and to gain as deep an understanding of local market characteristics as time and resources allow.

A market assessment can take many different forms and generate different types of information. It may be a rapid exercise looking at a specific good or service, or it may assess trade and marketplace health more broadly in a specific location.

Although we are increasingly seeing a blurring of the boundaries between humanitarian and development work, this resource focuses on selecting the right tool for various market assessments in humanitarian contexts. Keep in mind that assessments are often most valuable when tailored to the local context; you will likely find you want to adapt the tools referenced or combine components from a few of them to best match your purposes.

Other resources

Beyond a comparison of assessment tools, the following resources offer deeper guidance on market assessments for various types of program designs:

A glossary of key terms related to market-based-programming and market assessments, can be found on the MiC website.