Introduction to Market Assessments

Markets play a central role in the lives and livelihoods of people. Sudden shocks such as natural disasters and conflict can have a strong negative impact on people’s capacity to access basic commodities. Market assessment and analysis should be an integral part of any emergency needs assessment to best identify the most appropriate response and to ensure we do no harm to the very people we are trying to support. Tools like the RAM and MAG strengthens response options analysis and can reveal possibilities for market based interventions to best support the affected population return to their normal lives as quickly as possible.