For Development Professionals:

Sector: Market Development

Photo: Miguel Samper for Mercy Corps

It is estimated that almost half of the world’s population, 3 billion people, live on less than $2.50 per day. As the global economic crisis continues to shrink domestic demand and investment in the developing world, emerging market growth is predicted to decline sharply from 6.1 percent in 2008 to 1.5 percent in 2009. An example of this decline can be seen in Africa, where the IMF projects a decline in growth by 17 percent. While the downturn threatens the fragile livelihoods of low-income earning populations, the market development sector offers an effective leverage point to turn these challenges into opportunities. Working in transitional environments, Mercy Corps takes a progressive approach, supporting communities and entrepreneurs from relief to sustainable livelihoods to long-term economic growth. Every context is different, and programming builds on the unique economic potential of each country. Engaging with entrepreneurs and producers at the community level as well as with lead firms and policy makers, we help ensure poor families and vulnerable communities benefit from the increased revenues that result from market improvements and sector growth.

Access to and availability of adequate market resources and economic opportunities are key success factors for both relief and development programming. Mercy Corps currently operates upwards of 30 market development projects in over 27 countries worth approximately $100 million dollars. These projects support at-risk communities to sustainably develop strong market systems that increase incomes and productivity while reducing the effects and risks of disaster or conflict.

To learn how we help people leverage the benefits of market development, take a look at the following information: