Market Analysis Application in WASH Response

Markets are an important aspect of the livelihood where the majority of the world’s population depend upon. During disaster, market recovery is critical where it indicates the recuperation that livelihood, jobs and businesses rely upon. Humanitarian actors need to factor market analysis into their planning design. A failure to incorporate good understanding of market system may undermine livelihood rehabilitation, which can in turn prolong dependence on outside assistance.

WASH intervention highlights humanitarian response at large. Direct distribution i.e water trucking, hygiene kit distribution, and latrine constructions still dominate the pattern of WASH intervention. Although market analysis approach is crucial it is commonly neglected in emergency WASH.

Market analysis in WASH will strengthen the response design through a combined analysis of market gaps, household economy and public health risks. A good understanding of market system in WASH – both product and services – will definitely improve the quality of response and preparedness.