Revised Pre-Crisis Market Analysis (PCMA)
The purpose of this guidance is to provide field practitioners, across the different sectors, with a practical step-by-step process of how to plan, carry out, and update pre-crisis market mapping and analysis, leading to response/programme design and implementation as well as surveillance, early warning system (EWS), and monitoring and evaluation (M&E).
Market analysis used in pre-crisis contexts, maps the functionality of the current market system and then models (or forecasts) the functionality of the market system after a crisis. Undertaking market analysis as part of preparedness and contingency planning, could significantly improve the readiness to respond to crises. Understanding how a market system functions under a variety of conditions – from less stressed to more stressed – allows analysts to see:
- how the market functions under ‘normal’ conditions for a selected target group
- what components of the market system still function in an emergency for the target group
- whether relief can be delivered to the target group through existing market structures
- whether the market requires support of any kind (such as support to traders), to enable relief or early recovery.
This document does not replace existing market analysis tools but aims to build on them, harnessing their strengths and integrating lessons learnt in the form of tips from the field. It is also meant to be used before a crisis whereas in the humanitarian sector, the existing market analysis tools have been mostly designed to be used after a crisis. For those practitioners familiar with the EMMA methodology, you will note that there is much in common between these tools. However, as we are aware that the Pre-Crisis Market Analysis (PCMA) may be used by those unfamiliar with the EMMA, it was decided to include much of the same overall narrative, in order to provide full consistent guidance.
