Making the input supply market work for the poor

An analysis of Mercy Corps’ experiences implementing its RAIN programme in the Somali region of Ethiopia, where large government and NGO investment had failed to deliver improved animal health service quality or accessibility.

Main findings

• The programme was ineffective in bringing about change to the agricultural and livestock industry.
• Poor availability of quality pharmaceuticals and the limited outreach of animal health services impeded livestock health and productivity.

Intervention description

Focusing on three livestock related value chains in the agricultural regions of Somalia, the intervention aimed to promote multi-stakeholder consensus. This initial attempt yielded limited results, and the programme was adjusted to build the capacity of private veterinary pharmacies in forming stronger linkages with wholesalers.

Evidence methodology

• The report uses a mixed methodology, drawing primarily on data supplied by Mercy Corps.
• It assesses progress over the main phases of the programmer's evolution, through a combination of qualitative and quantitative analysis: from an emergency relief effort, focused on building livelihood assets, to one of identifying and funding key services in priority value chains.
• A final level of assessment is focused on the role of facilitators in supporting market players to address systemic weaknesses constraining value chains.

Useful for:

Giving a deeper understanding of the factors impeding the value chain of livestock production in thin markets and fragile contexts.