Towards better evidence for market systems initiatives

In the context of increasing demands for rigorous evidence for international aid and development initiatives, there have been debates on the extent to which rigorous evidence exists about the effects of market systems approaches.

These debates raise questions about what constitutes rigorous and credible evidence in the case of initiatives or programmes that use a market systems approach, and how much of it is needed in order to adequately inform decision making.

This think piece explores these questions, drawing on consultations with practitioners, donors and observers of market systems initiatives, as well as wider literature about evidence from the fields of market systems and of development. The aim of the think piece is to strengthen understandings about what constitutes rigorous evidence for initiatives implementing market systems approaches and suggest potential ways in which improved evidence could be generated.

See also

Ediscussion on evidence for market systems approaches.

Blog on improving the evidence for market systems initiatives.