In recent years, international humanitarian agencies have been adapting their
responses to emergencies. Many have begun using cash-based initiatives, alongside
or in place of conventional relief distributions of food and non-food items. Local
procurement is also being encouraged, and opportunities for other innovative
responses explored (Harvey 2005, 2007).
These changes in practice draw attention to the need for better analysis of
markets. There is a growing realization that the best opportunities for assisting
women and men may be missed unless emergency responses are designed with
a good understanding of critical market systems. Moreover, lack of this market
analysis in humanitarian programmes may be damaging the livelihoods, jobs, and
businesses upon which people’s long-term security depends.