Fair & Sustainable Consulting trains CBI in use of MSD
Many organizations engaged in international economic development search for ways to efficiently increase the sustainability, impact and scale of their work. F&S shows that Market Systems Development (MSD) is a method that can deliver such results.
MSD focuses on creating lasting opportunities and benefits for poor people by tackling the underlying causes in the market system that block producers from improved market accessibility. The major difference between MSD and conventional economic support approaches is that solutions for these constraints are identified in the market. Hence, after a profound analysis of the root causes of the constraints, the private sector is assisted to define and provide a solution, through developing a viable business model that benefits them and their clients.
An example of MSD:
In Ethiopia demand for tomatoes is higher than the supply. Analysis showed that farmers do not apply Good Agricultural Practices, which limits production. A conventional development project would train farmers, via their associations, to improve their agricultural practices. An MSD project however, will look for a private training company and support them to set up a fitting training and to sell it to farmers’ associations. In this way, many more farmers will benefit from the training and trainings will continue after the project end.
Increasingly, donors, NGOs and governments use MSD, and experience how this approach is effective in creating results, that sustain after a development intervention ends. F&S believes and has proven that the MSD approach is a more effective way to fight poverty, reach scale and sustain impact. F&S supports clients to get acquainted with the MSD approach and to apply MSD in their own development interventions.
Training CBI employees on Market Systems Development
“I have learnt how to build on existing services and find solutions and business models in the market” – participants of the training
The Centre for the Promotion of Imports from developing countries (CBI) is also exploring new ways to increase the impact of their support. As part of this, in November 2019 and March 2020, F&S trained 14 CBI staff. During three days of interactive training, the participants were introduced to the concepts of the MSD approach and concretely designed MSD interventions for their current projects. Through analyzing case studies from their own work, participants got a better and hands-on understanding of MSD and developed their skills to design and implement MSD. They deepened their analysis of the case and even made a new result chain, with the potential to reach more scale and sustained impact.
“I now understand how I can go from MSD theory to practice” – participants of the training
The participants developed new perspectives on their projects and shared their strategies with each other. During the discussions, participants and trainers shared feedback.
MSD for you as well? F&S provides customized (online) MSD training and support
F&S is able to customize its MSD training modules to your needs and your specific project partners and beneficiaries. We give our trainings online as well, therewith making them accessible to remote participants. Our online and offline trainings include presentations, Q&A sessions, exercises and case studies from your work floor, as well as personal coaching during the assignments.
Interested? Contact Jochem Schneemann or Annelien Meertsexample of MSD
