Strengthening Livelihoods and Market Systems in Tigray: Lessons from the Field
In October 2025, Fair & Sustainable Consulting, represented by our colleagues [@Oscar Geerts] and [@Wolde Zewdie], joined partners to reflect on key achievements from the project “Stability and Socio-Economic Development for Vulnerable and Marginalised Communities in the Tigray Region of Ethiopia.”
This important initiative, funded by the European Commission and led by Trócaire/CST Ethiopia, is set to conclude by the end of 2025. Since its launch, the project has supported households in rebuilding their livelihoods in a region deeply affected by conflict.
Working towards a MSD approach with CAFOD in Liberia
CAFOD and Caritas Liberia (CDOM) have been supporting cassava cultivation in Bomi County since 2021. In 2022, CAFOD Liberia and Sierra Leone and partner staff underwent training in Freetown on the Market Systems Development approach. In 2023, a joint field study was conducted, and the project was developed and implemented by Caritas Liberia (CDOM) and CAFOD. André Vording of Fair and Sustainable Consulting was contracted as a back stopper in 2024, helping develop a Theory of Change, defining indicators of change, designing baselines, and backstopping strategies.
CAFOD and F&S start a MSD journey together
More and more NGOs and donors are switching to Market Systems Development (MSD) as a new approach for their international economic development programs. CAFOD, together with F&S, started a journey to get familiar with the MSD approach and to apply it to their economic development programs in Africa.
Dairy value chains development for pastoralist communities in Borena
F&S Ethiopia are participating in a project entitled “Developing Inclusive and Profitable Dairy Value Chains for Pastoralist Communities in Borena Zone”, as co-implementer with our consortium partners CST Ethiopia, CIFA, and OPA.
Improve your reach and impact: the Market Systems Development approach (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.
Market System Development (MSD) training for People in Need (PIN) in the Czech Republic
F&S Consulting and People in Need (PIN), signed a contract for a Market Systems Development (MSD) capacity building process. F&S supported with expert training and support consultancy.
