It is key to recognize that most actions we do as humanitarians impact markets. In the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, markets are being impacted and in-kind food assistance can have a negative impact on food supply chain market actors’ ability to cope and recover. Therefore, it is essential that humanitarian response, using a market’s lens, contribute to the Do No Harm principle.
Market-based programming covers all types of engagement with market systems, ranging from actions that deliver immediate relief (such as emergency cash transfers) to those that proactively strengthen and catalyze local market systems or “market hubs”.
This document provides guidance to humanitarian and development actors involved in the food supply chain implementing food security and livelihoods interventions through the COVID-response.