Adapting a market systems approach to crisis in Sudan

This report discusses how Mercy Corps adapted its Strengthening Agricultural Markets and Food Security (SAFE) programme during the 2023 conflict in Sudan. 

The programme, originally focused on increasing private sector involvement to improve agricultural markets for smallholder farmers, had to quickly pivot when violence disrupted the economy. 

Pre-conflict, it had helped 40,000 farmers increase yields and develop market connections. After the conflict, Mercy Corps leveraged its established relationships to ensure seed distribution and initiate microfinance-led cash distributions, despite the chaos.

The paper concludes that building resilient market systems and partnerships before a crisis allows for faster, more effective responses during emergencies. 

Overall, the SAFE experience proved that an adaptable agriculture development program can work together with the private sector to support household coping strategies and ensure production of vital food supplies in the immediate aftermath of an outbreak of conflict.