An Emergency Market Mapping and Analysis Study: Market Support in South Sudan

In response to the need for better analysis of markets in emergencies, the Emergency Markets Mapping and Analysis (EMMA) tool was developed by the International Rescue Committee UK (IRC), Oxfam GB (OGB) and Practical Action, in consultation with many other international organisations. The EMMA toolkit was designed to be used in sudden onset crises and has the concept of rapid and realistic, ‘good enough’ analysis at its core. Using a combination of existing tools, from seasonal calendars to market systems maps, the EMMA combines gap analysis (people’s uncovered needs) and market system analysis (market’s core value chain, infrastructures and supporting services, and market’s environment and rules) to offer a systemic and comprehensive understanding of the constraints and capacity of critical market systems.

Based on this analysis, EMMA offers a series of response recommendations that detail how far the critical markets analysed can help deliver humanitarian assistance, which areas of the market may need additional support in this aid delivery and can further suggest ways in which interventions may strengthen the market systems in the longer term.

This case study details the use and results of the EMMA in South Sudan that took place in June 2011, carried out by Mercy Corps and the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), and adds to the learning process for the development of the EMMA toolkit.