Brief

All analysis and no action?

Lessons from 64 ILO market systems analysis which can improve their use

In recent years, the ILO has conducted or supported a growing number of market system analyses (MSAs) around the world, also due to the increased uptake of such analytical tool by teams that work in areas where market systems development knowledge is less rooted. Although the number of analyses is growing and this can be indicative of a broader shift to more systemic thinking in the ILO, a question persists – are MSAs worth the effort? This study aims to answer this question by unpacking key lessons from 64 MSAs that the ILO conducted from the start of 2020 through June 2022 and concluding with recommendations to help projects within the ILO and beyond ensure more effective resource use during this phase and, hopefully, more targeted MSD projects.