| Abstract: | Many development actors and donors are shifting their project/program implementation approach
from conventional type to market system development approach (MSD). MSD differs from much
conventional development cooperation and aid in its emphasis on identifying the underlying
causes of market system dysfunction. Market systems approach is a valid one for promoting
economic development, improved access to services and poverty reduction. Different MSD
programs have been implemented in Ethiopia with especial focus on rural context. Nevertheless,
no studies have been conducted to investigate its and effectiveness in urban context. Therefore,
this study aims to examine the and effectiveness of MSD approach in employment creation and
income increment of women and youth in Addis Ababa. Besides, systemic and behaviours changes
of partners, roles of partners, challenges and lessons from MSD programme implementation were
examined. Qualitative descriptive study and case study research strategy were used. Five target
groups, 5 consortium partners staff and 4 implementing partners were selected using purposive
sampling. Data were collected through key informant interview, focus group discussion, nonparticipatory
observation and secondary sources review. The study has used thematic data
analysis. The findings of the study clearly revealed that MSD approach is feasible and effective in
creating employment and increasing income opportunities of women and youth target groups in
Addis Ababa. However, the impact of conventional ways of project implementations and lack of
awareness and skills on MSD, affected MSD project/programme implementations. In most of the
interventions, there are a couple of signs for sustainability and this have been ensured through the
effective partnership with different local market actors. Even though there are challenges to this
newly practiced approach; the research concludes that with a maximum effort in awareness
creation, capacity building of actors and practice of adaptive management; MSD approach could
bring changes in system, create employment and income opportunities for target groups (poor
women and youth). Finally, hence the goal of MSD is benefiting the poor; it is aligned with current
Ethiopian government priority of unemployment reduction. For that reason, the researcher
recommended that donors, development practitioners and implementing partners to shift their
traditional ways of project implementations to MSD approach. |
