MARKET ASSESSMENT IN COX’S BAZAR Analysis for DCA’s Cash and Livelihoods Project March 2019

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DCA MARKET ASSESSMENT REPORT

Analysis for DCA’s Cash and Livelihoods Intervention in Cox’s Bazar

Chakmarkul/Camp 21, Omani Site and Jamtoli/Camp 15

DCA, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh

March 2019

Md. Abdur Rahman, G. M. Jahangir Kabir, Kali Ratan Chakma, and Maja Toenning

Data collection and contribution to the Report

From DCA Cox’s Bazar: Md. Abdur Rahman, G. M. Jahangir Kabir, Mohammad Faisal Kabir, Subhash Chandra

Barman, Kali Ratan Chakma, Sridham Hajong, Rikta Rani, Khairunnessa Kajol, Ferdousi Akter, Md. Abdul Ghani,

Jebunessa Chowdhury, Koyme Prue, Nargis Akter, Md. Sadikur Rahman, SM Taheruzzaman, Ivory Hackett-Evans

and Jenny Oskarsson

From DCA HQ, Copenhagen: Maja Tønning

Other partners: Delwar Hossain Masud; HEKS/EPER, Noor Ahmed; COAST Trust

The market assessment is made possible by the generous support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark

(DANIDA). The contents of the report are the responsibility of DCA and do not necessarily reflect the views of

DANIDA or the partners participating in the assessment.

All photos: DCA

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Table of Contents

Abbreviations ............................................................................................................................................... iii

Executive summary ...................................................................................................................................... 0

Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 1

Objectives ................................................................................................................................................. 2

Methodology ................................................................................................................................................ 3

Gender and origin of vendors ................................................................................................................... 4

Limitations ................................................................................................................................................ 4

Protection and gender .................................................................................................................................. 5

Market location and trader status ............................................................................................................... 8

Market analysis ............................................................................................................................................. 9

Critical market analysis and supply chain mapping ................................................................................ 11

Market supply situation................................................................................................................................... 11

Market demand situation ................................................................................................................................ 13

Market price situation ..................................................................................................................................... 13

Funding and credit ........................................................................................................................................... 14

Seeds and agricultural tools ............................................................................................................................ 14

Seedlings and saplings from nurseries ............................................................................................................ 15

Vegetables ....................................................................................................................................................... 16

Rice, lentils and oil ........................................................................................................................................... 17

Recommendations ...................................................................................................................................... 18

Conclusion .................................................................................................................................................. 19

References .................................................................................................................................................. 20

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Abbreviations CfW Cash for Work

Coast Trust Coastal Association for Social Transformation

CiC Camp in Charge

CVA Cash and Voucher Assistance

DCA DanChurchAid

FGD Focus Group Discussion

GBV Gender Based Violence

GoB Government of Bangladesh

HEKS/EPER Swiss INGO

IGA Income generating activities

INGO International non-governmental organization

ISCG Inter Sector Coordination Group

MEB Minimum Expenditure Basket

MMC Market Management Committee

RRRC Office of the Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commission

UNHCR United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

WGSS Women and Girls Safe Space

WFP United Nations World Food Programme

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Executive summary DCA (DanChurchAid) Bangladesh has been implementing programmes in the Rohingya Response since the

beginning of the influx in August 2017. Alongside GBV, Education, Site Improvement and Emergency Response

activities, DCA has used our global cash expertise to design and implement cash and voucher assistance (CVA)

interventions. Strong CVA interventions rely on functional markets. To better understand the existing state of

the markets, DCA conducted a market assessment in January 2019. The assessment comprised of individual

interviews at selected markets with wholesalers and retailers of seeds and tools, vegetables and other food

commodities (rice, oil and lentils). Informal interviews were conducted with nursery owners, and key

informant interviews were completed with market management committees (MMC).

DCA’s programming has priority to women and the most vulnerable and the focus for the market assessment

was placed on market accessibility and protection related issues. Overall, women from female headed

households have access to the market, whereas women from male headed households continuously face

cultural restrictions. None of the interviewed vendors reported incidents within the market that specifically

affected female customers.

Within the camps, small markets have been established at Omani site (17 vendors) and Chakmarkul (33

vendors), whereas Jamtoli camp market is fairly large (500 vendors). Camp site markets meet the needs and

demands of the Rohingya as well as host communities. The markets have well established supply chain

connections to the larger local, district, and divisional level markets. Thus, camp level markets can meet

increasing demands in a short space of time. Importantly traders of Palongkhali and Whykong markets have

capacity to store goods in their warehouses, demonstrating capacity to supply at short notice, though supply

would be expected to be disrupted in the case of a natural disaster due to road infrastructure damage. Camp

level markets play a key supply role to Rohingya communities, especially for vulnerable segments because of

ease of access. In Chakmarkul and Omani site the main supplies available are fresh food and groceries.

Chakmarkul market has seen significant growth in the past 6 months with an increase in the number of shops

supplying the market. Jamtoli market, serving both camp 15 and 16, is one of the biggest camp level markets.

Overall, prices have increased in Cox’s Bazar District due to the Rohingya influx. This in turn has decreased the

purchasing power of the host community. Prices in the smaller camp level markets were slightly higher than

those in outside markets.

Key recommendations:

• Cash actors need to continue advocacy for direct cash to enable access to camp level markets. Access to

nearby markets will have immense impact on access and protection issues in particular for women.

• All actors working on market-based initiatives need to build capacity of camp level market, build

infrastructure to improve supply chain management, and improve hygiene facilities

• Advocacy for cash and livelihood activities would have a greater positive impact on market growth than

voucher programming. This impact would be felt at Cox’s Bazar level.

• Actors should engage in market support activities as part of all cash and voucher programmes. This could

include setting up traders’ associations in existing markets, involving women in all committees.

• Camp level actors should prioritise procuring their distribution goods from camp level markets, where

distribution is chosen over cash programming. This will facilitate local economy growth and market

functionality.

• Market based interventions should ensure visible complaints and feedback mechanisms in the market

places

• Continuous market monitoring of fresh food, quality, availability, prices and access to markets should be

part of any market-based intervention.

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Introduction Resulting from the continuous influx from Myanmar into Bangladesh, Cox’s Bazar currently hosts over 900,000

Rohingya refugees1. The scale, severity and complexity of needs across the hazardous conditions in the camps

remain overwhelming and services continue to be insufficient or of poor quality. At the same time, the dire

situation as well as downwards spiralling funding flows indicate a crucial need to shift to more sustainable

assistance to enhance self-reliance and independence among the refugee community. Particularly female

refugees remain highly vulnerable with many being traumatized and facing continuous exposure to a

multitude of protection risks. Protection risks facing women and girls are further compounded by damaging

coping strategies such as child marriage and engaging in survival and transactional sex to lower the financial

burden on families. A lack of livelihoods and income-generating activities – again specifically for women and

girls – creates severe dependency on humanitarian assistance and use of negative coping strategies.

Due to stigma, but also lack of information on available services, women and girls often remain in their shelters

and cannot access services and activities as this is not considered culturally appropriate. Ongoing cash

activities in the camps, mainly cash for work (CfW), sees an extremely low female attendance. Women and

girls have experienced significant gender-based violence (GBV) and abuses while fleeing from Myanmar. In

addition, women and girls are exposed to higher risks in the current settlements, including risks of trafficking,

exploitation, sexual assault and violence, GBV and sexual harassment. Any cash or voucher assistance

programme must consider the multitude of risks for women and girls, as well as other most vulnerable

population groups such as the elderly and disabled. Men and boys are particularly at risk of being recruited by

criminal gangs or of radicalisation2 due to lack of education opportunities or availability of work. Given the

complex situation, holistic livelihoods and markets-based interventions are highly needed.

UNHCR’s Multi-Sector needs assessment (July 2018) shows that while an overall 40% of the Rohingya

population reported at least one member was working to earn an income in the 30 days prior to data

collection, only 3% of those are female3. In the Rohingya Refugee Response Gender Analysis (August 2018)4

participants were asked whether the person earning money shared the income with their family; 59 percent

of all respondents said that they did not. This indicates that within the family it is men who are likely to have

all the decision-making power over any expenditure. This clearly highlights the need to enhance access to

livelihood related skills training and income-generating activities for women and girls, while at the same time,

sensitisation with men and boys has to be incorporated into programming, particularly to advocate for

women’s access to livelihoods and income-generating activities.

DCA, along with several other humanitarian actors in Cox’s Bazar, is planning to engage in a more medium-

term response to address the multiple and dire needs of the refugee population. Over the course of 2019, DCA

will implement activities through a cash and voucher assistance (CVA) programme to enhance the self-reliance

of Rohingya refugees and vulnerable host community members focusing on women and girls. There is already

a notable impact on the local markets due to the refugee influx, and following emergency response carried

out by humanitarian actors. As a direct result, new markets are emerging in the vicinity of, and inside the

camps. Over time, markets will play an increasingly crucial role in the lives of people, and the emergency

1 ISCG Situation Report Rohingya Refugee Crisis, Cox’s Bazar, 15 December 2018 (PDF) 2 Joint Response Plan for Rohingya Humanitarian Crisis 2018 (PDF) 3 Multi-Sector Needs Assessment, UNHCR, REACH, July 2018 (PDF) 4 Rohingya Refugee Response Gender Analysis: Recognizing and responding to gender inequalities, Aug 2018 (PDF)

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response as a whole. Where appropriate response modalities should increasingly depend on the local markets

to supply the necessary food and non-food commodities.

In response to the humanitarian crisis caused by Rohingya influx to Cox`s Bazar, DCA is currently implementing

a Cash and Livelihoods Programme in the affected areas. Our focus is agro-based livelihoods support, existing

skill capacity building, and small-scale business development and income-generating support. Within this

approach, cash and voucher assistance is inbuilt as a response modality. Through strengthening available

livelihoods opportunities, DCA aims to reduce aid dependency. The DCA programme is targeting refugees living

in Camp 21/Chakmarkul, Omani site, Camp 15/Jamtoli, and surrounding most-vulnerable host community.

In late January 2019, DCA and partners conducted a market assessment of Whykong Bazar, Palongkhali Bazar,

Jamtoli market, Chakmarkul market and Omani site market. The market assessment focused on assessing the

availability of livelihoods inputs relating to multi-storey gardening including seeds, seedlings and tools.

Furthermore, the team assessed the availability of fresh food with an expectation that beneficiaries will

increasingly access vegetables, fruit and fish with small incomes from this programme and ongoing cash for

work activities implemented by DCA. Later in 2019, DCA will conduct a small labour/demand market

assessment to help inform the scale up of income-generating activities (IGAs) for the Rohingya population in

the target area.

Objectives

The market assessment was conducted by staff from DCA, HEKS/EPER and COAST Trust, with technical support

from DCA’s Global Humanitarian Adviser following a three-day Cash & Voucher Assistance and Market Analysis

in Emergencies training. The primary objective of the market assessment was to provide an overview of the

current situation of the market system (retail and wholesale) to deliver seeds and tools, as well as fresh food.

The overall objective is to assess the feasibility and appropriateness of delivering assistance through cash or

vouchers. The specific objectives of the market assessment are to:

• Understand supply linkages and vendors’ ability to stock vegetable seeds, agricultural tools and inputs

needed for multi-storey and rooftop (climbing) gardening, as well as the availability of seedlings and

access to these;

• Understand supply and demand of fresh food, particularly focusing on vegetables;

• Understand supply and demand of other food and non-food items. DCA’s intervention is targeting

host-community who access the markets for these commodities.

• Explore existing prices, seasonal fluctuations in prices and supply, credit linkages, purchasing power

and storage capacity of vendors;

• Assess local and camp level market capacities to respond to an increase in demand;

• Understand and ensure the accessibility of Rohingya refugees and most vulnerable host community

to the markets

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Methodology The market assessment was conducted at Whykong Bazar, Palongkhali Bazar, Jamtoli, Chakmarkul and Omani

site markets over the course of 20-21 January 2019. The targeted five markets are located in the adjacent

areas of Chakmarkul and Jamtoli camps, close to DCA`s working areas. They were selected purposely as those

accessed by DCA target population, or as supplying the access markets.

Retailers and wholesalers of seeds/tools, vegetables and other food commodities (rice, oil and lentils) were

interviewed. A total of 44 different vendors are included in this assessment through structured individual or

small group interviews. Furthermore, three semi-structured key-informant interviews were conducted with

the Market Management Committees (MMC) in Whykong, Palongkhali and Jamtoli markets to triangulate the

collected data. Additionally, one team conducted informal interviews with vendors and in nearby nurseries.

While taking the individual interviews, the market situation was observed so as to better understand market

accessibility and protection related issues. Expert GBV staff joined the teams to support the gender dynamic

and protection part of the assessment. Trader surveys were conducted using Kobo collect. All informants were

local market actors including retailers, wholesalers, informal vendors (no shop), and market management

committee members.

The key informant interviews focused on the overall performance and structure of the markets, protection

related information, and existing supply chains for vegetable seeds. The Kobo interview questions focused on

the market setup, market supply and ability to meet increased demands, price dynamics and protection.

Informal interviews with nursery owners mainly focused on the availability of different varieties of seeds,

saplings, fertilizers and tools in the area, demand and supply as well as refugees’ access to the nurseries.

The assessment was conducted with vendors in Whykong (11), Palongkhali (14), Jamtoli (14), Chakmarkul (3)

and Omani Site (2). In most cases two to three vendors joined small group interviews. One group interview of

five to six vendors was arranged) in Omani site. During interviews taken in Chakmarkul and Omani, the team

focused on vegetables, but questions were added on the ability to provide seeds and tools upon demand as

well as the market establishment, child labour and other issues.

At the same time as the market assessment, DCA conducted several focus group discussions (FGDs) with

women from the target group to get inputs for preferences on livelihoods and cash activities for the design of

DCA’s programme; to some extent this data is included in this report.

32

14 14

11

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

ChakmarkulBazar

Omani Site& Gunar

Para

JamtoliBazaar

Palongkhalibazar

WhykongBazar

Vendor coverage per location

10

15

19

0 5 10 15 20

Rice, oil, lentils, other andNFI

Seeds or tools shop

Vegetables/food

Number of vendors assessed

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Gender and origin of vendors

100% of the vendors’ interviewed were male, as no

female vendors were available. In Whykong Bazar, the

MMC reported that four female vendors operate during

two weekly market days and have their own section in

the market. No other markets reported to have female

vendors. Amongst informal traders, an approach

preferred by women, only two female vendors from the

nearby ethnic community (neither Rohingya or host

community) were identified by the team. In future

assessments it would be valuable to pay attention to

issues around restrictions to female vendors engaging in

the markets.

Assessment of the origin of vendors showed that in Whykong, Palongkhali and Jamtoli, all vendors originate

from the host community. Chakmarkul is mixed (8 host community vendors out of 33), and Omani site has

100% of vendors from the Rohingya community. The Rohingya vendors in both Chakmarkul and Omani site

markets are supported by the Camp in Charge (CiC) to operate their businesses. The majority of Rohingya

vendors rent their land from the host community but own the shop themselves i.e. they were not managing it

on behalf of the host community).

Limitations

• The team visited Whykong market outside one of the two weekly market days, which meant that the

market was not fully operational during the assessment. For example, vegetable vendors and female

shopkeepers were not present. All other markets operated daily so assessors did not face problems in

other markets. In Omani site, most customers come in the late afternoon, so it would have been most

useful for our assessors to be present then.

• There was a limited number of wholesalers in the markets, hence interviews focused mainly on

retailers.

• The timing of the market assessment was outside the season for growing both winter and summer

vegetables, hence seeds and tools were only available to a limited extend. However, vendors trading

in seeds were identified and several of the interviewed vendors said that they were planning to supply

seeds in March-April, prior to the summer season for vegetable cultivation.

• The scope of the assessment is limited to the main markets accessed by DCA’s target group.

Furthermore, the number of commodities assessed were limited to key critical commodities.

• The assessment team had identified papaya as a key commodity during the critical market analysis,

however there was no supply of papaya and it was later identified to be of lesser priority to the target

population than assumed. Retrospectively, the assessment should have included eggplant in the

assessment.

Male host-

community

73%Male non-local7%

Male refugee

20%

Gender & origin of vendors

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Protection and gender Understanding protection and gender dynamics within the Rohingya context is a priority for promotion of

safer access to services and opportunities for community members. In many situations, women and girls are

disproportionately affected by disasters5. As primary caregivers who often have greater responsibilities related

to household work, and agriculture and food production, women may have greater need in this area, but less

access to resources for recovery. They may also be required to take on new household responsibilities (for

example when primary income earners have been killed or injured or need to leave their families to find

employment). If law and order break down, or social support and safety systems (such as the extended family

or village groups) fail, women and girls are also at greater risk of gender-based violence and discrimination.

Not only do gender and gender dynamics determine the condition of household income and security, they

also determine the type of livelihood activities undertaken. Each community has particular trends in terms of

which work women or men undertake based on the opportunities and norms within their context. Safety

accessing local markets is a risk specific to female single-headed households as food provision is part of the

husband’s responsibility in Rohingya culture. In the camp environment, women do not feel safe accessing

local markets as they have to break purdah6, be visible to men and therefore perceive a greater risk of sexual

harassment and assault.

There is a need to ensure gender dialogues are held with spouses to understand the issues that come about

as a result of targeting specific support to women. This may include discussions on underlying issues that

condone violence and challenges to equalizing the balance of power. This allows an opportunity to promote

female participation in household decision making7.

As DCA is planning to target livelihoods support towards women, it is crucial to understand women’s access

to markets. Typically, women cook for the households in the Rohingya community, and women have the

responsibility to increase fresh food and nutritional diversity in the diets consumed at the household level. As

mentioned in the introduction, there is some proof that men often do not share their incomes, for example

from cash for work activities, with their households. Hence, women and children in the households are largely

not seen to benefit and are not able to increase nutritional diversity at the household level.

Overall, the results of the market assessment pointed towards women having access to the camp-level

markets, although those with access are mainly from female-headed households or, to a limited extend,

women from households where the men are engaged in daily labour. In line with other assessment findings,

this indicates that women residing in male-headed households are still not allowed to go to the market; an

issue that will need to be challenged when targeting women and girls who come from male-headed

households. The camp level market vendors reported that out of 100 customers, approximately 20-30 were

female. There was no difference in the time of day that women shop compared to men. Palongkhali and

Whykong were reported to be far for women (and men) to travel, and only very few women were observed

by assessors to be present in those markets, this is compared to Jamtoli market where many women were

observed. The pre-crisis market and needs assessments (PCMA) conducted by the Cash Working Group in May

2018 states that “Freedom of movement was a concern raised across the discussion groups as women who

purchased fresh food from neighboring markets were worried that a similar market may not exist during the

raining seasons, and they might have to travel further. They also mentioned that the elderly would not be able

5 Gender Brief on Rohingya Refugee Crisis Response in Bangladesh. UN Women, October 2017 6The practice in certain Muslim and Hindu societies of screening women from men or strangers, especially by means of a curtain. 7 Economic and Social Empowerment (EA$E) Program for Women by IRC

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to access any markets, and the lack of support during the rains was concerning.” Based on the findings of this

assessment we see that camp level markets continue to play a crucial role in market access for women and

other vulnerable groups’. The main concern in the current context is that camp level traders in Chakmarkul

and Omani sites are largely unregistered refugee vendors, who are not eligible for contracts relating to voucher

programming offered by some humanitarian actors to support camp level markets. Therefore, direct cash to

female beneficiaries and most vulnerable remains priority as it is most feasible for them to access camp-level

markets.

Another issue is the lack of female vendors as indicated above, which might keep some women from accessing

the markets if they prefer to deal only with other females. This is additionally worth taking note of in relation

to income generating activities (IGAs) for women. Actors working in livelihood programming cannot expect

women to open shops in the traditional markets, but rather will need to assess opportunities for mobile and

home-based shops, trade in safe spaces and other locations deemed safe for women to access, or opening

female-only sections in the markets.

The various constraints faced by women were confirmed through focus group discussions, where the women

mentioned that the lack of Burka is critical for women’s access as they cannot move outside the household

without this. They furthermore mentioned that Mahji’s continuously discourage the movement of women,

also in terms of market access. None of the interviewed vendors had heard of, or experienced incidents that

affected female customers.

On other protection issues related to the broader target group, the vendors reported that all groups had

physical access to the markets, although some might be more challenged than others, such as disabled and

elderly who will need to take support from peers. Disabled and elderly (men and women) need to pay the

persons who are going to buy items for them in the market, which should be factored into the cash transfer

amount. In programme design, there might be a need to engage peers or market volunteers to support people

with access needs in purchasing necessary items if cash or vouchers are scaled to this group in the future.

The interviewed vendors, and Market Management Committees reported that there is no problem of social

cohesion amongst groups of different political, ethnic or religious affiliation. With more businesses shifting

into Rohingya ownership, social cohesion and dynamics between the Rohingya and host community vendors

must be monitored to ensure that relationships remain peaceful. This trust and connections are crucial for

continued supply of key commodities to the market.

The assessment also measured if children are frequently seen unsupervised by adults in the market. This was

reported as a frequent occurrence. This practice puts children at increased risk and must be monitored closely.

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In programme design, organisations should do sensitisation with

cash and voucher beneficiaries around this and the importance of

accompanying children / not sending them on behalf of an adult. In

Chakmarkul, child labour is seemingly also a practice. This should be

addressed in cooperation with market representatives. Often

children run the shops while the shop owners are going to prayers.

Some are also working regularly in the shops, mainly for small in-

kind food contributions.

Other protection risks related to cash and voucher assistance, as

reported during focus group discussions, relate to the Mahji’s

requesting the beneficiaries for a percentage of the distributed

cash; this is likewise reported to be a practice of the local host

community leaders. Some women reported fears that they are more obvious targets, in terms of being cash

beneficiaries, when moving to the markets. Nonetheless, they confirmed their preferred transfer modality to

be direct cash in smaller instalments.

16%

84%

Are children often customers in the market?

No Yes

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Market location and trader status Both Palongkhali and Whykong markets are located along the Cox’s Bazar and Teknaf road. Jamtoli,

Chakmarkul and Omani site markets are located at the precinct of the camps. Some vendors at Palongkhali

Bazar mentioned fears that they might be displaced if planned road expansion works start. All market places

remain open around 6-7 days per week, however Whykong has two weekly market days where more vendors

are present. Most of the interviewed traders declared that they can meet extra demand within a two to five-

day period. Seeds and agricultural tools supplies are sourced from a variety of locations, including Cox’s Bazar,

Chittagong, Ukhiya and Teknaf. Vegetable retailers collect goods from Chokoria and Satkania sub-districts, and

from local production in Teknaf, Ukhiya and local villages and markets.

Palongkhali, Whykong and Jamtoli markets are managed by Market Management Committees (MMC), which

consist of a representative union of elected members and local authority representatives. The MMC’s work

closely with the trader’s unions, which are made up of all traders operating in the respective markets. The

three MMC’s interviewed all have well-established relationships with local government, the Parishad (Union

Council), and local law enforcement actors. The main role of an MMC is to ensure a good business environment

including the provision of security against crime and theft, cleaning, and market linkages. The MMC engage

with the trader’s unions on price controls. Hence, the MMC’s are a good entry point for organisations that

deliver market-based activities, especially to ensure that prices do not inflate due to cash support, as well as

on controlling supply and quality issues.

The status of shop ownership was assessed based on land ownership. Among 44 interviewees in Whykong,

Palongkhali, Jamtoli, Chakmarkul, and Omani extension site, only three traders have their own land. The

remaining 41 traders have either rented their shops or the land on which they have established their shops.

Rent is typically paid monthly. Among 44 vendors, only 24 vendors reported to have trader’s licenses and

thereby official registration with the government. This is despite the fact most of these were host community

vendors who would have a right to the licence. Hence, the proportion of host community vendors without

trader’s licence is high and support for registration might be a viable market support activity. Only ten traders

have access to a warehouse, especially those who are involved with seeds, tools and general food businesses.

Others have small storage spaces adjacent to the shop. Some vegetable vendors do not store, but purchase

and sell vegetables daily.

Only eight of the 44 vendors reported to have experience in voucher programming; four vendors for seed/tool,

and four vendors for vegetables, rice, oil, and lentils. These vendors had been engaged with different NGOs

during early phases of the emergency. If organisations engage vendors in voucher programmes, they should

pay attention to the common lack of formal registration, and the inability of refugee vendors to get trader

licenses; consequently, some vendors are disadvantaged in benefitting from voucher projects. Alternative

agreements may be researched to ensure that beneficiaries’ access to the markets are prioritised (i.e. creating

access to camp level markets over those that require travel).

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Market analysis DCA’s target group lives in Chakmarkul/Camp 21, Omani Extension, and Jamtoli/Camp 15. New markets have

been established in the vicinity of all three camps since the influx of Rohingya in August 2017. These markets

are now accessed by both refugee and host community members.

Overall, the markets were assessed to be functional and able to supply the assessed goods based on needs.

Numerous findings from the market assessment and focus group discussions are in line with previous market

assessments8 conducted in the area surrounding the Rohingya refugee camps in stating the feasibility and

appropriateness of direct cash: “markets across the camps are vibrant and can provide to the needs of the

populations if cash and market-based assistance were to increase.” 9 In line with the results of this assessment,

the PCMA conducted by the Cash Working Group in April 2018 reports that Rohingya populations most often

access informal markets close to the camps, that distributed in-kind items are increasingly sold in nearby

markets to access other needs, and that the communities have a strong preference for cash over in-kind

assistance.

The Market Assessment conducted by the Food Security Cluster and VAM in November 2017 highlighted that

most Rohingya refugees access markets nearby the camps mostly consisting of small retail traders. The

findings are echoed in this market assessment, followed by strong recommendations for humanitarian

organisations to engage in a phased approach and a slow roll out of cash interventions to allow small traders

with limited financial capital to restock on a running basis. As identified, most traders in the smaller markets

such as Chakmarkul and Omani sites are flexible to respond to demand for known and new items, and usually

restock within two days.

Omani Extension Site

In Omani site market there is a total of 17 shops running daily in the afternoon, mostly supplying fresh food

and groceries. The market establishment has been supported by the CiC and all vendors owning the shops

were male Rohingya refugee community members living in Omani site. Most of their supplies come from

Whykong, Balukhali and Palongkhali, where vendors reported to walk to every second day to resupply their

items. The vendors shared that prices for commodities in Whykong were cheaper than in Palongkhali, but that

distance to Whykong was an issue as they cannot afford transportation costs.

Chakmarkul / Camp 21

In Chakmarkul market there is a total of 33 shops running daily and the market has seen a significant growth

in the past 6 months. Eight out of 33 shops are owned and run by host community vendors. The host

community shops were of higher quality than those owned by Rohingya and were constructed with tin sheets

rather than tarpaulins. Most supplies in Chakmarkul come from Palongkhali Bazar, which is very close to the

camp market. All vendors in Chakmarkul felt supported from the CiC and the army to run their businesses.

Each stall pays 400 BDT/month to the landowner from the host community. Refugee vendors in Chakmarkul

reported that they occasionally experienced obstacles from the host community, for example during recent

elections where the vendors were blocked from moving to get new supplies. The infrastructure and hygienic

conditions of Chakmarkul is extremely poor and there is a high need for upgrading this to ensure appropriate

sanitary conditions as well as continuous access to the market throughout the seasons. The CiC in Chakmarkul

8 Market Assessment in Cox’s Bazar, VAM/FCS, November 2017; Cox’s Bazar Cash Working Group, Pre-Crisis Market and Needs Analysis, April 2018. 9 Ibid.

10 | D C A M a r k e t A s s e s s m e n t C o x ’ s B a z a r

reported to be planning to construct market infrastructure. The standards should be monitored and

constructions potentially supported by the organisations operating in the camp.

Jamtoli/Camp 15

Jamtoli is one of the biggest camp markets, hosting an impressive 500 shops, of which approximately 100 are

vegetable shops. This market came into existence after the influx of refugees in August 2017. Most shops are,

officially at least, run by the host community. A huge variety of goods and services are available in the market

or can be supplied upon demand. Unlike in the other two camp level markets, a Market Management

Committee has been established. Various agencies run programmes that engage with the market actors. DCA

contracted eight shops for LPG refilling through direct cash, and ICCO/GUK provide fresh food and groceries

to 6,743 households through a paper voucher project. Vegetables available in Jamtoli market are supplied

from Chokoria, Ramu, Teknaf and Cox’s Bazar. The supply chains are functional and various wholesalers

operate retail shops in the market from their base in Palongkhali and Balukhali bazars, where they have their

storage units. Groceries in Jamtoli are plenty, although the vendors reported poor market conditions affecting

hygiene and quality of items. These issues increased in the rainy season. However, Jamtoli CiC said that

renovation and restructuring of the market is ongoing.

Palongkhali

Palongkhali is the largest and oldest market of those assessed, located close to Chakmarkul, Omani site and

Jamtoli camp. There are a total 371 shops which sell rice, oils, lentils, construction materials, fertilizer, seeds

and other food and non-food items. There are only three female shopkeepers who mainly run beautification

businesses. 100% of the shops are owned by the host community, though some Rohingya refugees work as

laborers in the market. The physical structure of the market is good and there is a strong Market Management

Committee, that consists of seven members (all male). There are 20 wholesalers who can provide support as

per market needs. Most of the supply to Palongkhali comes from Chokoria, Cox’s Bazar, Chittagong, Dhaka,

Habiganj and other parts of Bangladesh. The vendors have capacity to provide support within two to three

days of any goods/service from all parts of Bangladesh. Reportedly, the vendors sometimes purchase

commodities from Myanmar due to cheaper prices and more cost-effective transportation. There was a slight

difference in prices among the sub-district and Palongkhali Bazar. Financial service providers (ie. bank, credit

Picture 1: Host community vendor in Chakmarkul / Camp 21 Picture 2: Refugee vendor in Chakmarkul / Camp 21

11 | D C A M a r k e t A s s e s s m e n t C o x ’ s B a z a r

cooperatives) are available in the market and provide loans to the vendors. Many of the interviewed

shopkeepers have participated in different NGO programmes and had awareness of voucher programming.

Whykong Bazar

There are approximately 130 operational shops in Whykong Bazar, including 13 wholesalers and 117 retailers,

of which 15 are MMC members (12 male and 3 female). They operate mainly grocery shops and smaller shops

selling rice, vegetables, fish, seeds, fertiliser and clothes supplied from Satkania, Chokoria, Chittagong,

Siraigonj and Mymensingh. The physical structure of the market is good, and the vendors have appropriate

capacity to meet increased demands from the community. Storage facilities are sufficient. With financial

support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) the local government has constructed new structures and

sheds for the shopkeepers, including two sheds allocated for women shopkeepers. There are drainage facilities

and wash rooms available in the market areas as well.

Critical market analysis and supply chain mapping

Prior to conducting the market assessment, DCA did a critical

market analysis to determine wider supply chain strength based

on five categories of items. Commodities were assessed during

structured, quantitative interviews. as representative of the

wider supply chain within 5 categories of items:

1. Seedlings and saplings: nurseries; papaya (year-round),

brinjal (year-round)

2. Seeds: shops; gourd family (year-round, climbing), Indian

spinach (year-round, climbing), green amaranth

(summer, sack)

3. Tools: shops; hoe, sand bag, water can, spray head (to be

mounted e.g. on water bottle), organic fertilisers

4. Vegetables: shops; gourd family, green beans, papaya,

radish

5. General food: shops; rice, oil and lentils

During the selection of seeds and vegetables for the assessment,

nutritious value as well as seasonality and growth type was considered.

As the key purpose was to ensure availability of seeds and tools for the

upcoming season, DCA also prepared a supply chain mapping on vegetable seeds to discuss and amend in the

Market Management Committee interviews. The following paragraph details the results of the market

assessment relating to the various topics around supply, demand and prices, as well as details for each of the

items as presented above.

Market supply situation The market supply situation was overall assessed to be sufficient. Most vendors are able to supply the specified

items in a short time if demand were to increase. The vendors in the respective markets face various

restrictions in supplying the markets; some of which could potentially be supported by NGOs engaging in cash

and voucher assistance, especially for camp level markets. By engaging in market support activities, the

agencies help ensure that the markets remain functional and that necessary items are available per demand.

Furthermore, NGOs need to plan their responses according to the seasons as seasonal variations are

Picture 3: Vendor in Jamtoli / Camp 15

12 | D C A M a r k e t A s s e s s m e n t C o x ’ s B a z a r

reportedly a key issue in ensuring supply meets demand. Various issues raised by the vendors can furthermore

be addressed in cooperation with the Market Management Committees (where these are operational). For

smaller markets, such as Chakmarkul and Omani site markets, it might benefit the NGOs working with markets

to support the establishment of trade associations that can work together to address the various restrictions.

All the interviewed vendors stated to be cooperating with other vendors in supplying the markets and to have

good relationships with their suppliers.

According to market supply chain maps, created together with the MMC’s, variations in supply and demand is

not so unusual. MMCs stated that goods are available in divisional and national markets. Market information

flows are equally good, which is an enabler to quickly supply goods and services in local markets. Most vendors

buy their products from outside suppliers, but share transport costs, warehousing and generally work in

cooperation with each other. Rice and lentils are more commonly bought from local production.

39%

7%

55%

20%

7%

20%

20%

16%

20%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%

Seasonal shortage of commodities

General shortage of commodities

High transportation costs

High informal taxes

High formal taxes

Lack of storage facilities

Not enough suppliers (connections)

The competition is high

Low financial capacity of vendor

Main restrictions and risks to supply the markets

13 | D C A M a r k e t A s s e s s m e n t C o x ’ s B a z a r

Market demand situation When asked about the impact of the Rohingya refugee influx on businesses, most vendors reported that their

businesses were initially affected by decrease in sales for several reasons; i) increasing number of shops in the

areas around the camp also accessed by the host-community, ii) distribution of in-kind items from the NGOs

and resale of these, iii) NGOs don’t purchase items from the local markets and, iv) for seeds vendors report

that farmers have lost land to the construction of the camps and hence buy fewer seeds. Nonetheless, more

than 1/3 of the interviewed vendors also said that their sales have started to increase again as more Rohingya

are accessing the markets now.

Market price situation In the markets where MMCs exist, they play a role in fixing the price of goods and services. Prices in the smaller

camp level markets were slightly higher as these shops are not controlled by an MMC. Overall, prices are high

in Cox’s Bazar due to the refugee influx, which in turn decreases the purchasing power of the local population.

The price changes reported between December 2018 and January 2019, do not give a uniform picture of the

market situation, and vary a lot depending on the commodities assessed. This is likely due to seasonality as

well as demand patterns.

As the next cultivation season is anticipated to start in April-May, DCA asked a forward-looking question

relating to price changes. The 44 vendors stated that they anticipate price changes on different commodities

based on their past experiences and seasonal effects. While there’s a general agreement that prices will

remain the same throughout the period, NGOs should pay attention to vegetable prices particularly as more

vendors state an anticipated increase on these (see below). Furthermore, there is an increasing number of

Rohingya accessing fresh food from the markets.

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20

Vegetables

Seeds and tools

Rice, oil, lentils

Price changes in the last month

The same Decreased Increased

0 5 10 15 20 25

As usual

Increased since influx

Decreased since influx

Customer variations since influx

Rice, oil, lentils, NFIs Seeds, tools Vegetables

14 | D C A M a r k e t A s s e s s m e n t C o x ’ s B a z a r

73% of the interviewed vendors reported that they do not expect any price changes following an increased

demand, whereas 20% think that prices are likely to increase if the demand does. Organisations distributing

cash or vouchers should in any case pay attention to the price increases, and in particular towards updating

the minimum expenditure basket (MEB) as determined by the cash working group to ensure that cash

packages continue to have a positive impact on people’s food security.

Funding and credit The price fluctuations experienced in Cox’s Bazar were largely reported by local vendors to be beyond their

control, and due to their suppliers increasing prices. Vendors are largely self-financed, although some refugee

vendors reported difficulties with liquidity, and hence need to clear their shop stocks every two days to afford

new commodities.

Most vendors take payment in direct cash, whereas a few accept cheques. The majority of the vendors

reported to allow people, including the refugee community, to buy on credit, which is overall positive for

market functionality; however, it is worth assessing further debt repayment schemes and if Rohingya are

generally indebted to the vendors, and on what conditions.

Seeds and agricultural tools During the assessment, 15 shopkeepers who trade in seeds and agricultural tools were interviewed. Most of

the seed vendors had low capacity at the time of the assessment due to seasonality not matching the planting

season for summer seeds (April-May). However, most of the vendors were planning to supply the markets

with seeds and tools in preparation for the season around March and April. The average current stock for the

vendors lasted 14 days and they reported to restock seeds and tools on average every 12 days. All reported

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18

Vegetables

Seeds and tools

Rice, oil, lentils

Anticipated price changes January-April

The same Decreased Increased Don't know

41

5

15

10

3

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

Self-financed Bank loan Buy supplieson credit

Family/friends Microcredit

Source of funding for vendors (44 respondents)

Yes45%

Sometimes43%

No12%

Do you give customers credit?

15 | D C A M a r k e t A s s e s s m e n t C o x ’ s B a z a r

the possibility to restock more items within 1-3 days if demand is to increase because of cash or voucher

assistance. The market integration from supplier markets, to markets in Palongkhali and Whykong was

reportedly good. Out of 15 respondents, 13 reported that current prices of seeds and tools were as usual,

whereas 27% said that they expect a price increase within the next 4 months due to the season. However,

they also reported that prices will remain the same now even if demand increases.

In total, 15 seed vendors (excluding nurseries) were interviewed in DCA’s assessment area in Whykong,

Palongkhali, and Jamtoli markets. Vendors largely report to have available seed of different varieties for all

seasons and light agricultural tools. In both established markets and camp level markets, the vendors are able

to respond to increased demand if it is created in the camps and local communities. Local farmers, as well as

host communities and Rohingya (male and female) have access to the markets. No seeds and tools were

available in Chakmarkul and Omani sites during the assessment due to seasonality, but vendors said that they

are planning to restock seeds and tools in line with the season for summer seeds. They have strong supply

networks and are willing to supply to meet demand.

The vendors in larger markets were overall facing issues of decreasing demand. The main implications

indicated by seed vendors in relation to market dynamics and limited functionality were:

• The local farmers who are engaged with NGO projects are getting seeds and tools as in-kind support

from the NGOs. The NGOs are typically collecting the seeds and tools from bigger supply markets

outside the Unions of Teknaf and Ukhia such as Chittagong and Cox’s Bazar. These commodities are

then distributed directly to local farmers. Consequently, fewer local farmers buy their supplies locally

now compared to before the influx, which has caused local vendors to lose business.

• Some farmers have either lost their cultivatable land or are renting it out to NGOs. Few of them

received compensation, and correspondingly local production is reducing.

• During FGDs it is observed that many local people now work at NGOs, and as a result have left

agricultural activities.

Peoples of the adjacent villages are mostly dependent on their own seeds for vegetables. Companies have less

market interventions and promotional activities in this area of Cox’s Bazar, and hybrid variety vegetable seeds

have less demand in the villages.

Seedlings and saplings from nurseries Saplings mainly come from the government forest department nursery and private nurseries. There is a

nursery association at district level, as well as sub-district level. The Government of Bangladesh has a nursery

development policy unit at every district and sub-district level for strengthening the rural agricultural support

and services. There are also two nursery associations in Ukhiya and Teknaf supported by FAO. The data and

information from the nurseries was gathered through informal interviews conducted with the respective

owners of the nurseries. One targeted nursery (Yousuf) is located in Kerontalo village, Whykong. The other

targeted nursery (Imran) is located in west Palongkhali and is near to Palongkhali bazar.

16 | D C A M a r k e t A s s e s s m e n t C o x ’ s B a z a r

Both nursery owners have between 12-15 years working experience and produce different types of seedlings

and saplings of vegetable, fruits and trees. Both nurseries are well connected with the main road and are

accessible by car. They use a mix of chemical and organic fertilizers. The owners stated that their customers

are males and females from both Rohingya and host communities. The nurseries have capacity to increase

production if they received purchase order to do so. Usually they collect their seeds and tools from Palongkhali

and Whykong Bazars and sell their products in the same markets, as well as to the surrounding farmers of the

areas. Both male and female workers were found working inside the nurseries. Female workers did watering,

packaging and nurture of the seedlings. Men conducted more heavy work like earth cutting, bamboo cutting,

setting etc. Nursery owners give opportunity to women who are most vulnerable in the host community

(widows, separated, divorced etc.). Female labourers in Yousef nursery report no experience or risk of

harassment while working inside the nursery but

pointed to the discrepancies of wages between

men (500 BDT/day) and women (300 BDT/day). In

Imran nursery, female workers are provided two

meals a day (breakfast + lunch) and wages of 250

BDT/day, while male nursery workers are given 500

BDT/day but not provided with food.

Overall, nurseries near to camps have the ability to

supply saplings per demand; they can either supply

vendors potentially with some support to link

nursery owners and vendors, or alternatively

beneficiaries can access nurseries directly to buy

according to their needs and wishes.

Vegetables In both Palongkhali and Whykong there was availability of various vegetables and other fresh food items. Both

host and refugee communities are reported to have good accesses since all vegetables shops were near or

close to the main road. Similarly, in both Jamtoli, Chakmarkul and Omani site markets there was availability of

various vegetables and fresh food including; eggplant, radish (mula), sweet gourd, bitter gourd, bottle gourd,

beans, long green beans, tomatoes, white cabbage, okra, yam, cauliflower, cucumber, eggs, banana, onion,

garlic, ginger, lime, and spices such as fresh green chili, coriander, turmeric and chili powder. An increased

demand due to the Rohingya influx was reported only for radish.

The quality of the vegetables in Chakmarkul was medium to low, except for in the biggest shop with the host

community vendor reported stronger supply networks than his counterparts. According to the assessment

findings, the average current stock of vegetables lasts for two days and all the shopkeepers claim to be able

to restock the commodities within 1-2 days. The vendors stated to have very good business networks and the

ability to respond to an increased demand within 2-3 days’.

In the case of vegetables, prices are dependent on seasonality. Supply availability is a very important factor

for price fluctuations. There are two main seasons in Bangladesh for vegetables production i.e. winter and

summer, during which production levels are very high. Price levels are often very high in the off-seasons,

especially during heavy rain periods between July and September. At this time transport becomes and

additional issue. Due to the Rohingya influx there is an increased demand for vegetables, which has created a

heavy pressure on the local market. Prices reportedly have gone up four to six times. “The price of radish and

eggplant in this season were 2 taka just before the influx, but is now up 20 taka”, says Md. Hanif, a shopkeeper

17 | D C A M a r k e t A s s e s s m e n t C o x ’ s B a z a r

in Whykong market. In addition, vegetables are perishable, and shopkeepers collect them day-by-day for daily

sale rather than keep large stocks. Consequently, low supply will increase the price of vegetables.

Rice, lentils and oil Rice, oil and lentil vendors have very strong business networks and can confidently manage the demand

fluctuation by suppliers’ support within 2 days if the demand increases. Sometimes they manage demand

using their neighbour’s suppliers if they do not have additional supply at hand. The vendors average current

stock last seven days, and restocking takes an average of six days.

Picture 3: In-kind relief items being sold in Palongkhali bazar

In both Whykong and Palongkhali, shopkeepers reported various changes to supply and demand trends

resulting from the Rohingya influx:

• Before the Rohingya influx the sale volume of rice, sugar and oil was high, but has now decreased.

While after the influx the sale volume of fast food like soft drinks and biscuit has increased

substantially.

• Many new shops have raised/opened inside the camps, and the surrounding area. Consequently, the

nearest host community no longer come to the shops at the main road, and instead access shops

closer to their homes.

• Rohingya households are selling some part of their WFP ration, including rice and oil in open markets

at the road side. This has created increased competition for local vendors selling these products, and

their sales have decreased.

• It was found that Jamtoli market inside the camp is more functional than outside markets due to the

availability of commodities, supply and strong trade networks. The camp market is preferred for men

and women due to saved transportation cost and less time required for making purchases.

• Traders are purchasing commodities (rice, oil) at a lower price from Rohingya and re-selling them in

the open market, hence overall product prices remain stable.

• It was noted that traders contracted from WFP to sell rice via SCOPE, buy the commodities back from

beneficiaries at a low price to resell these through the voucher scheme at the normal price again.

18 | D C A M a r k e t A s s e s s m e n t C o x ’ s B a z a r

Recommendations Based on this assessment, there are various overall and market-specific recommendations for setting up and

improving cash and voucher assistance in Cox’s Bazar.

The priority recommendation is to continue advocacy for direct cash for livelihoods inputs rather than voucher

programming, both nationally but also locally with CiCs. The key reason for this is access and protection issues

for women, and a correlating need to support camp level markets. For DCA, the main target group is women

and girls living in Chakmarkul and Omani site. In these locations livelihoods engagement from other

organisations is still limited. Since most vendors in Chakmarkul and Omani site markets are refugees or

unlicensed host community vendors it is not possible to contract these for voucher assistance. At the same

time, DCA is planning to take referrals for cash assistance, for example from GBV actors, which means that

cash will be distributed on a running basis. A recommended response modality is to deliver the response as

conditional cash, where beneficiaries develop livelihoods plans and buy commodities accordingly. The direct

cash transfers could be split in two or more instalments, where second instalment will only be transferred

upon fulfilment of the livelihoods plan.

Due to low initial capacities of the vendors, all organisations should engage in a phased approach to allow

vendors time to supply and over time be able to supply larger bulks of commodities. Camp level vendors

currently re-supply in small quantities, however reportedly so every two days.

Organisations must be aware of conflict and tensions between host community and refugee vendors, and

continuously encourage and engage supply linkages between refugee vendors, and nearby supplier markets.

This ensures business continuation in Palongkhali and Whykong Bazars, even if focus is put on camp level

markets. When engaging in voucher programmes, options to include refugee vendors should be explored.

Organisations can engage in various market support activities as part of CVA programming. This could include

coordinating with the CiC to set up traders’ associations in Chakmarkul and Omani markets. Market

Management Committees and/or traders associations are good entry points for organisations to deal with

issues related to prices, quality, protection, behavioural controls etc. Other market support activities link to

market restoration. Although CiC’s are currently stating that they will engage in upgrading the markets, this

should be monitored. Especially Chakmarkul market is marked by poor infrastructure, no waste management,

lack of storage and generally unhygienic conditions. WASH facilities in Chakmarkul, Omani site, and Jamtoli

camps are of great concern as they are non-existent. Advocacy with CiC and Site Management to engage WASH

actors to establish latrines and water supply is essential.

Considering various issues around protection and women’s access to markets, collaboration with GBV actors

must be continued. Especially around sensitisations of leaders, men and boys regarding access for women

from both female-headed and male-headed households. Likewise, vendors should be sensitised on policies on

Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) and general humanitarian principles. Vendor sessions

could also include various awareness sessions and advocacy on child labour; replicated to sensitisation with

beneficiaries to stop sending children to the markets alone.

Elders and disabled recipients with access issues should be assigned proxies/peers to support them, potentially

including a small cash top-up to enable them to pay someone to go to the market; meanwhile, ensuring that

the principal beneficiary is strongly sensitised on amount and market prices to avoid cheating by peers.

With increasing access to markets, organisations should ensure to advertise complaints and feedback

mechanisms in the market places (immediately). More market monitoring is also encouraged, especially

19 | D C A M a r k e t A s s e s s m e n t C o x ’ s B a z a r

around fresh food, quality, availability, prices and protection issues. DCA’s staff must conduct market

monitoring immediately before the distribution of cash or vouchers for livelihoods to ensure that seeds are

available.

Conclusion DCA’s market assessment intended to look at the feasibility and appropriateness of engaging in cash and

voucher assistance for camp and host communities in cash and livelihoods programming. Of particular focus

for the assessment was to understand market functionality, market structures and supply linkages, market

access for the most vulnerable, and the capacity of the markets to respond to increasing needs around the

Rohingya camps targeted by DCA. The markets assessed included two of the larger pre-influx markets

(Whykong and Palongkhali), and camp level markets near Chakmarkul/Camp 21, Omani extension site and

Jamtoli/Camp 15.

The findings of the assessment indicate that markets of Whykong, Palongkhali and Jamtoli are fully functional.

Host community markets of Whykong and Palongkhali are far from the target group. Consequently, the

Rohingya refugees have limited access to these markets. Camp level markets at Chakmarkul and Omani site

are more accessible to people of most vulnerable segment i.e. pregnant women, lactating mothers, persons

with disabilities, single mothers and other segments of vulnerabilities. However, Chakmarkul and Omani

markets are run mainly by unlicensed vendors who cannot be targeted in voucher programming. Jamtoli camp

market is large and well-established.

In conclusion, the markets can respond to increased needs from the refugee and host communities. There is

potential to increase and build the capacity of the camp level markets to meet the demand of refugees,

especially for the more vulnerable segments, by engaging in market-based activities. While organisations have

started to set up voucher programmes in larger markets with available licenced vendors, DCA’s

recommendation for especially Chakmarkul and Omani extension (and likely for other smaller camps) is to opt

for direct cash, potentially with a degree of conditionality to mitigate fears regarding money flows and anti-

social spending of cash. However, for seeds and agricultural tools, DCA also realises that there is a need to

take steps for local market strengthening, particularly to enhance the capacity of local traders from the refugee

community.

20 | D C A M a r k e t A s s e s s m e n t C o x ’ s B a z a r

References Cox’s Bazar Cash Working Group, Pre-Crisis Market and Needs Analysis, April 2018

Economic and Social Empowerment (EA$E) Program for Women by IRC

Gender Brief on Rohingya Refugee Crisis Response in Bangladesh. UN Women, October 2017

ISCG Situation Report Rohingya Refugee Crisis, Cox’s Bazar, 15 December 2018 (PDF)

Joint Response Plan for Rohingya Humanitarian Crisis 2018 (PDF)

Market Assessment in Cox’s Bazar, VAM/FCS, November 2017 (PDF)

Multi-Sector Needs Assessment, UNHCR, REACH, July 2018 (PDF)

Rapid Protection Food Security and Market Assessment, Oxfam, Cox’s Bazar Bangladesh, November 2017

Rohingya Refugee Response Gender Analysis: Recognizing and responding to gender inequalities, Aug 2018

(PDF)

This market assessment was commissioned by DCA and funded by DANIDA