The project involved conducting a market systems assessment and sector strategy development for the RANGE (Resilient Approaches in Natural rangeland Ecosystems) Programme, implemented by Mercy Corps in Isiolo, Marsabit, and Samburu counties in Kenya. The assessment aimed to strengthen the resilience and competitiveness of livestock-based livelihoods in arid and semi‑arid lands (ASALs) by identifying systemic constraints, opportunities for inclusive growth, and practical entry points for intervention using a Market Systems Development (MSD) approach. The assignment started with a 2-day long MSD Training, followed by the market assessment focused on three priority livestock market systems—meat, camel milk, and animal health services—which underpin pastoralist livelihoods and food security in the target counties. The assessment combined secondary research with extensive primary data collection, including key informant interviews and focus group discussions with pastoralists, traders, cooperatives, service providers, government actors, financial institutions, and development partners. The resulting sector strategies analyzed market structure, actor incentives, gender and social norms, service access, and market dynamics, and then translated findings into evidence‑based strategic directions and intervention areas aligned with RANGE outcomes. The strategies were designed to inform Mercy Corps’ intervention design, prioritization, and investment decisions to promote inclusive, climate‑resilient, and sustainable livestock market systems.

MarketShare Associates (MSA) designed and delivered a 2-day MSD training emphasized systems thinking, facilitation, private sector engagement, adaptive management, inclusive market development, and results measurement. MSA implemented the livestock market systems assessment for the RANGE programme across Isiolo, Marsabit, Samburu, and Nairobi. MSA led secondary research and carried out primary data collection, conducting key informant interviews and focus group discussions with diverse market actors, with deliberate inclusion of women and youth perspectives. MSA mapped market systems, analyzed market dynamics, actor relationships, informal rules and norms, and identified systemic constraints and opportunities within the meat, camel milk, and animal health sectors. MSA applied an MSD analytical framework to assess incentives, behaviors, service performance, and innovation potential across the three sectors. MSA developed sector‑specific strategies, articulating strategic visions, theory of change pathways, and prioritized intervention areas aligned with RANGE outcomes. The team facilitated validation and reflection sessions with Mercy Corps to refine findings and recommendations, and delivered a final market assessment and sector strategy report to guide evidence‑based, inclusive, and scalable intervention design under the RANGE programme.