This case study lays out the plan for a participatory market system analysis in the Sahrawi refugee camps in southwest Algeria. The analysis is informed by the guidance articulated in the Minimum Economic Recovery Standards, with specific focus on three Standards:

• Core Standard 1: Humanitarian programs are market aware
• Core Standard 2: Efforts are coordinated to improve effectiveness.
• Enterprise and Market Systems Development Standard 2: Implement market system analyses early and adapt frequently

The market system analysis is expected to help identify market needs, gaps and potential for development at camp and district level, and to provide a better understanding of informal market systems and marketplaces in the camps. This should enable the design of more impactful livelihoods interventions that facilitate the establishment of small youth businesses and productive units that meet local needs for products and services. It is also expected to preserve and enhance traditional Sahrawi livelihoods, thus improving refugees’ living conditions and reducing youth frustration. The market system analysis is designed according to the organizational leadership structure of the refugee community, including the administrative organization of each camp into districts, and of each district into neighborhoods. On average, there are 6 districts/sections (Dairas) in each of the 5 refugee camps. Colleagues working in a protracted refugee situation in a camp setting may benefit from this case study and decide to adapt this plan to the context of their Operation.