Number of New Market Links Developed

number or % of [specify the target group] who developed new market links in the past [specify the timeframe]

This indicator measures the extent to which the target group is forming new vertical connections - such as between producers and traders or wholesalers and retailers - within the market. This relationship is characterised by ongoing collaboration and not merely a one-off transaction. The indicator assesses improvements in market access, value-chain efficiency, and the establishment of mutually beneficial commercial relationships for the target group.

Conduct individual interviews with a representative sample of the target group members, asking them about any newly developed market links established in the given period.

 

To calculate the indicator’s value, divide the number of respondents reporting new market links by the total number of respondents. Multiply the result by 100 to convert it to a percentage.

Disaggregate the data by type of business links developed and other criteria relevant to the context of your intervention.

1) A market link refers to a vertical relationship between actors at different levels of the market system (e.g. between producers and traders, or wholesalers and retailers) through which goods, services, or information flow. Strengthening market links improves access to markets, enhances value-chain efficiency, and enables mutually beneficial commercial relationships.

 

2) Even though a market link typically represents a relationship between two businesses, it's generally more appropriate to count a connection between a farmer group / cooperative and a trader as a single market link. This is because buying and selling usually occur collectively.

 

3) The indicator is specifically designed to measure vertical market links. These are connections between different levels of the market system, like producers and traders. For horizontal market links, which involve collaboration among actors at the same level (e.g., farmers forming a cooperative or association), it's best to use separate, custom indicators that specifically describe the type of cooperation.