Design Phase Political Economy Analysis Report - January 2014

This report provides an initial political economy assessment to inform the design phase of the Market Development in the Niger Delta (MADE programme). It provides a broad overview of the political economy of four states in the Niger Delta states (Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers and Akwa Ibom),

and begins to map out some of the key political economy issues affecting the value chains in commodities where the MADE programme is likely to operate (cassava, palm oil, aquaculture and poultry). Political economy analysis is particularly useful to assess and manage two major risks facing the programme: (1) that MADE will not obtain sufficient political acceptance and support to be able to operate effectively, and (2) that the benefits of market chain interventions will be captured by powerful market actors and the politically well connected.