Changing the rules of the game so that no one is left behind

By Rosaline Dacko and Nicolas Cacciuttolo

For several years, many development programmes have been running out of steam because they rely solely on "technical solutions" such as distributing inputs, offering one-off training courses or installing a few pieces of equipment. These isolated approaches do not change the rules of how markets operate or the power relations that determine who can participate and who cannot.

In contrast, the inclusive systems approach seeks to change the way actors interact, negotiate, cooperate and create value. Gender equality and social equity are not "add-ons" but structuring principles that guide the very design of the system.

This approach takes on particular significance in rural Mali, which is deeply affected by insecurity and mobility restrictions. Inclusive systems are at the heart of the Jigitugu project – which means “fulfilling hopes”. The project is co-financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation and the Liechtenstein Development Service, and implemented by Helvetas. The project illustrates how to transform market systems by integrating rural women, young people, people with disabilities and people leaving prison — even in a tense environment.

But what does an inclusive systems approach really look like in the context of a security crisis? Applying the approach starts with understanding the mechanisms of exclusion.

From social norms to armed checkpoints – why the most vulnerable remain stuck

Economic exclusion cannot be explained solely by poverty. It stems from restrictive social norms, deeply entrenched power relations and inequality, and markets that do not recognise certain actors as "legitimate". In rural areas of Mali, these mechanisms particularly affect four groups: women, young people, people with disabilities and people who were formerly incarcerated.

Jigitugu began working with the group of people having left prison. Local prison authorities have approached the project, because the number of young detainees incarcerated for minor offences is large and there is almost no support for reintegration.

Reshaping markets to be more inclusive

Jigitugu's approach is based on a simple idea. Systems change when relationships between actors change. It is not a question of distributing resources, but of transforming the rules that have excluded certain groups.

To strengthen women's economic autonomy, the project collaborated with municipal authorities and traditional leaders to obtain authorisation for women to sell their products outside official markets. Agreements with heads of families also gave young people access to plots of land, either individually or collectively, where they could put the skills acquired during their training into practice. For people with disabilities, sectors such as poultry farming, market gardening, fattening and agri-food processing were adapted to meet their specific needs and capacities.

To strengthen women's economic autonomy and cope with market insecurity, women
in villages are forming groups to sell their products collectively.
Photo: HELVETAS

For incarcerated individuals, apprenticeship supervisors now work directly in prisons to offer vocational training that enhances their qualifications before being released. Social services have been mobilised to provide assistance with reintegration, and relationship-building meetings have been organised between former prisoners, business leaders and members of the community. These exchanges have helped to reduce fears and prejudices, which is an essential step in enabling these individuals to regain an active, productive and accepted place in society and the local economy.

Building connection through Local Service Providers

Local Service Providers (LSPs) also play a key role in ensuring that all groups have representation in the system. LSPs are locally based economic actors from the communities where the project is implemented. They act as an interface between small producers — including those from the most vulnerable groups — and other actors, such as traders, input suppliers and technical services.

These providers are autonomous actors engaged in real and sustainable economic activity. Their main function is to consolidate the production of dispersed producers, facilitate access to markets and organise commercial negotiations with buyers capable of absorbing large volumes.

LSPs also play a key role in strengthening skills and production quality. Depending on the sector, they may be directly involved in technical training, support the adoption of improved practices, or relay the quality requirements set by buyers.

The sustainability of the system relies on the fact that LPSs operate as real economic actors. Their income depends on commissions and repeat business, which gives them a direct economic incentive to support as many reliable producers as possible. This inclusive logic is reinforced by the makeup of the LSPs. Many are former learners, young cooperative members or local artisans who have faced similar barriers and now recognise the business opportunity in helping others succeed.

LSPs also play a key role in strengthening skills and production quality.
Photo: HELVETAS

Strengthening economic prospects

To strengthen women's economic autonomy and cope with market insecurity, women in villages are forming groups to sell their products collectively. These cooperatives — which also include people with disabilities – reduce risks and strengthen market access because women no longer need to travel to unpredictable weekly markets. Instead, traders come directly to the villages to buy in bulk.

The volume they can sell collectively makes the trip worthwhile for buyers and allows the group to negotiate better prices. LSPs then reinforce this dynamic by coordinating orders, aggregating products and ensuring that quality standards are met.

For people leaving prison, access to credit is provided through the granting of agricultural inputs rather than cash (e.g. poultry feed, veterinary products, seeds or small tools), which is distributed through mixed groups that collectively guarantee repayment.

Unlike traditional approaches focused on the simple distribution of inputs, the Jigitugu project has initiated a transformation of market dynamics by changing the behaviour of traders, input suppliers and other key actors — such as cooperatives, artisans, local authorities and service providers — who now actively contribute to strengthening market linkages. Thanks to the structuring role of LSPs, these actors now invest in training producers, buy directly from villages and develop local networks. These changes promote the inclusion of traditionally excluded groups, such as rural youth, women, people with disabilities and formerly incarcerated persons.

The Jigitugu experience shows that, even in a context of insecurity, it is possible to reconfigure systems to make them more inclusive to vulnerable groups. This evolution is the result of several years of trial and error, local intermediation and negotiations, and patient work to align and join local actors.

Rosaline Dacko is the Deputy Country Director at Helvetas Mali.
Contact: rosaline.dacko(at)helvetas.org

Nicolas Cacciuttolo is the Senior Advisor for Skills, Jobs and Income at Helvetas, Switzerland.
Contact: Nicolas.Cacciuttolo(at)helvetas.org

Read full-length article at Helvetas Website

Read more about Jigitugu Project