Aiming for Validity: Refinement of the Market System Resilience Index (MSRI) tool

In late 2023, the MERL team at iDE undertook the assignment aimed to ensure the alignment and effectiveness of the Market Systems Resilience Index (MSRI), a tool developed by iDE to assess market resilience. The project reviewed the existing literature and conceptual framework of the MSRI, evaluated its current questionnaires, and assessed its adaptation process. In preparation for this assignment we gathered feedback across the 7 country teams that had implemented the tool and unearthed key gaps in logistics, validity, rigor and so on. We then recruited an index measurement consultant to help us do the following:
Updating the literature review on market systems resilience.
Refining the MSRI questionnaires for clarity and efficiency.
Reducing the tool with an aim towards lean measurement.
Reviewing the scoring process and calculations.
Strengthening the adaptation process for future modifications of the MSRI.
This consultancy, while still ongoing has already enhanced the robustness and validity of the MSRI, enabling iDE to more effectively measure market resilience in its interventions aimed at empowering low-income populations.