Publications
Summary of publication
The Markets, Economic Recovery, and Inclusion (MERI) Program was developed as an COVID-19 emergency response to a request from the Papua New Guinea (PNG) Prime Minister Marape to ensure the ongoing safe operation of major fresh food markets in PNG. MERI covered 12 markets across PNG, of which 11 were supported through the provision of minor infrastructure upgrades to combat the transmission risk from the COVID-19 virus and personal protective equipment (PPE), and capacity development of market stakeholders, particularly market managers and women vendors, to strengthen governance in markets and improve market-based livelihood opportunities.
Project implementation started in June 2020 with an initial implementation period of 6 months that was subsequently extended to 12 months. MERI was funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) at a total cost of AUD6,418,676. The project was managed under the DCP, which is implemented by Abt Associates as part of the Papua New Guinea-Australia Governance Partnership, with Planpac acting as an implementing partner for the physical works. Through a direct grant provided by DFAT, UN Women acted as the implementing partner responsible for the governance components of the project. Catalpa was hired to implement a complementary initiative designed to enhance the monitoring and accountability of services improvement program (SIP) funds.