How can mapping control and influence within Southeast Asia's wet markets identify key intervention points for improving food safety, animal welfare, and public health?
Wet markets, where floors are continually washed down, are traditional systems of food marketing in Asia, comprising poultry farmers’ markets, fishmongers, and open-air butcher shops. It is estimated that 90% of slaughtered meat in Asia is sold through wet markets, and 60–80% of the population shops at these markets. Despite significant investment aimed at influencing food corporations, these efforts have yielded limited results. Therefore, discovering viable and effective ways to influence wet markets presents a potentially impactful opportunity for improving food safety, animal welfare, and public health in the region. Mapping the control and influence within wet markets in Southeast Asia is essential to identifying strategic points for intervention.
Potential Research Approach:
Market Analysis: Conduct comprehensive surveys and field studies to map out the structure, scale, and operational practices of wet markets in different Southeast Asian countries.
Stakeholder Interviews: Engage with various stakeholders including market vendors, farmers, consumers, local authorities, and NGOs to understand their roles, perspectives, and influence within the market system.
Policy Review: Analyze existing regulations and policies governing wet markets, examining their enforcement, effectiveness, and areas for improvement.
Comparative Studies: Compare wet markets with other food distribution systems in the region to identify unique challenges and opportunities for intervention.
Influence Mapping: Develop an influence map to visualize the power dynamics and control mechanisms within wet markets, highlighting key leverage points for change.
Additional Questions:
Who are the primary stakeholders and what are their roles and influences in the operation of wet markets in Southeast Asia?
What are the current regulations and policies governing wet markets, and how effective are they in ensuring food safety, animal welfare, and public health?
How can targeted interventions be designed to influence wet markets more effectively, considering cultural, economic, and social factors?