The transformative effect of cash and voucher assistance experienced by humanitarian organizations. (1st October 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Holm-Nielsen, Pablo V.; Raju, Emmanuel; Furu, Peter
• Is Part Of: International journal of disaster risk reduction. Volume 80(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-10-01
• Subjects: Disaster response -- Cash and voucher assistance (CVA) -- Humanitarian organizations -- Transformation; Emergency management -- Periodicals; Risk management -- Periodicals; Disaster relief -- Periodicals; Hazard mitigation -- Periodicals; 363.34
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdrr.2022.103238
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2212-4209

Abstract

Abstract: Cash and voucher assistance (CVA) has gained significant importance as a modality for disaster response during the last decade. Research has shown its benefits and pointed out challenges for implementation. This study focuses on how the shift in modality has transformed the humanitarian organizations which have adopted CVA as a response mechanism and how that transformation evolved over time. The study is based on interviews with experts working with humanitarian organizations who have witnessed the transformation during at least the past decade. Our research shows that organizations have had to acquire new skills and redefine some roles. CVA implementation has increased the focus on certain areas such as financial inclusion, data management, post-distribution monitoring among others. Moreover, our research shows that the transformation of the organization went through phases, some of which lacked proper management and planning. Furthermore, local partners were not included in the development of practices of the new modality. CVA has also affected external relations, particularly with financial service providers. These effects are expected to keep changing in the future as the humanitarian sector, the financial sector and the nature of disasters evolve.