Value for Money of Cash Transfers in Emergencies

The objective of this study is to analyse evidence on the Value for Money (VfM) of cash transfers. VfM refers to the optimal use of resources to achieve the best outcomes for people affected by crisis and disaster. The study examines evidence on the VfM of cash compared to in-kind assistance and vouchers and undertakes analysis on how VfM can be maximised. It is based on a global literature review on cash, vouchers and in-kind transfers and case studies in Ethiopia, Philippines and Lebanon.

For each country, a researcher contacted aid agencies to acquire data on cost and effectiveness and undertook interviews with individuals involved in planning and implementing programmes using cash, vouchers and in-kind assistance. For the Lebanon case study, in-country research took place between 2 and 6 September 2014 in Beirut. More than 30 people, primarily from international aid agencies, were interviewed.