Cash-Transfer Programming in Emergencies

In emergencies distributing cash can often meet peoples immediate needs more quickly and appropriately than the direct distribution of commodities. Cash gives people choices and thereby preserves their dignity. Commodity distribution often poses logistical problems and, in the case of food aid, it may disrupt local markets. But among humanitarian agencies there are fears that cash transfers will pose security risks, create inflation and fail to be used to meet basic needs. In this guide, th...