Cash-based responses in emergencies

This study explores the suitability of cash and vouchers in the full range of emergency contexts, from natural disasters to wars, from rich developed countries to poor developing ones. Sometimes, it is assumed that cash provision may be possible in relatively well developed countries with banking systems, but not in less developed contexts, or that cash can be used in peaceful environments, but not in complex emergencies. Recent experience challenges these assumptions, suggesting that cash or vouchers are a possible response even where states have collapsed, conflict is ongoing or there is no banking system.

– HPG 2007.