Abundant evidence shows that the vast majority of people in crisis prefer to be supported by cash and voucher assistance. And the humanitarian system is catching up. CVA as an overall proportion of humanitarian aid has increased from 7.9% in 2015 to 19% in 2021.
So progress is happening, BUT, the pace is slowing with the proportion of CVA increasing by just 3% between 2020 to 2021. We are far from where we should, with new evidence showing that cash could account for up to 50% of international humanitarian assistance.
Meanwhile, many of the collective commitments made between 2015-17 that enabled CVA to thrive, are now coming to an end, including potentially the Grand Bargain itself. New policy focused research raises concerns around emerging gaps, and whether policy momentum can be sustained.
A new direction of travel is needed. With humanitarian needs growing and resources under pressure, aid needs to be ever more efficient and effective at responding to the preferences of people in contexts of crisis. Collective action is needed to achieve this.
This landmark collection of resources presents a call for action for leaders and decision makers in this sector and beyond – in fact to everyone who believes in putting the needs of people in crisis first.
As the use of CVA increases, big debates are emerging that need to be tackled. We must – and can – work together to define and commit to a new collective vision for the development of CVA (and the sector), as well as working together to overcome barriers to change.
Please read this important collection of resources and stay engaged as we take this conversation forward with you, and the wider community in the coming months and years.
People-focused, effective aid: The urgent need to accelerate progress on cash and voucher assistance for people in crisis
Setting out a clear case for action, and supported by the latest evidence, this Policy Brief urges us to define and commit to a new collective vision for the development of CVA.
Increasing the Use of Humanitarian Cash and Voucher Assistance: Opportunities, Barriers and Dilemmas
Through in-depth data analysis and careful modelling, this study maps the current scale of CVA, and the next steps for continued growth.
Where Next? The Evolving Landscape of Cash and Voucher Policies
An exploration of how early policy commitments impacted the evolution of CVA, and what the CVA policy landscape looks like now.
