A summary of the British Red Cross cash grants for livelihood recovery in Aceh, Indonesia

From April 2005 to June 2008, the British Red Cross Society (BRCS) disbursed more than USD 10 million in cash grants directly to over 10,000 tsunami-affected people in Aceh to support the recovery of their predominantly agriculture and fisheries-based livelihoods.

This study draws lessons from the rich experiences of the British Red Cross livelihoods programme in Aceh to inform and strengthen future interventions. It documents and reflects on the evolution, achievements and constraints of the cash grants programme, including a comparison to similar interventions from other agencies in Aceh. It also considers the relevance of a sustainable livelihoods approach to recovery programming.