Cash-based programming to address hunger in conflict-affected South Sudan: A case study

For some time aid agencies and donors have recognised the benefits of utilising markets to deliver food assistance. And  for almost as long, cash-based programming has been effective in doing this by improving people’s ability to purchase sufficient nutritious food. Addressing hunger through cash and voucher  programmes removes the cost of transporting and storing food for implementing organisations, boosts the local economy, provides a wider choice and variety of food for beneficiaries, and restores a level of control and dignity for those receiving food assistance.

This case study demonstrates the benefits of cash-based programming in a protection of civilians (Poc)environment or other IDP or refugee settlements where local traders have links with outside markets. In these contexts cash-based programming can be a valuable tool to diversify diet and improve child nutrition while also boosting the local economy and providing valuable employment opportunities.