A review of evidence of humanitarian cash transfer programming in urban areas

Author(s)
Smith, G. and Mohiddin, L.
Publication language
English
Pages
64pp
Date published
01 Dec 2015
Publisher
IIED
Type
Research, reports and studies
Keywords
Cash-based transfers (CBT), Development & humanitarian aid, Urban
Organisations
International Institute for Environment and Development

Urban poor populations frequently experience disasters of varying typology and intensity. When set against a backdrop of poverty and marginalisation, their needs can be complex. As recent urban crises have pushed humanitarian agencies to respond in urban areas, this literature review examines the opportunities and challenges afforded by cash transfer programming in urban areas. The evidence indicates a role for cash transfer programming in first phase urban humanitarian response objectives and potentially contributing to longer-term development objectives. However, effective and sustainable urban humanitarian cash responses demand cooperation, coordination, capacity, commitment and funding across key humanitarian, development and private-sector stakeholders, under the leadership of a strategic and answerable body, which is no easy task.