Humanitarian Principles: Humanity Steps and A Project ” Improving foo Throughout the project several s transfer element: 1.) Needs assesement Is an important part wh for the targeted commu - seasonality: are the agr to be planted during app project timeframe it is an season for vegetable pla - opportunities to combi can be implemented wit each other (for example, relief actions as it was do packs). Choice should alw also if it is worth of time relief project tools which nature therefore paper v transfer tool (in regards any type and not every H Circustances can be diffe Neutrality Impartiality Independence d pin points of voucher syst inplementation ADRA/ECHO experience 2013. Fiji od security of population affected by Cy steps were done to achieve the proper function hich helps to understand if choosen cash trans unity. Several points need to be satisfied: ricultural seeds or seedlings which you plan to dis propriate season? If you want the seeds to be pla n important element to take a look on. In our cas ants. It is one of the adventages in the Pacific. ine or sequence modalities: diverse modalities or thin on eproject. Different cash transfer tools can ,mobile money and cash distributions) as also wi one in our project (vouchers were combined with ways depend on what make more sense and use e spend for installation and implementation and m h require long time istallation were not relevant d vouchers were choosen as relatively easy in imple to Fijian community where only 65% of the popu HH has mobile phones as also not every place has erent in different regions and countries). tem yclone Evan” ning of our cash sfer tool is suitable stribute will be able anted within your se there was no r distribution tools n be combined with ith non- cash transfer h food/agricultural for beneficiaries as mopney. For our due to the relief ementation cash ulation has ID card of s phone coverage.
Steps and pin points of voucher systeminplementation
ADRA/ECHO experience 2013. Fiji
Project ” Improving food security of population affected by Cyclone Evan”
Throughout the project several steps were done to achieve the proper functioning of our cashtransfer element:
1.) Needs assesement
Is an important part which helps to understand if choosen cash transfer tool is suitablefor the targeted community. Several points need to be satisfied:
- seasonality: are the agricultural seeds or seedlings which you plan to distribute will be ableto be planted during appropriate season? If you want the seeds to be planted within yourproject timeframe it is an important element to take a look on. In our case there was noseason for vegetable plants. It is one of the adventages in the Pacific.
- opportunities to combine or sequence modalities: diverse modalities or distribution toolscan be implemented within on eproject. Different cash transfer tools can be combined witheach other (for example,mobile money and cash distributions) as also with non- cash transferrelief actions as it was done in our project (vouchers were combined with food/agriculturalpacks). Choice should always depend on what make more sense and use for beneficiaries asalso if it is worth of time spend for installation and implementation and mopney. For ourrelief project tools which require long time istallation were not relevant due to the reliefnature therefore paper vouchers were choosen as relatively easy in implementation cashtransfer tool (in regards to Fijian community where only 65% of the population has ID card ofany type and not every HH has mobile phones as also not every place has phone coverage.Circustances can be different in different regions and countries).
Steps and pin points of voucher systeminplementation
ADRA/ECHO experience 2013. Fiji
Project ” Improving food security of population affected by Cyclone Evan”
Throughout the project several steps were done to achieve the proper functioning of our cashtransfer element:
1.) Needs assesement
Is an important part which helps to understand if choosen cash transfer tool is suitablefor the targeted community. Several points need to be satisfied:
- seasonality: are the agricultural seeds or seedlings which you plan to distribute will be ableto be planted during appropriate season? If you want the seeds to be planted within yourproject timeframe it is an important element to take a look on. In our case there was noseason for vegetable plants. It is one of the adventages in the Pacific.
- opportunities to combine or sequence modalities: diverse modalities or distribution toolscan be implemented within on eproject. Different cash transfer tools can be combined witheach other (for example,mobile money and cash distributions) as also with non- cash transferrelief actions as it was done in our project (vouchers were combined with food/agriculturalpacks). Choice should always depend on what make more sense and use for beneficiaries asalso if it is worth of time spend for installation and implementation and mopney. For ourrelief project tools which require long time istallation were not relevant due to the reliefnature therefore paper vouchers were choosen as relatively easy in implementation cashtransfer tool (in regards to Fijian community where only 65% of the population has ID card ofany type and not every HH has mobile phones as also not every place has phone coverage.Circustances can be different in different regions and countries).
Steps and pin points of voucher systeminplementation
ADRA/ECHO experience 2013. Fiji
Project ” Improving food security of population affected by Cyclone Evan”
Throughout the project several steps were done to achieve the proper functioning of our cashtransfer element:
1.) Needs assesement
Is an important part which helps to understand if choosen cash transfer tool is suitablefor the targeted community. Several points need to be satisfied:
- seasonality: are the agricultural seeds or seedlings which you plan to distribute will be ableto be planted during appropriate season? If you want the seeds to be planted within yourproject timeframe it is an important element to take a look on. In our case there was noseason for vegetable plants. It is one of the adventages in the Pacific.
- opportunities to combine or sequence modalities: diverse modalities or distribution toolscan be implemented within on eproject. Different cash transfer tools can be combined witheach other (for example,mobile money and cash distributions) as also with non- cash transferrelief actions as it was done in our project (vouchers were combined with food/agriculturalpacks). Choice should always depend on what make more sense and use for beneficiaries asalso if it is worth of time spend for installation and implementation and mopney. For ourrelief project tools which require long time istallation were not relevant due to the reliefnature therefore paper vouchers were choosen as relatively easy in implementation cashtransfer tool (in regards to Fijian community where only 65% of the population has ID card ofany type and not every HH has mobile phones as also not every place has phone coverage.Circustances can be different in different regions and countries).
Different target group and communities requier different approaches. Consulation with communitymembers about what they see the best way of delievery can be helpful in order to make distributionsmooth and avoid waste of resources in case of unappropriate ways of delievery. In our case leadersof communities informed us that not every member of the village/settlement has ID card, thereforecommunity representatives were available during the distributions to identify people. During secondshot of voucher distribution they also were in distribution points to identify beneficiaries and avoiddouble distribution. Beneficiaries also informed us during PDS that majority of them prefer voucherto cash due to cultural obligation which every household has to pay weekly in case of free cashavailable (church offerings, community charges, celebrations, funerals and etc.)
- cost efficiency
Planned cash transfer modality should be most cost efficient and convinient for beneficiaries methodof delievery of humanitarian aid. On practice it means that before starting of set up of certain toolOrganisation should compare costs of all possible modalities as also length of installation (whatinderectly lead to increase of the supporting costs). For example, identification cards and mobilemoney could be a great modality in ”long-term” relief project (al least longer than 3 months) ordevelopment. It can happend that you will invest money in cash transfer tool for one time short reliefproject and its costs will double (or put it even higher) your supporting costs. Without particular
Different target group and communities requier different approaches. Consulation with communitymembers about what they see the best way of delievery can be helpful in order to make distributionsmooth and avoid waste of resources in case of unappropriate ways of delievery. In our case leadersof communities informed us that not every member of the village/settlement has ID card, thereforecommunity representatives were available during the distributions to identify people. During secondshot of voucher distribution they also were in distribution points to identify beneficiaries and avoiddouble distribution. Beneficiaries also informed us during PDS that majority of them prefer voucherto cash due to cultural obligation which every household has to pay weekly in case of free cashavailable (church offerings, community charges, celebrations, funerals and etc.)
- cost efficiency
Planned cash transfer modality should be most cost efficient and convinient for beneficiaries methodof delievery of humanitarian aid. On practice it means that before starting of set up of certain toolOrganisation should compare costs of all possible modalities as also length of installation (whatinderectly lead to increase of the supporting costs). For example, identification cards and mobilemoney could be a great modality in ”long-term” relief project (al least longer than 3 months) ordevelopment. It can happend that you will invest money in cash transfer tool for one time short reliefproject and its costs will double (or put it even higher) your supporting costs. Without particular
Different target group and communities requier different approaches. Consulation with communitymembers about what they see the best way of delievery can be helpful in order to make distributionsmooth and avoid waste of resources in case of unappropriate ways of delievery. In our case leadersof communities informed us that not every member of the village/settlement has ID card, thereforecommunity representatives were available during the distributions to identify people. During secondshot of voucher distribution they also were in distribution points to identify beneficiaries and avoiddouble distribution. Beneficiaries also informed us during PDS that majority of them prefer voucherto cash due to cultural obligation which every household has to pay weekly in case of free cashavailable (church offerings, community charges, celebrations, funerals and etc.)
- cost efficiency
Planned cash transfer modality should be most cost efficient and convinient for beneficiaries methodof delievery of humanitarian aid. On practice it means that before starting of set up of certain toolOrganisation should compare costs of all possible modalities as also length of installation (whatinderectly lead to increase of the supporting costs). For example, identification cards and mobilemoney could be a great modality in ”long-term” relief project (al least longer than 3 months) ordevelopment. It can happend that you will invest money in cash transfer tool for one time short reliefproject and its costs will double (or put it even higher) your supporting costs. Without particular
plans for sustainanbility of such a project your ”top up” on the support costs may be not costeffective, meaning that the same result could be achieved with less financial efforts and evenquicker.
- targeting
Good targetring is basis of good implementation. Try to target and narrow you group of beneficiariesthis way that your goods delievered it is exactly what your beneficiaries need at the first place. Thispoint is highly connected with needs assessement. As long as you was able do right targeting thereshould not be worries about misuse or reselling of the distributed goods.
- security challenges and corruption
Security curcumstances should be considered during the choice for the cash transfer modality. Forexample in a country with ongoing war or violent conflict usage of cash may be much more easierway that usage of vouchers for particular shops, mobile money or cards since circumstance canchange very quick and chosen shop may be no longer available as also mobile coverage ofbeneficiaries, however cash is always remains most easily flowing tool. However all this depence onparticular situation within the country and choosen area. In our project we found situation in acountry suitable for implementation of a voucher modality. Apart of vouchers we also had food packsitself. This modality was affacted by theft, however paper vouchers apparead to be safer way ofdistribution since in case of fraud whole serie of printed vouchers could be stopped within a minutesand no more goods reliased from the shops. Therefore in case of theft whole action could be frozen
plans for sustainanbility of such a project your ”top up” on the support costs may be not costeffective, meaning that the same result could be achieved with less financial efforts and evenquicker.
- targeting
Good targetring is basis of good implementation. Try to target and narrow you group of beneficiariesthis way that your goods delievered it is exactly what your beneficiaries need at the first place. Thispoint is highly connected with needs assessement. As long as you was able do right targeting thereshould not be worries about misuse or reselling of the distributed goods.
- security challenges and corruption
Security curcumstances should be considered during the choice for the cash transfer modality. Forexample in a country with ongoing war or violent conflict usage of cash may be much more easierway that usage of vouchers for particular shops, mobile money or cards since circumstance canchange very quick and chosen shop may be no longer available as also mobile coverage ofbeneficiaries, however cash is always remains most easily flowing tool. However all this depence onparticular situation within the country and choosen area. In our project we found situation in acountry suitable for implementation of a voucher modality. Apart of vouchers we also had food packsitself. This modality was affacted by theft, however paper vouchers apparead to be safer way ofdistribution since in case of fraud whole serie of printed vouchers could be stopped within a minutesand no more goods reliased from the shops. Therefore in case of theft whole action could be frozen
plans for sustainanbility of such a project your ”top up” on the support costs may be not costeffective, meaning that the same result could be achieved with less financial efforts and evenquicker.
- targeting
Good targetring is basis of good implementation. Try to target and narrow you group of beneficiariesthis way that your goods delievered it is exactly what your beneficiaries need at the first place. Thispoint is highly connected with needs assessement. As long as you was able do right targeting thereshould not be worries about misuse or reselling of the distributed goods.
- security challenges and corruption
Security curcumstances should be considered during the choice for the cash transfer modality. Forexample in a country with ongoing war or violent conflict usage of cash may be much more easierway that usage of vouchers for particular shops, mobile money or cards since circumstance canchange very quick and chosen shop may be no longer available as also mobile coverage ofbeneficiaries, however cash is always remains most easily flowing tool. However all this depence onparticular situation within the country and choosen area. In our project we found situation in acountry suitable for implementation of a voucher modality. Apart of vouchers we also had food packsitself. This modality was affacted by theft, however paper vouchers apparead to be safer way ofdistribution since in case of fraud whole serie of printed vouchers could be stopped within a minutesand no more goods reliased from the shops. Therefore in case of theft whole action could be frozen
within short period of time what would prevent Project for redeeming of vouchers by the wrongpersons. Luckily this situation was not a case for us. However is it always good to have a back up planin case of such situation.
- host government policies
Any action independent of the donor should respect governmental policies within the country. Thiswill provide security and flow of implementation without any legal problems.
- gender risks and power reactions
Before implementation of cash transfer modality gender issues within the targeted community needto be analyzed. In case of any difficulties in understanding of these flows within communityinterviews and focal goups with beneficiaries and heads of community are necessary to prevent anykind of harm by delivery of humanitarian aid.
At the beninning of our project we conducted interviews asking beneficiaries and representatives ofcommunity how certain (already considered) cash transfer modality can be inplemented within thecommunity: who they will give choice to deceide about food range to buy, to cook , to plant? If anygeneder will take role in decision making more actively will it lead to a conflict within a householdand community? How does it affect both nations living in Fiji (Fijians and Indo-Fijians)? And etc. As itwas already mentioned you need to know your tagteted community well in order to be able to bringonly positive changes.
- necessary skills and capacity of the organisation
within short period of time what would prevent Project for redeeming of vouchers by the wrongpersons. Luckily this situation was not a case for us. However is it always good to have a back up planin case of such situation.
- host government policies
Any action independent of the donor should respect governmental policies within the country. Thiswill provide security and flow of implementation without any legal problems.
- gender risks and power reactions
Before implementation of cash transfer modality gender issues within the targeted community needto be analyzed. In case of any difficulties in understanding of these flows within communityinterviews and focal goups with beneficiaries and heads of community are necessary to prevent anykind of harm by delivery of humanitarian aid.
At the beninning of our project we conducted interviews asking beneficiaries and representatives ofcommunity how certain (already considered) cash transfer modality can be inplemented within thecommunity: who they will give choice to deceide about food range to buy, to cook , to plant? If anygeneder will take role in decision making more actively will it lead to a conflict within a householdand community? How does it affect both nations living in Fiji (Fijians and Indo-Fijians)? And etc. As itwas already mentioned you need to know your tagteted community well in order to be able to bringonly positive changes.
- necessary skills and capacity of the organisation
within short period of time what would prevent Project for redeeming of vouchers by the wrongpersons. Luckily this situation was not a case for us. However is it always good to have a back up planin case of such situation.
- host government policies
Any action independent of the donor should respect governmental policies within the country. Thiswill provide security and flow of implementation without any legal problems.
- gender risks and power reactions
Before implementation of cash transfer modality gender issues within the targeted community needto be analyzed. In case of any difficulties in understanding of these flows within communityinterviews and focal goups with beneficiaries and heads of community are necessary to prevent anykind of harm by delivery of humanitarian aid.
At the beninning of our project we conducted interviews asking beneficiaries and representatives ofcommunity how certain (already considered) cash transfer modality can be inplemented within thecommunity: who they will give choice to deceide about food range to buy, to cook , to plant? If anygeneder will take role in decision making more actively will it lead to a conflict within a householdand community? How does it affect both nations living in Fiji (Fijians and Indo-Fijians)? And etc. As itwas already mentioned you need to know your tagteted community well in order to be able to bringonly positive changes.
- necessary skills and capacity of the organisation
You Organsation should be able to carry the load of paper work as also have sufficiaent capacities toimplement particular cah transfer modality. In our project we had to put asisde team of volunteerswhose only responsibilty was reconcile redeemed vouchers, update master copies with lists ofbeneficieries and monitor the voucher activities within the supermarkets. Without this group evenvery good implementation could be on danger of double distributions and misuse of vouchers.
- established local market economy
First sign of possible successful implementation of such transfer modality as vouchers (or any otherapart ob may be direct cash) is functioning of local economy. If it is the case than you one stepfurther in planning of your cash transfer project.
- markets accessible and functional
Local markets or in our case supermarkets should be well established and functioning for succesfullimplementation.
- commodities or services available
Needed amount of goods, commodities or services should be available in the needed time in 100%amount (checking the stock of supplier).
You Organsation should be able to carry the load of paper work as also have sufficiaent capacities toimplement particular cah transfer modality. In our project we had to put asisde team of volunteerswhose only responsibilty was reconcile redeemed vouchers, update master copies with lists ofbeneficieries and monitor the voucher activities within the supermarkets. Without this group evenvery good implementation could be on danger of double distributions and misuse of vouchers.
- established local market economy
First sign of possible successful implementation of such transfer modality as vouchers (or any otherapart ob may be direct cash) is functioning of local economy. If it is the case than you one stepfurther in planning of your cash transfer project.
- markets accessible and functional
Local markets or in our case supermarkets should be well established and functioning for succesfullimplementation.
- commodities or services available
Needed amount of goods, commodities or services should be available in the needed time in 100%amount (checking the stock of supplier).
You Organsation should be able to carry the load of paper work as also have sufficiaent capacities toimplement particular cah transfer modality. In our project we had to put asisde team of volunteerswhose only responsibilty was reconcile redeemed vouchers, update master copies with lists ofbeneficieries and monitor the voucher activities within the supermarkets. Without this group evenvery good implementation could be on danger of double distributions and misuse of vouchers.
- established local market economy
First sign of possible successful implementation of such transfer modality as vouchers (or any otherapart ob may be direct cash) is functioning of local economy. If it is the case than you one stepfurther in planning of your cash transfer project.
- markets accessible and functional
Local markets or in our case supermarkets should be well established and functioning for succesfullimplementation.
- commodities or services available
Needed amount of goods, commodities or services should be available in the needed time in 100%amount (checking the stock of supplier).
Sometimes it is not enough for markets/supermarkets to be just functional.Other crieteria should also be taken into acconut:
1.) - no risk of rapid increase of prices
*For Fiji prices are fixed by Government and no fluctuations by the traders are allowed. Thisenabled us to be protected from increase of costs on the food commodities.
2.) - traders willing to participate
3.) - community is aware and agrees
4.) - a large enough number of local traders
5.) - shops easily and safely accessible (vulnerable groups)
6.) - capacity of local traders and service provides to cope with volume of workload andpotential cash flow
7.) - availability of a secure and reliable way of paying traders
8.) - identification system
*In Fiji case only 65% of the targeted population had any kind of ID, therefore other methodsof identification of beneficiaries were used: identification through the village commetee andvillage headmen/advisory councellors, identification through previously filled questionnaries(first round of questionnaries) and part of voucher from previous round with personalinformation (voucher number, name).
Sometimes it is not enough for markets/supermarkets to be just functional.Other crieteria should also be taken into acconut:
1.) - no risk of rapid increase of prices
*For Fiji prices are fixed by Government and no fluctuations by the traders are allowed. Thisenabled us to be protected from increase of costs on the food commodities.
2.) - traders willing to participate
3.) - community is aware and agrees
4.) - a large enough number of local traders
5.) - shops easily and safely accessible (vulnerable groups)
6.) - capacity of local traders and service provides to cope with volume of workload andpotential cash flow
7.) - availability of a secure and reliable way of paying traders
8.) - identification system
*In Fiji case only 65% of the targeted population had any kind of ID, therefore other methodsof identification of beneficiaries were used: identification through the village commetee andvillage headmen/advisory councellors, identification through previously filled questionnaries(first round of questionnaries) and part of voucher from previous round with personalinformation (voucher number, name).
Sometimes it is not enough for markets/supermarkets to be just functional.Other crieteria should also be taken into acconut:
1.) - no risk of rapid increase of prices
*For Fiji prices are fixed by Government and no fluctuations by the traders are allowed. Thisenabled us to be protected from increase of costs on the food commodities.
2.) - traders willing to participate
3.) - community is aware and agrees
4.) - a large enough number of local traders
5.) - shops easily and safely accessible (vulnerable groups)
6.) - capacity of local traders and service provides to cope with volume of workload andpotential cash flow
7.) - availability of a secure and reliable way of paying traders
8.) - identification system
*In Fiji case only 65% of the targeted population had any kind of ID, therefore other methodsof identification of beneficiaries were used: identification through the village commetee andvillage headmen/advisory councellors, identification through previously filled questionnaries(first round of questionnaries) and part of voucher from previous round with personalinformation (voucher number, name).
When need assessment and detailed market anaylsis are done, lists of beneficiaries created andcross-checked with the targeted population and village/settlement representatives, when supplieralready choosen and vouchers are printed it is a time to start mechanism of voucher functioning
Vouchers. Mechanism of functioning:
1. Respective persons in each area contacted to notify beneficiaries about time and venue ofdistribution
2. Volunteers groups (at least 2-3 persons for 100 targeted persons in each distribution point) areintroducing the voucher system to the beneficiaries, helping beneficiaries to fill questionnarieswith basic information related to their living conditions and answering questions, looking afterthat all vouchers are filled and signed properly.
3. After this at the same day (right after distribution or at the evening) serial numbers of givenvouchers are notofied in the master copies. Master copies serve as tool for tracking ofbeneficiaries. It prevent double distribution: the same person cannot come to the same oranother distribution point at the next day to receive voucher second time as the first timealready reflected in the master copie (on the condistion that master copies updated andexchanged between all volunteers groups daily).
Why cash and vocuhers can be better distribution modality than goods in packs?
- greater choice of products which one can redeem through vouchers or cash. For the nextproject beneficiaries requested more flexibility for the food range in the voucher (mainlythey asked to add some meat, milk and fresh veggis/fruit products)
When need assessment and detailed market anaylsis are done, lists of beneficiaries created andcross-checked with the targeted population and village/settlement representatives, when supplieralready choosen and vouchers are printed it is a time to start mechanism of voucher functioning
Vouchers. Mechanism of functioning:
1. Respective persons in each area contacted to notify beneficiaries about time and venue ofdistribution
2. Volunteers groups (at least 2-3 persons for 100 targeted persons in each distribution point) areintroducing the voucher system to the beneficiaries, helping beneficiaries to fill questionnarieswith basic information related to their living conditions and answering questions, looking afterthat all vouchers are filled and signed properly.
3. After this at the same day (right after distribution or at the evening) serial numbers of givenvouchers are notofied in the master copies. Master copies serve as tool for tracking ofbeneficiaries. It prevent double distribution: the same person cannot come to the same oranother distribution point at the next day to receive voucher second time as the first timealready reflected in the master copie (on the condistion that master copies updated andexchanged between all volunteers groups daily).
Why cash and vocuhers can be better distribution modality than goods in packs?
- greater choice of products which one can redeem through vouchers or cash. For the nextproject beneficiaries requested more flexibility for the food range in the voucher (mainlythey asked to add some meat, milk and fresh veggis/fruit products)
When need assessment and detailed market anaylsis are done, lists of beneficiaries created andcross-checked with the targeted population and village/settlement representatives, when supplieralready choosen and vouchers are printed it is a time to start mechanism of voucher functioning
Vouchers. Mechanism of functioning:
1. Respective persons in each area contacted to notify beneficiaries about time and venue ofdistribution
2. Volunteers groups (at least 2-3 persons for 100 targeted persons in each distribution point) areintroducing the voucher system to the beneficiaries, helping beneficiaries to fill questionnarieswith basic information related to their living conditions and answering questions, looking afterthat all vouchers are filled and signed properly.
3. After this at the same day (right after distribution or at the evening) serial numbers of givenvouchers are notofied in the master copies. Master copies serve as tool for tracking ofbeneficiaries. It prevent double distribution: the same person cannot come to the same oranother distribution point at the next day to receive voucher second time as the first timealready reflected in the master copie (on the condistion that master copies updated andexchanged between all volunteers groups daily).
Why cash and vocuhers can be better distribution modality than goods in packs?
- greater choice of products which one can redeem through vouchers or cash. For the nextproject beneficiaries requested more flexibility for the food range in the voucher (mainlythey asked to add some meat, milk and fresh veggis/fruit products)
- possibility of tiding aid to certin commodities so as to promote behaviours (e.g. Fresh foodconsumption) or objective.
In our case we wanted to give beneficiaries basic food to allow them to survive till their crops andseedling will grow enough to be consumed. Otherwise fresh fruit diet could be one of the great ideasin Fiji where on of the most popular deseases – diabetis, caused mainly by disbalanced diet with highsugar, fat and carbohydratis intake.
- dignity and empowermentCash transfer can be empowering tool for community which enables beneficiaries buy products ontheir own and improve their household budget skills. In this case
- - support and stimulate local marcets contributing to recovery
In case if you supporting local markets. In our case only one suitable supplier was Malaysiansupermarket chain. However multipply supplier can be used if local markets are not able to fullycover beneficiaries demand.
- reduced transport costs comared to in kind
Logistic costs for delievery of items is almoust 3 times lower for the vouchers in comarison to a foodpacks for the same amount of beneficiaries. Even taking into consideration if public transport forbeneficiaries will be paid by the project to enable people to pick up the groceries from thesupermarkets, price of transport in case of vouchers distribution still will be lower that food packsone.
- relative easy to track what vouchers have been used for, by whom, where and when
Pro and contra of voucher system. Project findings
Project findings. PDS (Post distribution Survey)
Before distributions After distributionNumber of mealsper day
- possibility of tiding aid to certin commodities so as to promote behaviours (e.g. Fresh foodconsumption) or objective.
In our case we wanted to give beneficiaries basic food to allow them to survive till their crops andseedling will grow enough to be consumed. Otherwise fresh fruit diet could be one of the great ideasin Fiji where on of the most popular deseases – diabetis, caused mainly by disbalanced diet with highsugar, fat and carbohydratis intake.
- dignity and empowermentCash transfer can be empowering tool for community which enables beneficiaries buy products ontheir own and improve their household budget skills. In this case
- - support and stimulate local marcets contributing to recovery
In case if you supporting local markets. In our case only one suitable supplier was Malaysiansupermarket chain. However multipply supplier can be used if local markets are not able to fullycover beneficiaries demand.
- reduced transport costs comared to in kind
Logistic costs for delievery of items is almoust 3 times lower for the vouchers in comarison to a foodpacks for the same amount of beneficiaries. Even taking into consideration if public transport forbeneficiaries will be paid by the project to enable people to pick up the groceries from thesupermarkets, price of transport in case of vouchers distribution still will be lower that food packsone.
- relative easy to track what vouchers have been used for, by whom, where and when
Pro and contra of voucher system. Project findings
Project findings. PDS (Post distribution Survey)
Before distributions After distributionNumber of mealsper day
- possibility of tiding aid to certin commodities so as to promote behaviours (e.g. Fresh foodconsumption) or objective.
In our case we wanted to give beneficiaries basic food to allow them to survive till their crops andseedling will grow enough to be consumed. Otherwise fresh fruit diet could be one of the great ideasin Fiji where on of the most popular deseases – diabetis, caused mainly by disbalanced diet with highsugar, fat and carbohydratis intake.
- dignity and empowermentCash transfer can be empowering tool for community which enables beneficiaries buy products ontheir own and improve their household budget skills. In this case
- - support and stimulate local marcets contributing to recovery
In case if you supporting local markets. In our case only one suitable supplier was Malaysiansupermarket chain. However multipply supplier can be used if local markets are not able to fullycover beneficiaries demand.
- reduced transport costs comared to in kind
Logistic costs for delievery of items is almoust 3 times lower for the vouchers in comarison to a foodpacks for the same amount of beneficiaries. Even taking into consideration if public transport forbeneficiaries will be paid by the project to enable people to pick up the groceries from thesupermarkets, price of transport in case of vouchers distribution still will be lower that food packsone.
- relative easy to track what vouchers have been used for, by whom, where and when
Pro and contra of voucher system. Project findings
Project findings. PDS (Post distribution Survey)
Before distributions After distributionNumber of mealsper day
+ and – negative sides of vouchers vs in kind distribution outlined by the projectbeneficiaries
“+”* “-“Ability to choose between amount of certainproducts
For interior some transport difficulties canoccur (to overcome it public transport costscan be paid by the project or vehicles forevery village organized to pick up thegroceries)
Flexibility in voucher dimensions (agedpeople and disabled able to buy in smallamount to be able to carry groceries home)
In case of stock problem redeeming of thevouchers can be delayed. In our case it wasdelay with Bio Security check of seeds for theagricultural vouchers on Australian boarder(2 weeks delay).
People feel empowered as they havesomething “equivalent” to money*85% of targeted populations prefer vouchers vs in kind distribution
Cash distribution vs food/agricultural vouchers* according to projectbeneficiaries
Cash Both Voucherscash can be misused (can bespent on the cultural andreligious obligations insteadof food for the family even ifthe HH is in need)
cash & vouchers are equallyimportant.we can decide what to buy &what not to buy.
Restricted voucher have lessvariety than cash (no able tobuy meat, frozen food andmilk)
so I can buy frozen foods. cash might not be used formain purpose.
Can be spent within one dayif no proper budget planningdone
they last for a longer time.
Can be lost, when lostvoucher still can berecovered by the project
Usually use only one or groupof suppliers when cash allowto buy from any trader
*90% prefer voucher distribution vs cash distribution
Lower risk of theft of physical items Risk of mistake during data entry (voucherregistration)
Vouhers are easy to track and they can bestop in case of misuse
Beneficiary can see it as long-term currencyreplacement
People are happy to make their own choiceand feel empowered
Misuse by supplier staff (under purchase butrequire the full amount of voucher)
Denominations are suitable for disablepersons, sick and old beneficiaries
If misunderstanding with distribution pointsor loosing of voucher receipt there is achance of double distribution
Relatively easy understanding of the process(Social Welfare vouchers ecample in Fiji –vouchers)
Quick way of distribution (if additional shotof vouchers needed and set up already inplace)
Restricted voucher eliminate possibility ofmisuse
What we can improve?
- More cooperation with accounting office of supplier
It ensures quick and accurate reconciliation of vouchers and also reduce level of possiblemiscommunication of Organization accounting office and Supplierone.
- More cooperation with cassers in shops and precise monitoring
Proper instructions and monitoring of the supermarket staff insures good understanding of a projectaims and modalities which leads to good services. Seeing the monitoring team of Organisation in themarkets and shop can encourage suppliers to provide more qualitative services.
- More supplier capacity analysis
History of the supplier should be tracked what will allow to see if previous participation in cashtransfer or any other related projects took place. Where there constant delay in supplies? Wherethere any related problems with delievery and quality of stocks? And etc.
- Better briefing and supervising of volunteers responsible for data entry
Monitoring and analyzing group should be established at the beginning of the project. It will allowproper tracking of the project achievements as also possible challenges. For our project monitoringteam was established, however analyzing group was put together in the middle of a project
- Aware beneficiaries muliply times about end of voucher validity
- Open voucher for wide range of products or restrict only sertain kinds
