Study on cash transfers for seed security in humanitarian settings

This activity was conducted from August 24, 2018, to August 23, 2023, under Cooperative Agreement 7200AA18LE00004 with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The activity was implemented by the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) in partnership with Catholic Relief Services (CRS). The study on cash transfers for seed security in humanitarian settings was conducted as part of the S34D activity. The study aimed to explore the potential of cash transfers as a modality for seed security in humanitarian settings. The study was guided by a multi-agency thinking group, which included representatives from various humanitarian organizations. The study defined key terms related to cash transfers, including cash transfer, cash and voucher assistance (CVA), complementary programming, modality, and multipurpose cash transfer. According to the study, cash transfer refers to the provision of assistance in the form of money, which is unrestricted in terms of use. Cash and voucher assistance (CVA) refers to programs where cash transfers or vouchers for goods or services are directly provided to recipients. The study also highlighted the importance of a multi-stakeholder view in understanding the complexities of cash transfers for seed security in humanitarian settings. The study emphasized the need for a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach to needs assessment and programming to identify effective combinations of activities to address needs and achieve program objectives. The study identified key findings related to cash transfers for seed security in humanitarian settings. These findings included the potential of cash transfers to address multiple needs on a cross-sectoral basis, the importance of considering the sufficiency of the transfer value provided, and the need for a coordinated approach to needs assessment and programming. The study also provided insights from other sectors, including the use of cash transfers in agriculture and the importance of considering the local context in designing cash transfer programs. The study highlighted the potential risks and opportunities associated with cash transfers for seed security in humanitarian settings, including the risk of misuse and the opportunity for increased flexibility and efficiency. Based on the study's findings and insights, the authors provided recommendations for the use of cash transfers for seed security in humanitarian settings. These recommendations included the need for a coordinated approach to needs assessment and programming, the importance of considering the local context in designing cash transfer programs, and the need for ongoing monitoring and evaluation to ensure the effectiveness of cash transfer programs. The study concluded that cash transfers have the potential to be a valuable modality for seed security in humanitarian settings, but that their effectiveness depends on careful consideration of the local context, the sufficiency of the transfer value provided, and the need for a coordinated approach to needs assessment and programming.