I. Background: AAP (Action Against Poverty), in partnership with WFP, launched a relief project in Caluula District to provide unconditional cash-based transfers (CBT) for populations affected by drought and Cyclone PAWAN. The project began in July 2020, targeting 1,119 households (6,714 beneficiaries) in 13 Food Distribution Points (FDPs). The main objective was to meet immediate food needs and protect vulnerable and marginalized groups. AAP worked closely with stakeholders, local authorities, and community elders to ensure that the most in-need individuals were selected, and a beneficiary mobilization plan was developed. The project successfully carried out voucher transfers in December 2020.
II. Activities: AAP staff, along with local authority representatives, visited the villages to verify conditions before the voucher top-up process. The team ensured that all SCOPE MPOS devices were functional, and they successfully topped up 1,013 SCOPE cards. There were no issues related to missing vouchers or lost cards during this process. During the sensitization period, the AAP team briefed beneficiaries about the project, its transfer modalities, and the $85 per household top-up rate. Beneficiaries were reminded to redeem their vouchers before expiration. The feedback was generally positive, although many requested an extension of the project due to the ongoing food insecurity.
III. Monitoring: AAP and local authorities ensured that all beneficiaries were present for sensitization sessions, where they were also informed about COVID-19 safety measures. Questions about the top-up and redemption processes were answered, and the mobilization team emphasized the importance of voucher redemption before expiration.
IV. Commodities Redeemed: The main commodities redeemed by beneficiaries included:
- Pasta
- Rice
- Vegetable oil
- Tuna fish
- Beans
- Powder milk
V. Challenges:
- Poor road networks and weak internet connections in some FDPs, which delayed synchronization processes.
- Some beneficiaries were not present during the top-up process, extending the team’s work as they had to wait for absentees.
- Elderly and disabled beneficiaries were unable to attend distribution sites, requiring door-to-door visits for top-ups.
VI. Lessons Learned:
- Many people benefited from the project, but a significant number of community members still require assistance.
- Using MPOS machines for CBT proved efficient, ensuring equitable allocation.
- CBT allowed recipients flexibility in redeeming based on their needs and preserved their dignity by eliminating visible queues.
- Cash transfers are more efficient than food distributions, reducing costs and preventing beneficiaries from reselling goods for preferred items.
- Some areas in Caluula District are challenging to access during emergencies.
VII. Recommendations:
- Patience is requested for delays caused by impassable roads in some villages.
- AAP identified a critical need for integrated livelihood, nutrition, and WASH interventions to address poverty and poor sanitation.
- Rehabilitation of feeder roads in Caluula District is recommended to ensure timely humanitarian access.
- Community leaders requested small-scale cereal grinding machines.
- Increasing the caseload is essential due to the number of people in need.
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