Addressing the uncertainties over cash assistance and local procurement in complex emergencies

There is a growing interest in the decision between cash assistance and/or in-kind assistance through local procurement in humanitarian operations. Yet, finding an optimal solution is complicated due to the number of measurable and immeasurable factors. Much literature on the benefits, cost-effectiveness and efficiency of cash and voucher assistance (CVA) compared to in-kind aid. But even so, many implicit factors need to be considered which may influence outcomes. In this research, we attempt to address some of the context-specific features that create uncertainties in humanitarian operations, and this affects the types of aid (cash or in-kind) that are delivered in complex emergencies. The findings of the research can help decision-makers to include these implicit factors in their decision-making between cash, in-kind, or a combination of both through the local procurement in such settings. The challenging factors can be considered for further multicriteria decision-making analysis in the future.