What does “Cash” mean for WASH Outcomes?

“Cash” is a slang expression for Cash and Voucher Assistance (CVA)1 which is the provision of cash and/or vouchers to individuals, households or communities, to enable them to access the goods and services that they need. In essence, it means giving crisis-affected people money rather than things, so they can make choices about managing their immediate needs and longer-term recovery. In the context of WASH, CVA means cash transfers or vouchers given directly to crisis-affected people. It does not include financial assistance given to local authorities or other providers of public or private WASH services.

Short overview document intended for both WASH and cash practitioners as well as program managers who want to understand and explore how cash and voucher assistance can support WASH outcomes.