Navigating the Digital Technology Behavior for the Distribution of Humanitarian Cash-Based Assistance: Aid Recipients Experience

Abstract

Cash-based assistance (CBA) programs have become an increasingly common approach as one modality for the provision of humanitarian aid. The use of disruptive and digital technologies (such as mobile money, and electronic vouchers) has provided benefits to the implementation of such programs in terms of for instance, cost-effectiveness, timeliness, coverage, safety, and financial inclusion. Despite the benefits, the digitalization of such programs is very context-dependent, including the needs and characteristics of affected populations as end recipients of the assistance. This research is aimed to investigate the contextual characteristics toward digital transformation addressing the end user’s experience. The series of interviews is conducted from humanitarian practitioners based in Uganda. The findings are yet to be analyzed, but some initial findings are discussed, and future research is addressed in the conclusion.