Cash-Based Initiatives for Refugees in Jordan: Annotated Bibliography

Abstract

The available literature tells us little about the effectiveness of targeting of cash-based initiatives (CBIs) for refugees in Jordan. However, it suggests there are positive impacts on food security for refugees, their ability to pay for rent and utilities and their psycho-social well-being, as well as some reduction in resort to negative coping strategies. The impact of CBIs on income generation and financial inclusion is far less obvious. Cash-based initiatives have increasingly been used in the humanitarian response to the Syrian refugee crisis in Jordan. The scale, scope and sophistication of cash transfer programming has developed rapidly over the past several years. This review looked at all cash-based initiatives for Syrian refugees in Jordan. This annotated bibliography examines the impact of CBIs on refugees and vulnerable Jordanians, and the impact on financial inclusion (workforce participation) of refugees in Jordan. It was not possible to assess effectiveness of targeting because no material was found on this - the reports and studies reviewed focused on impact of CBIs rather than on selection of beneficiaries. The available literature is comprised almost wholly of evaluations/reports by international development agencies and humanitarian actors and think tanks. All relevant literature (evaluations only – not other programme documentation) in English was reviewed, covering a range of different cash-based initiatives. K4D helpdesk reports provide summaries of current research, evidence and lessons learned. This report was commissioned by the UK Department for International Development