EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Methodology and objectives
This research – a collaboration between the British Red Cross and Samuel Hall - provides evidence on the opportunities and challenges to integrate cash and vouchers assistance (CVA) as a support modality in migration programming in the context of transit migration in the Sahel. While CVA has become increasingly common and popular among implementing agencies and donors, there is limited evidence about its effects and impact in migration programming and even less in transit migration contexts.
As a result, this study addresses a gap and analyses to what extent, and through which modality, the use of CVA might support safe transit and onward migration. This research looked at the range of current programming from the perspective of both practitioners and transit migrants in the Sahel, as well as the impact of such assistance on migration decisions and experiences. Based on the data collected, the research drew lessons from current experiences, both theoretical and practice-based, and generated recommendations to inform British Red Cross policy and programming and its approach to cash transfers for migrant populations.
1. DESPITE LIMITED ACCESS TO CVA, TRANSIT MIGRANTS PREFER CVA VS. IN-KIND ASSISTANCE
In the studied locations, transit migrants face significant challenges in accessing assistance, including CVA. Only a small percentage (less than 20%) of respondents received any form of aid, with in-kind assistance being the most common. However, transit migrants expressed a strong preference for cash-based assistance (65%) due to its versatility and potential for addressing their needs, particularly in supporting livelihoods and self-sufficiency. Despite their preference, targeted cash assistance programmes for transit migrants are scarce, resulting in limited impact on their livelihoods. In- kind assistance, which is more prevalent, appears to have a greater effect, likely because of the predictability associated with food and non-food aid provided to registered individuals.
2. TAILORED CVA STRATEGIES CAN HELP ADDRESS CHALLENGES AND EMPOWER TRANSIT MIGRANTS BY MEETING THEIR SPECIFIC NEEDS AND PREFERENCES
Using CVA for transit migrants presents challenges in identification, trust, safety, and delivery. Difficulties arise in identifying and reaching the target population due to high mobility, security concerns, lack of support from local authorities and communities, and limited trust from vulnerable migrants. Assessing the needs of at-risk individuals adds to the implementation challenges. Overall, practitioners recognize the efficiency of unrestricted cash compared to in-kind or restricted modalities, although its use in migration programming is limited.
Adapting delivery mechanisms to the context is crucial, as highlighted by practitioners who note the inflexibility in changing transfer modalities. Transit migrants indicate a preference for direct cash over mobile or bank transfers, driven by the perception of immediate usability. Preferences may vary based on location, vulnerability, transit reasons, and ease of accessing support.
3. CVA HAS A GREATER IMPACT ON MIGRATION EXPERIENCES THAN ON MIGRATION DECISIONS
Transit migrants' experiences defy simple categorizations and rational decision-making, highlighting the complex and non- linear impact of CVA and assistance on migration decisions. CVA had a positive impact on the majority of respondents' migration experience by meeting basic needs and improving transit conditions, especially for registered recipients. However, the impact on migration intentions was limited, particularly if the intention to migrate or stay was not already defined before receiving CVA. In terms of impact, the assistance received played a crucial role shaping both living conditions and potential savings for future movement, underscoring the potential of CVA to facilitate safe and onward migration.
Recommendations
To fully harness the potential of Cash and Voucher Assistance (CVA) to address the diverse needs and preferences that arise for transit migrants, creating an enabling environment for programmes and collaboration along migration routes and borders is crucial. However, coordination and collaboration among agencies providing services along these routes pose many challenges at both policy and operational levels.
The proposed recommendations revolve around the need to address these challenges at both levels, and are guided by an overarching consideration, namely the need to move from a vision based on assistance provided by and within single countries (country-based) to a more holistic view that looks at the stages of the migratory journey and the specific needs of individuals across such stages (route1-based).
Programming recommendations: applying a route-based approach to CVA in migration context
1. Plan around migrants’ needs, preferences and movements
To effectively assist migrants, thorough contextual assessments are needed to understand their specific needs and the dynamics affecting their journey. This understanding informs the design of context-specific cash assistance programmes. The design of cash assistance will need to be differentiated based on migration profiles. Tailored programmes should be developed for long-term migrants2, addressing their unique needs for legal advice, consistent cash assistance, and social inclusion. Involving migrants directly in the design and implementation of cash assistance, considering their preferences and context feasibility, is crucial. Mapping existing cash assistance programmes along the journey, in neighbouring countries where migrants plan to transit, will allow for more coordinated and tailored interventions along these routes, leveraging existing resources and adapting them to meet the needs of migrants.
2. Include protection considerations into programming and CVA design
To strengthen internal capacity and ensure staff competence and accountability, organizations and staff involved in CVA will require comprehensive training on the rights of migrants, on identifying and addressing protection issues, gender- specific concerns, and psychosocial risks, and operating in contexts of vulnerability without perpetuating abuse or power dynamics. It is crucial for all staff, both in the field and offices, to possess a baseline understanding of guiding principles, relevant legislation, referral pathways, to support the rights and mitigate the risks faced by CVA recipients across their migratory journey, and in specific communities.
3. Move towards integrated programming to overtake emergency assistance and unlock the potential for cash assistance to transit migrants
To meet the diverse and evolving needs of migrants, it is important to prioritize multi-sector assistance and offer informed choices through tailored "cash +" packages that go beyond CVA alone. This includes additional services like legal advice, livelihood support, and access to healthcare, empowering migrants to make informed decisions about their migration. Piloting different assistance modalities, integrating them with existing programmes, and aligning them with national social protection initiatives can enhance collaboration and effectiveness. Establishing a clear Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) framework that involves key stakeholders and regularly adapting it based on feedback and emerging needs is crucial for informed decision-making and programme improvement.
Government (Central and Local)
Each government in the Sahel region will require legislation that allows transit migrants to access essential financial services and transfer money, while addressing discriminatory practices by banks. Governments action will also be needed to improve the infrastructure surrounding financial services, considering the limitations faced by migrants. Specifically, efforts should be made to enhance digital and banking services, establish partnerships with financial and telephony providers, and facilitate access to cell phones and mobile banking for non-status migrants. Additionally, raising awareness among migrants and local communities about financial literacy and the purpose of assistance programmes is essential.
International donors
International donors need to inform and raise awareness amongst their staff, government officials, and donors about the contributions that can assistance can make to supporting and protecting transit migrants, while addressing the various factors influencing migration decisions, emphasising that cash assistance is not the sole, nor a strong, determinant for these decisions. They can share research, case studies, and testimonials to highlight the multifaceted nature of migration and the support CVA can provide towards safe migration. Donors can use their role in humanitarian clusters to advocate for the integration of migration considerations within Cash Working Groups and the development of specific guidelines for migrant cash assistance. Collaboration with relevant stakeholders should be encouraged, ensuring coordination between cash assistance and migration initiatives. Regular assessment of the impact of these measures is crucial for effective assistance throughout migrants' journeys.
Humanitarian Clusters
Humanitarian clusters should prioritize the application of the do-no-harm principle, establishing mechanisms for enforcement and accountability among staff. This involves promoting awareness, providing training, developing guidelines and codes of conduct, implementing reporting systems, and monitoring compliance. Community involvement in the development of strategies and guidelines for cash assistance programmes targeting migrants is vital. Additionally, debunking assumptions and recognising migrants' autonomy is crucial. A nuanced understanding of migration should be promoted, acknowledging migrants' agency and capacity to make informed decisions based on their own circumstances. Strengthening agency is after all one of the greatest values of CVA programming, in transit migration as in other contexts.