Response Analysis

Response analysis is the process of using assessment data to determine whether cash, in-kind, market support, or a combination of these is the best option. Consider:

“Is cash appropriate and feasible now?

“If not now, then when is it appropriate and feasible to shift to cash?”

“Is market support also needed?”

The tools in this section focus on cash feasibility analysis and decision-making support for choosing the best response option.

3.1 Determining Cash Feasibility: There are a number of factors that will determine if cash is a feasible option. Factors include beneficiary preferences; whether needs can be met from goods and services available in local markets; market functionality; risk mitigation; and others. You will need basic market and other information from your assessments.

a) Cash Feasibility Checklist: This guidance was developed to support CRS country programs and partners to:

(i) identify the factors to consider in assessing Cash and Voucher Assistance (CVA) programming feasibility;

(ii) facilitate decision-making to include cash-based interventions as a viable response option in emergency and recovery operations.

(iii) Cash Feasibility Report Example – European Refugee Crisis

b) Cash Feasibility Matrix: This sample matrix from Myanmar enabled staff to determine where cash was an appropriate response in remote IDP camps in 2016.

3.2 Comparing Options and Making Decisions: Cash, Vouchers, In-Kind, or Mixed Approach?

a) General Decision Tree for Cash-Based Programming: Use this decision tree as a general overview to guide your response analysis.

Multi-Sectoral or General Decisions: These resources show, generally, when to use cash, vouchers, or in-kind.

a) Resource: Comparison of Cash vs. In-Kind & Cash vs. Vouchers

Criteria for Decisions on Cash for Sectors: These are resources to help you decide how best to provide materials and services for sector-specific programs, i.e. if they have Shelter, WASH, or Food/Nutrition aims.

a) Resource: Decision Tree Coming Soon!

b) Resource: Pros and Cons of Cash-Based Programs

c) Resource: Comparison of Modalities Shelter Materials

d) Resource: Comparison of Modalities for WASH Materials Coming Soon!

e) Resource: Comparison of Modalities for Food & Nutrition Coming Soon!

Do Markets Require Additional Support? Market support is providing direct support to market actors, to enable them to restore critical goods and services to the markets. Coming Soon!

Comparing Options and Making Decisions: These are two versions of a similar tool to compare your options and decide on the best one. Use the word document if you need a simple, visual tool to discuss pros and cons of all options, particularly in a group. Use the excel version if you want to make clear, weighted, justified decisions based on specific criteria.

a) Decision-Making Table (qualitative) – Word 

b) Decision-Making Matrix (weighted) – Excel

3.3 Determining the best cash delivery mechanism: For cash transfer programs, this section includes guidance on deciding how to deliver cash.

 a) Pros and Cons of Different Types of Payment Delivery [ref: Red Cross]

 b) Criteria to Consider in the Assessment of Payment Delivery Mechanisms 

 c) Payment Mechanism Scorecard: To choose the best type of payment delivery mechanism (cash in envelopes,  paper vouchers, remittances, prepaid debit cards, e-vouchers, or mobile money) to fit programming needs and context, use this.

3.4 Determining IF and HOW to use Electronic Transfers

a) Feasibility of Electronic Options

b) Decision Tree for E-Transfers