Cash transfers have for many years been considered a useful tool in humanitarian responses. However, increasingly, cash transfers are also used as a tool for strengthening long-term development, and in addition to or as an alternative to other interventions.

As part of Norad’s strategy towards 2030, several new portfolios are currently being shaped. One of them is social safety nets, which includes the use of cash transfers. This portfolio will have a primary focus on supporting a selection of partner countries in building and enhancing national systems for social safety nets. Civil society organizations can, however, play an important role in supporting and complementing these efforts.

In this seminar, researchers and practitioners will join us to share their experiences working with cash transfers as a complement to and part of national social safety net systems. Evidence shows that cash transfers have positive effects across several SDGs, including poverty, hunger, school enrollment, health, and female empowerment. Several organizations have built large cash programs, and others have designed interventions that combine cash and for example skill training. Cash transfers may also be adapted to help mitigate the effects of climate change, increase food security and strengthen resilience.