Oxfam proposes to establish pre-positioned capacity for a market-based humanitarian response and recovery mechanism in Vanuatu. The aim is to empower disaster affected communities to determine their own needs and priorities, allowing for a more dignified method of receiving assistance; while stimulating local economies, and increasing financial resilience.
Oxfam will trial three innovative modalities of market-based approaches on Efate and Epi islands in order to determine the most appropriate approach/es for the context. Market-based assistance can supplement or replace in-kind aid, with cash or vouchers used for food, livelihoods, non-food items, seeds and tools, or essential services such as health or education. During this pilot, Oxfam will trial three innovative modalities of market-based approaches on Efate and Epi islands in order to determine the most relevant approach/es for the context:

1. Electronic pre-paid transfers to mobile phones (mobile money) 2. Cash transfers to local bank agents in remote regions where branches are not available or functional, and where mobile networks are less accessible and prone to disruption (local bank agent) 3. Cash or commodity vouchers distributed for use with local traders and suppliers (vouchers)

In order to establish a pre-positioned market-based approach capable of deployment within 7 to 14 days of a disaster, Oxfam will:

1. Develop context specific humanitarian market-based strategies and procedures, including pre-crisis mapping and analysis (PCMMA) on Efate and Epi islands 2. Establish partnerships with a wide range of actors – including Digicel, the National Bank of Vanuatu and the Government of Vanuatu. 3. Test systems and innovative technologies, including mobile money, local bank agent and vouchers 4. Establish standby capacities and training for humanitarian partners

Share this Story

A story of hope from the slums of Nairobi