Spotlight on solutions

When Tropical Cyclone Harold hit Vanuatu in 2020, Oxfam deployed a large-scale cash and voucher assistance project, called UnBlocked Cash, using a simple, transparent and instant digital cash transfer platform. One of the most practical and immediate types of support, the project distributed cash to families so they could buy food, water and sanitation items, hardware resources and other essential items.

The project collaborated with multiple partners - including international NGOs, local NGOs, the private sector and provincial governments. What was initially a $2.16 million commitment over six months became $3.89 million over 12 months to support families to recover and rebuild, making it the largest cash transfer Oxfam has delivered in the Pacific.

An evaluation indicated that the project achieved and even surpassed its main objectives, with 94% of participants stating that their needs are being met. There was a 62% reduction in recipients who were food insecure, and 61% reduction in households with high levels of stress.

On average, 82% of partners reported an increase in capacity in cash voucher assistance.

The project has received two international awards celebrating it as both innovative and impactful, while gaining recognition as an alternative, viable and sustainable form of humanitarian assistance - all while improving the blockchain-backed technology used to deliver emergency support instantly, now and in the future.