When digital aid meets reality
A socio-technical analysis of feasibility requirements in cash-based interventions
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 21404659 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Aima Khan (0000-0002-7059-6474, University of Agder, corresponding author), Ahmed A Abdelgawad (0000-0002-1174-9151, University of Agder), Hossein Baharmand (0000-0003-3495-3988, University of Agder), Fabio Sgarbossa (0000-0002-9541-3515, Norwegian University of Science and Technology) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 231 |
| Pages | 124807 |
| Publication date | 2026-10-01 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Technological Forecasting and Social Change (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0040-1625 • E-ISSN: 1873-5509 |
| Publisher | Elsevier BV (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.1016/j.techfore.2026.124807 |
| OpenAlex | W7167039173 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 40 |
Using digital technologies (e.g., mobile phones, prepaid cards, and bank transfers) as delivery mechanisms in cash-based interventions (CBIs) promises to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of humanitarian assistance. Yet, our understanding of the relationships between key feasibility requirements (e.g., beneficiaries' documentation, their mobile ownership, and liquidity capacity of financial service providers (FSPs)), and their dynamic impact on CBIs' performance is limited. In this study, we propose a system dynamics (SD) methodology developed based on insights from interviews with key actors in CBIs for refugees (e.g., FSPs and humanitarians) and field surveys in settlements in Uganda. The proposed methodology introduces novel quantitative metrics for inclusiveness and dignity (i.e., common qualitative aspects used to evaluate CBIs) and is validated through workshops with representatives of CBI stakeholders. We apply the methodology to the case of CBIs for refugees in settlements in Uganda (the largest refugee-hosting country in Africa). Our results show that the projected impact of feasibility requirements on inclusiveness, timeliness, cost efficiency, and dignity can vary unexpectedly over time. Our study suggests that policymakers need to carefully consider tradeoffs when selecting the digital delivery mechanism in CBI
Component (thermodynamics) · Key (lock) · Psychological intervention · Requirements analysis · Work (physics) · E-Government and Public Services · ICT Impact and Policies · ICT in Developing Communities
System dynamics approach for food inventory policy assessment in a humanitarian supply chain
Exploring gaps in using digital delivery mechanisms for cash-based assistance in refugee crises
GIS-based multidimensional decision model for enhancing flood risk prioritization in urban areas
Digitalization potentials and limitations of cash-based assistance
Technological advancements in humanitarian aid
A systematic review of humanitarian supply chains performance measurement literature from 2007 to 2021
Digital technologies for cash and voucher assistance in disasters
Supporting group decision makers to locate temporary relief distribution centres after sudden-onset disasters
Using a community-based system dynamics approach for understanding inclusion and wellbeing
UNHCR and the pursuit of international protection
The use of cash assistance in the Covid‐19 humanitarian response
Payment Mechanisms and Antipoverty Programs
| Highly cited | No |
|---|