Cash transfer programme
MEB
The cash transfer programme consisted of 3 monthly electronic transfers of US$70.00 (henceforth humanitarian cash transfer), followed by 6 monthly electronic transfers of US$35.00 (henceforth safety net cash transfer). The humanitarian cash was aligned to the recommended transfer value from the Somali Cash Working Group, which reflected 80% of the multipurpose (i.e., full) minimum expenditure basket (MEB) for the given location. The safety net cash transfer value followed standard practice of the implementing agency at the time of intervention design, i.e., half the full humanitarian value. Whereas the higher value was distributed at times of peak hunger, the safety net value was lower so as to reach as many households in need as possible while supporting household income, promote positive coping strategies, and reduce risk of dependence.Upon registration, a household female representative received a mobile phone SIM card with a unique number, which was recorded and through which they received the cash transfer via a mobile money transfer made by the telecommunications company we contracted (Hormuud Telecom Somalia). The cash transfer programme targeted women as the household cash recipient on the assumption that their spending was more likely to benefit their children. Cash transfers were made on March 24, April 27, June 3, July 4, July 27, August 25, September 29, October 27, and December 8, 2019.