Study comparing voucher, cash and multipurpose cash in El Salvador
In 2016, within PRRO 200490 framework, WFP decided to conduct an operational study to compare the impact of vouchers, cash and multipurpose cash (MPC) on the food security of drought-affected households in the Salvadoran Dry Corridor. The study found that, at the end of the project, the three types of assistance brought about substantial improvements in the key food security indicators. Quantitative and qualitative findings concur to show that MPC brought about a longer lasting impact on the food security situation of beneficiary households. The longer lasting effects of MPC assistance may contribute to more effective synergies in the relief, recovery and development continuum. However, higher MPC transfer values may represent a difficult compromise in terms of coverage when resources are limited. Further studies are necessary to determine the cost-effectiveness of MPC to generate durable food security outcomes.