This dissertation focuses on the attempt of linking relief and rehabilitation and development within the aid community along a contiguum approach. In times of crisis or disaster the needs of the affected population are diverse and range from basic needs to livelihoods and community infrastructure.
The dissertation is based on a case study of a cash for hosting project in northern Lebanon where protective shelter for Syrian refugees was provided through supporting those who provided this protective shelter (hosting households and communities). This paper documents that cash transfer programming targeting the host community bears a high potential of impact on a sustainable socio-economic development in enhancing the economy of an underdeveloped and impoverished region. This paper provides also evidence that a combination of the following factors are favourable to link emergency and development: Aid provision through cash transfer programming, inclusion of the guest (displaced) and the host (residents) community and the interaction of short term humanitarian assistance and long term development assistance.
