A conceptual framework for understanding the role of cash transfers in social protection

Defines a conceptual framework for cash transfers in social protection, that focuses on three spheres: institutions, politics and governance; capacity and implementation; and local economic and social impacts. Key points: Cash transfers have the potential to promote and protect livelihoods in both development and humanitarian relief settings; a number of issues are common to all three spheres, including political context and acceptability, targeting and instrument choice, and beneficiaries’ voice.