Episode 2 - Donations for Refugees, In-kind or cash

In this episode, we invite Dr. Telesilla Kotsi to discuss their paper entitled "Donations for Refugee Crises: In-kind vs. Cash Assistance.” This work explores the dynamics between providing in-kind assistance and cash assistance to the six million refugees scattered across the globe. Professor Kotsi’s field research focuses on studying the impact of refugee relocation on local retailers in various countries. The central question is how to ensure that the benefits of assistance reach both refugees and host communities. While humanitarian organizations initially provide essential necessities like food, shelter, and hygiene products, the need arises for refugees to make their own choices as they stay longer. Cash assistance emerges as a solution, benefiting both local economies and fostering positive relationships within host communities. In the podcast episode, we discuss with Professor Kotsi two intriguing cash assistance policies: a price index cap and a price-dependent cash assistance policy. These innovative approaches may empower humanitarian organizations to balance in-kind and cash assistance while considering retailer pricing dynamics.