Direct Cash Transfer and Food Security in Georgia

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to assess the effects on food security in Georgia following a joint direct cash transfer project initiated as an emergency response to the conflict with Russia in August 2008. Based on interviews with beneficiaries, it was found that their food security situation had improved. Although increased food access and food utilisation promoted dietary diversity and food frequency, it was concluded that they remain dependent on external assistance. When considering various key determinants of transfer choice as well as preferences of both beneficiaries and partners, cash assistance was determined to constitute the optimal food assistance instrument when addressing the issue of food security in Georgia. While future cash assistance will benefit from greater knowledge and experience of partners, further improvements were acknowledged to require increased technological capacity, human capital, training and monitoring in order to achieve adequate information collection and dissemination.