The Complementarity Initiative - WFP simPESA, a cash response to sudden onset emergencies (Oct-Dec 2015)

In the first two weeks of December 2015, more than 40 WFP cash experts from around the world gathered in Kenya to test a new package of tools, systems and procedures for delivering cash quickly in emergencies.

The exercise (called simPESA) included a full simulation, aimed at fine tuning WFP’s capacity to respond rapidly with cash transfers to affected communities in a variety of contexts.

WFP frequently uses simulations to prepare for emergencies, but this was the first time that cash transfers were the primary delivery method in a rapid onset scenario.