UNICEF’s Humanitarian Cash Transfer (HCT) programme in Somaliland has helped around 14,000 people grappling with severe acute malnutrition due to the recent drought. Spread across five locations of the Ceel Afweyn district, the pilot initiative leveraged existing nutrition programmes to ensure vulnerable groups of women and children receive a diversified diet to enhance their nutritional wellbeing.
The HCT programme supported large families with pregnant women and children under 5 years of age, with USD$60 a month for a six-month period, totalling USD$360 per family. Aligned with Cash Working Group recommendations, the cash transfers represent 65 per cent of the Minimum Expenditure Basket – an estimate of the basic needs items required for a household of 6-7 people.
As Telesom is the leading mobile network company in Somaliland, they were chosen as a partner to facilitate the cash transfers to eligible households. An initial assessment revealed that 95 per cent of the targeted households already possessed mobile money accounts with Telesom.
Voice recognition technology was adopted from Telesom to enhance accountability and verify the identities of the cash recipients as formal identification documents are lacking in the country. Eligible households were identified through an open registration system at Maternal and Child Health Centres, followed by validation of information with local authorities and community members.
Eligible households were then invited to Telesom offices to complete the mobile money account verification process and voice ID registration. In areas where local Telesom offices were not accessible, Telesom agents met with eligible households at health centres and recorded voice statements to set up the voice ID and following data protection protocols.
To receive HCT payments, recipients dial a code on their phone to prompt the voice verification. When the voice ID is accepted, digital cash is deposited into the recipient’s mobile account, accessible at their convenience using a secure PIN. Telesom mobile money allows recipients to retain the cash in their mobile wallets, enabling them to make purchases from local shops and vendors or withdraw cash at Telesom vendors or cash points. To address concerns or seek assistance, individuals utilize a toll-free call line established through a feedback and complaints mechanisms.
The utilization of voice ID not only introduced an additional layer of security compared to traditional methods but also eliminated the need for complex passwords or physical documentation. This method can be a benefit to individuals with disability or language barriers by simplifying access. Moreover, it demonstrates cost efficiency as basic phone technology is used for registration, saving and spending money. Furthermore, using voice ID ensures that the intended recipient is the actual person receiving the aid meant for them.
This programme is supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) and the UNICEF German National Committee, and in collaboration with a local partnership, the Health Education Agro-pastoralist Liaison (HEAL).
