Project • Ongoing
Perceptions of CVA Recipients in Borno State
After more than a decade of sustained armed conflict, people in Northeast Nigeria face a complex and evolving security situation, with significant humanitarian access constraints. In 2019, 7.1 million people were in need of humanitarian assistance. In November 2019 Ground Truth Solutions conducted a survey of 1,118 internally displaced people (IDPs), IDP returnees, and residents affected by crisis who had received cash and voucher assistance (CVA) in the previous 12 months. With the generous support of the German Federal Foreign Office (GFFO), the survey was carried out in in the local government areas (LGAs) of Maiduguri, Jere and Konduga in Borno State.
Recipients of CVA are positive about their experience of receiving CVA. They find the beginning of the process most difficult, with their experience improving as they move through the process from registering to receiving and spending assistance. Mobile money recipients report more issues, especially at the beginning – a perspective which is supported by anecdotal evidence from community leaders.
We asked people who received CVA who they ask for support when they need it. While 43% will speak to organisation staff or agents who provide assistance, almost one-third of respondents do not know who to turn to with questions about the assistance they receive. 
Respondents have a mixed awareness of CVA programmes in Borno State. Most people (85%) know who provides them with CVA, but very few know why they receive assistance (11%). Despite confusion around targeting, CVA is generally felt to go to those who need it most, and no specific group was highlighted as being left out of distributions. However, almost 50% of respondents did not feel able to meet their needs with the CVA they receive.
Respondents have a mixed awareness of CVA programmes in Borno State. Most people (85%) know who provides them with CVA, but very few know why they receive assistance (11%). Despite confusion around targeting, CVA is generally felt to go to those who need it most, and no specific group was highlighted as being left out of distributions. However, almost 50% of respondents did not feel able to meet their needs with the CVA they receive.
When asked what was their most important unmet need, people reported the need for more or different types of food, as well as non-food items, more cash and improved shelter.
Across the board, respondents reported feeling safe when receiving their assistance. Almost 90% of respondents also felt safe travelling to markets and spending CVA.
Find out more about what recipients of cash and voucher assistance thought in the full bulletin here.
This survey was conducted as part of the Cash Barometer, an independent accountability mechanism that allows cash recipients to provide feedback on cash and voucher assistance, and participate in decision making.
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