Building synergies between nutrition and cash transfers

Highlights

UNICEF is committed to building synergies between child nutrition and social protection programmes to address malnutrition and poverty, particularly during times of crisis. This case study aims to highlight the efforts undertaken in response to the socio-economic crisis in Sri Lanka in 2022, which resulted in widespread food and nutrition insecurity. It documents the actions implemented, as well as the opportunities and challenges encountered in reinforcing the existing social protection system to better support the most vulnerable populations and address the pressing nutrition needs of women and young children.

• In response to Sri Lanka’s economic crisis in 2022, UNICEF launched a nutrition-sensitive cash transfer programme targeting districts with high rates of child undernutrition.
• The programme was implemented from May 2023 to July 2024 across nine districts in Sri Lanka.
• The initiative provided monthly financial assistance (for five months) to families with young children, complemented by practical nutrition education and improved access to health services.
• This case study explores the programme’s impact on maternal and child diets, identifies challenges families faced in utilizing cash effectively for nutrition, and shares key lessons to inform future social protection strategies.
• Findings highlight the importance of integrating financial support with community-based care to protect child health during times of economic hardship.