UN OCHA Releases New Methodology to Harmonize Cash Transfer Amounts in Central African Republic

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and the World Food Programme have issued a guidance note that establishes a common framework for setting the value of multi‑purpose cash transfers (TEUM/MPCA) in the Central African Republic. The approach builds on the Minimum Expenditure Basket (MEB) while adding two key adjustments: household size and contextual differences between intervention zones. OCHA stresses that the chosen method must be technically sound, operationally simple, and consistent across all actors. While several calculation methods are possible, the note highlights two cost‑based MEB approaches as especially suitable for harmonisation. By aligning transfer amounts, the guidance aims to better reflect real household needs and streamline targeting, planning, and implementation processes.