Food (cash) Assistance to the Earthquake Affected Population in Kushk, Gulran, and Injil Districts of Herat Province, Afghanistan ltpgtBetween 7 and 15 October, three powerful (6.3 magnitude) earthquakes struck Herat Province, western Afghanistan, resulting in widespread destruction across more than 300 villages. In addition to loss of life and injury, the earthquakes – which struck several villages multiple times – destroyed critical civilian infrastructure, including homes, health facilities, schools, and water networks.ltbrgtTo address the urgent need for food and nutrition and prevent the most vulnerable households from resorting to negative coping strategies, DCA is proposing a three-month intervention to support 5,000 disaster-affected households (35,000 individuals) in Kushk, Gulran, and Injil districts of Herat province through the provision of unconditional cash for food assistance of 100% of the food basket (USD 75/HH). In alignment with the revised guidelines from the FSAC cluster, we will disburse a one-time cash distribution of USD 75 (equivalent in AFN) to each eligible household. This amount reflects two 50% portions of the FSAC Food Basket, 2 * $37.5 totaling $75, as recommended by FSAC. The distribution, managed by pre-contracted Financial Service Provider (FSP), will encompass 5,000 beneficiaries, ensuring they can procure essential food items. This single round distribution aims to provide immediate assistance efficiently and effectively.lt/pgtltpgtDCA will distribute the cash support via a pre-contracted financial service provider (FSP). The assistance is designed to allow households to stock up before the winter period when mobility is restricted due to weather and road conditions, and to mitigate risks and burdens related to traveling to and from a distribution point, especially for women, elderly individuals, people with disabilities, and those in rural areas where the target population is spread out. lt/pgtltpgtAdditionally, DCA will conduct a rapid market assessment to ensure market functionality and to identify which modality (cash or in-kind) is feasible in the targeting areas because the market may not be functional in Herat province during the winter season. If the market is functional, DCA has clear guidance on relevant steps required in-country throughout the project cycle and specific guidance for different cash and voucher modalities, as well as procedures in place. lt/pgtltpgtltbrgtlt/pgtltpgtDCA will select financial service providers strictly following the SOPs and based on the TOR. With adequate personnel to meet agreed-upon caseloads and with their own security arrangements, the financial service provider will provide the transport of the cash to the distribution point and prepare the distribution site. DCA will register and verify participant details, mobilize, and sensitize project participants and local leadership on the activity before the distributions. lt/pgtltpgtltbrgtlt/pgtltpgtDCA will conduct the distribution of food/cash, together with the financial service provider and relevant community members and elders. Payment will be made individually, and the exact amount of denomination given to each registered project participant. The project participant list is managed and controlled in line with DCA's data protection policy. DCA ensures to follow a do-no-harm protocol.ltbrgtlt/pgt