Commodity Distribution, A Practical Guide for Field Staff (United Nations High Commission for Refugee, 1997, 77 p.): Glossary

Commodity Distribution, A Practical Guide for Field Staff (United Nations High Commission for Refugee, 1997, 77 p.)

(introduction...)

Purpose of this guide and how to use it

Glossary

Key Points

I. Overview

1.1 Definition of distribution

1.3 Food and non-food items

1.4 Programme planning questions

II. GETTING STARTED

(introduction...)

2.3 Beneficiary ration/registration cards/kits4

2.4 By whom

2.5 Where - How many distribution points, their location

2.7 Equipment for distribution

III. HOW TO CHOOSE AND SET UP A SYSTEM

3.1 The framework - an overview

3.2 Advantages and disadvantages of the three categories of distribution

3.3 Choosing the system

3.5 How to distribute through groups of heads of families (one method)

3.6 How to distribute through individual heads of family (three methods)

IV. INVOLVING THOSE CONCERNED

4.1 Refugee participation

4.2 The leadership may not truly represent the refugees

4.3 Refugee committees

4.5 Information to all the beneficiaries, the crucial factor

V. MANAGEMENT

VI. SPECIAL ISSUES

6.1 Common questions

6.2 How much to distribute when numbers are not agreed?

6.3 When you do not have enough to go around

6.4 Trading rations

6.6 Payment in kind

6.7 Retroactive distribution

6.8 Sacks and other empty containers

Annex 1 - Reporting on Food Distribution

1. Food Distribution Monitoring Report (Food 1)

Annex 2 - Reporting on Non-Food Items Distribution

1. Non-Food Item Distribution Report (NFI. 1)

Annex 3 - Reporting on Food Distribution

Worksheet for on Site Food Distribution Monitoring Report

Explanatory Notes

Annex 4 - Household Monitoring Report

Annex 5 - Post Distribution Monitoring

Market Survey Report Form

Annex 6 - Bibliography

Glossary

Commodity	This term covers both food and non-food items given in mass distribution to the refugees.
Distribution Cycle	The time period between regular distributions.
Family	A group of people living together, related by blood or otherwise and recognised by the society as a family.
Household	A group of people living together who pool their resources. They may or may not be members of the same family.
Head of Family	The person accepted by the family and by the society as representing that family within the society. The head of family can be female or male.
Head of household	The person accepted by the household and by the society as representing that household within the society. The head of household can be female or male.
Ration Shop	A form of distribution to individual heads of family.
Refugee	The word “Refugee” is used throughout this guide when referring to beneficiaries. However the principles outlined can be applied to returnees, internally displaced people and others of concern to the High Commissioner and therefore targeted in UNHCR assistance programmes.
Registration Card	A standard forgery-proof card to be issued to all heads of household/families. The uniquely numbered card allows for easy identification as well as for the distribution of food and non-food items and can be procured through UNHCR/STS in Geneva.
Scooping or Tipping	A method of approximating a given weight of food by the volume of a container.
Vulnerable	Individuals or groups who have particular problems with fair access to commodity distribution by virtue of their physical or social status and the norms with which the refugee community treat that status.

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