IT MAY seem counter-intuitive to many Scots, but, in some instances, the provision of emergency supplies such as blankets, medicine and food is not always the best approach.

In the midst of war or natural disasters, the temptation of many would be to anticipate what is needed most by those affected and to try and provide just that.

But experts insist the most "efficient and effective" method is a more direct financial support – to put money straight into the hands of families to help them deal with the crisis with their own individual priorities in mind.

Indeed, this method, often referred to as cash programming within the aid sector, is the preferred means of the United Nations, which wants to see this strategy deployed in all such humanitarian efforts.

Mercy Corps, a charity which specialises in empowering people to recover from crisis, to build better lives and to transform their communities for good, has been working in war-torn Iraq for the past 15 years.

The organisation, the subject of the Herald's annual Christmas Appeal this year, is an ardent advocate of cash programming as an avenue to restore stability to regions devastated by the eruption of violent conflict and in the midst of a refugee crisis.

Amy Fairbairn, head of media and communications for the charity, argues that in cases where a country's markets remain operational, flooding the area with emergency goods may not have the desired impact.

She said: "When someone is in need the common response is to try and give them stuff – things you think they need.

"But in some places there is already a lot of work being done to improve long-term stability, and going in and flooding the area with a supply of emergency aid can have an impact on local markets.

"Our organisation is all about self-reliance. Cash provides people with choice and dignity and provides an injection into the local economy.

"Cash-in-hand is a more dignified approach, but, more importantly, distributing money helps to get people back on their feet quicker after being impacted, innocently, by a crisis. It is the most efficient and effective way, and there is a lot of research to support this.

"Of course there will be instances where there is no market for people, or when it is not safe to visit the market, that cash is not appropriate. In that case we will need provide life-saving food and supplies."

In addition to directly funding displaced peoples, Mercy Corps also takes great care to combat any threat of corruption or theft by any groups which may be involved in a conflict.

The charity can do so by providing the money in the form of a voucher or credit slip, and will monitor exactly what has been purchased. This, in turn, allows for officials to follow up in directed areas, such as nutritional programmes.

The United Nations' Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs estimates that by the end of 2017, 11 million Iraqis will need some form of assistance as a result of the ongoing armed conflict.

Among those to benefit from the Mercy Corps' approach is 13-year-old Ali Hamid and his family in Mosul, Iraq.

In July 2017, the youngsters, his parents, sister and brother fled from the west of the city to its east.

The family received a $400 cash distribution from Mercy Corps, and spent it on rent, medication and electricity for their temporary home.

Ali, who is charged with fetching the water, hops he and his family can return home when the area is safer.

Mercy Corps has 400 team members in Iraq, having operated there since 2003. It works to support the needs of internally-displaced Iraqis and Syrians who have sought refuge in more stable regions of the country.

The charity says it has connected more than 860,000 people to cash since 2003 and infused more than $25.7million into local economies.

Michael McKean, director of programmes and strategic institutional partnerships with the charity, added: "Mercy Corps has been in Iraq since 2003 and we will continue to be there for as long as we are needed. It is vital that we continue to support people and communities through the country's transition to long-term stability.

"In Mosul, ordinary families were caught up in conflict and violence, having to flee their homes on a massive scale. Mercy Corps' emergency cash programming meant that they could start again and meet urgent needs, while injecting much needed support into the local economy."

The Herald:

You can join in supporting Mercy Corps Europe through this year's Herald Christmas Appeal, online, by text or by sending a cheque.

How to donate:

ONLINE: www.mercycorps.org.uk/herald

PHONE: 08000 413 060 (24hours) or 0131 662 5161 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm)

TEXT: To give £10 text DONATE HERALD to 70755

Texts will be charged at the standard network rate plus the £10 donation. By texting you will receive a call back about our work and what you can do to help. Text DONATE HERALD NO to donate £10 and opt out of calls and texts.

BY POST: Please fill in this form Herald Seasonal Appeal Form.pdf and post to: FREEPOST RSAE-ZBYA-LRZH, Mercy Corps, 40 Sciennes, Edinburgh, EH9 1NJ

You can also follow and support Mercy Corps Europe on social media.

Twitter: @mercycorps_uk

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mercycorpsuk/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mercycorps_europe/

Visit www.mercycorps.org.uk/u/text-giving to read full Terms & Conditions.