Access to Assets Standard 2: Short-term asset programs achieve basic replacement and preservation of existing productive assets; whereas long-term asset programming results in asset growth as a result of beneficiaries’ improved economic capacity.

Key indicators (to be read in conjunction with the guidance notes):

• The goals of an asset program are in keeping with the program’s duration and timing (see guidance notes 1 and 2).
• In the long term, beneficiaries demonstrate increases in income, assets, sales, or employment.
• In the long term, beneficiaries’ increased savings, equity, and asset ownership help them be more resilient to future disasters.
• Transitions to sustainable service provision are anticipated and planned for (see guidance note 3).

Guidance Notes:

1. Short-term asset programming: Short-term asset programming is aimed at basic replacement and preservation of productive assets, usually immediately post-crisis. Little or no attempt is made at asset improvement or additional economic development. However, even in these immediate stages, programs should consider the potential long-term effects of the asset transfer and should begin to identify ways in which the asset program might link in to longer-term programming.

2. Longer-term asset programming: Longer-term asset programs are more complex than immediate asset programs. They use asset replacement and preservation to develop and improve income-generating activities and businesses. This type of program may include technical assistance, market linkages, and other activities to increase beneficiary economic activity. In this instance, subsidies should not be provided without a thorough analysis of appropriateness and impact on long-term sustainability.

Example: Farmers are given new hybrid seedling varieties to increase their agricultural productivity, along with training on how to care for the new varietals. They are connected to a market development program working on improving transportation networks for agricultural commodities.

3. Exit and transition strategy: Asset transfer programs, even short-term ones, should actively consider helping clients link in to sustainable programming, such as financial services or enterprise development. These may be offered by other organizations in the area. See the standards on those sections, and Common Standard 6, for more information.