Oxfam and other large charities are handing out money rather than emergency supplies to refugees in flood-ravaged Pakistan, continuing a recent trend that has sparked debate in the humanitarian community, writes the Associated Press.

Some aid organizations, particularly those under the United Nations umbrella, fear that distributing money will increase inflation and fuel corruption. Proponents for “cash-based programming” say it can be more efficient and effective than doling out emergency supplies and allows local people to prioritize their own needs.

“We can trust people. They are wise enough,” said Claudie Meyers, of Oxfam Great Britain, which has given checks of around $60 to 7,000 families in northwestern Pakistan.

Muslims countries, nonprofit institutions, and individuals worldwide have pledged nearly $1-billion in money and relief supplies to Pakistan, the Associated Press also reports. The Chronicle of Philanthropy says that U.S. charities have raised only about $10.6-million, according to its most recent tally.