JCM’s livelihoods programme transforming Kanzimbe communities

Since 2019 when JCM Power began construction of its 60‑megawatt (MW) solar plant, communities in Sub‑Traditional Authority Kanzimbe in Salima have experienced notable transformation. Through its Restoring Livelihoods, Changing Lives programme, the independent power producer addresses livelihoods holistically across five capitals: natural, social, human, physical, and financial. Interventions target education, agriculture, health, financial inclusion, water and sanitation, and other critical social needs.

For Griceria Msasa’s daughter, Jessy Banda, JCM’s support has been life‑changing. Jessy, now in Form Four at Katawa Community Day Secondary School (CDSS), says the company’s bursary has kept her in school. “It was painful watching my friends go to school while I stayed home because we could not afford fees.

Since joining JCM’s bursary programme, my school fees are paid. They also provide notebooks, writing materials, mathematical instruments and sanitary pads,” Jessy said. JCM built Katawa CDSS at a cost of $213 796.07 (about K383 million).

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The school and the bursary scheme are easing pressure on thousands of students in Chitala Zone, which previously had no secondary school despite having 11 primary schools. Salima District acting director of education Often Gadabu explained the challenge: many children were dropping out because the nearest secondary schools—Kaphirintiwa and Kaphatenga—are about 10 kilometres away. Communities in Sub‑TA Kanzimbe are also benefiting from agricultural programmes and village bank initiatives designed to boost economic empowerment.

Griceria Msasa reports higher yields and better market access thanks to the livelihood programme. “We also struggled with livestock care. JCM provided goats and chickens, taught us proper husbandry, and helped us build raised enclosures to keep animals safe and disease‑free.” JCM’s Ulimi ndi Moyo project teaches modern farming practices to increase yields.

Levison Masamba, JCM Power community liaison officer, said the company supports families with land clearing, land preparation, planting assistance, improved seed and farming supplies, and ongoing technical support from field officers. Jon Bahen, JCM Power chief executive officer, said the company recognised that acquiring land for the project was not enough; communities needed partnership and empowerment for sustainable livelihoods. “We knew that simply acquiring land and its resources wasn’t enough.

We needed to restore and improve livelihoods. At JCM we view livelihoods holistically through five capitals: natural, social, human, physical and financial. Since the end of construction we have invested in 40 initiatives targeting each capital,” he said. The company has also invested in water and health infrastructure, providing about 10 boreholes in surrounding communities and handing over a health facility in 2021.

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