Social Cash Transfer Programme beneficiaries in Dowa District have expressed satisfaction with the safety net initiative’s impact in uplifting their livelihoods. During a media tour on Saturday to appreciate the impact of the programme in traditional authorities Mkukula and Msakambewa, beneficiaries showcased assets such as livestock, motorbikes, houses while others said they ventured into businesses and farming. A beneficiary, Damiano Kachala of Kundwe Village in T/A Mkukula, said before he was registered under the programme, he could not afford most basic necessities.
“Life was tough because to get basic necessities such as food, soap and school fees was challenging because our parents separated,” he said. Kachala said he was delighted that he invested the money he received from the programme into a welding and fabrication business. “With proceeds from the shop, I bought a piece of land and I am also rearing pigs.
In addition, I pay fees for my two children,” he said. On her part, 75-year-old Filines Timoni from Diyoni Village in T/A Msakambewa said she now owns a grocery shop and bought goats to venture into livestock farming. Dowa district principal social welfare officer responsible for social cash transfer Ndamiwe Msiska said she was delighted that most beneficiary households were experiencing change in their living standards.
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She said: “We have seen a great change in their livelihoods. “We have also seen that beneficiaries who previously did not have assets in their home have been able to purchase livestock and farm inputs.” Msiska said as they do beneficiary re-targeting every four years, it is important for the beneficiaries to invest in small-scale businesses to sustain their gains. Dowa District has 19 000 beneficiary households on the programme. The World Bank and Donor Multi-Trust Fund are supporting the programme
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