Beneficiaries for social safety net initiatives under the Social Support for Resilient Livelihoods Project (SSRLP) in Mzimba have appealed to development partners such as the European Union (EU), World Bank and the social protection multi-donor trust fund to continue supporting programmes that are helping vulnerable families improve their livelihoods and adapt to the effects of climate change.
The call was made on Tuesday at Eswazini and Mathandani in Mzimba by some beneficiaries during a monitoring visit by European Union (EU) and the social protection multi-donor trust fund officials to various project sites under the Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CSEPWP) and Social Cash Transfer Programme (SCTP), both implemented under the government’s Social Protection Programme with funding support from development partners.
During the meeting with donors’ representatives, several beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the assistance they have received, saying it has transformed their lives.
Using the funds from programmes such as CSEPWP and SCTP, beneficiaries reported that they have managed to construct decent houses, establish small-scale businesses and invest in productive assets using the capital provided through the programmes.
“I used to struggle to provide for my family, but through the wages I received from my participation in CSEPWP under Thundwe Catchment, I set up a maize mill business. Now I can buy fertilizer for my maize farm and even employ others in the community.
“I am asking our donors to continue helping us so that more families can benefit,” said Esther Lukhere, a beneficiary from Samuel Chakwira village, Traditional Authority (TA) Kampingo Siwande.
Another beneficiary, Chris Dombola from Zakeyu Dombola Village in TA Kampingo Siwande said CSEPWP has empowered communities to engage in sustainable land management and small-scale irrigation, boosting household food security.
“We have learned how to conserve soil and plant trees to fight the effects of climate change. This programme is not just giving us money—it is teaching us how to sustain ourselves,” he said.
An SCTP beneficiary, Margret Chirwa from Godiyawo Shaba Village in TA Mzukuzuku said using the money she receives from the programme, she set up a grocery shop which enables her to multiply her money and fend for her family.
“It has now become easy to buy food, exercise books for school kids and even uniforms. I pray the donor continue with the programme,” said Chirwa.
District Commissioner for Mzimba, Rodgers Newa commended the impact of the initiatives, noting that many ultra-poor and labour-constrained households have improved their welfare through the interventions.
“These programmes have made a remarkable difference in reducing poverty and promoting resilience among vulnerable households. Many beneficiaries have built houses, started income-generating activities, and are now able to send their children to school,” Newa said.
Programs Manager for Social Protection and Resilience with the European Union delegation to Malawi and the acting chair for social protection for the multi-donor fund trust, Anord Chikavanga said they were impressed with the impact on the ground.
“We have seen tangible results from families that were once struggling, now running businesses and living in better homes. This shows that the programmes are achieving their objectives. People are sending kids to school and living better. As development partners, we are encouraged by these success stories and we are committed to continuing with support to these programmes,” said Chikavanga.
Chikavanga however, asked the council to improve the e-payment system for some beneficiaries who complained that they were struggling to access their money since the transition from cash to e-payment.
SSRLP, whose components include social cash transfer programme and climate-smart enhanced public works programme, is implemented by National Local Government Finance Committee.
