By Fostina Mkandawire

Salima, April 19, Mana:  Beneficiaries of the Social Cash Transfer Programme (SCTP) in Salima have hailed government's swift response to the recent El Niño induced dry spells, praising the timely disbursement of emergency funds that helped them cope with food shortages.

Each beneficiary received K70,000 to support their household needs, a gesture many described as life saving.

Acoording to a beneficiary mother of four from the area of Traditional Authority Maganga, Sidya Isa, used the money to buy food items for her household.

“The money came just when we had nothing in the house. I was able to a buy 50 kilograms of maize and still had enough to purchase beans and cooking oil.

“Without this help, my children would have gone to bed hungry. Apart from the El Niño response I also received my normal cash transfer,” she said.

Another beneficiary, 78-year-old Mwanaiba Ali, from the same area said the support allowed her to survive a period of great uncertainty.

 “At my age, I cannot farm much anymore. The dry spell destroyed the little I had planted, but this cash helped me buy food and even some medicine. I am thankful to government for remembering us,” she said.

A widow from Lifuwu area, Aisha Shaibu, also praised the support underscoring the importance of the intervention in alleviating her family’s problems.

“Since my husband passed away, providing for my children has been a daily struggle. This money helped me buy maize, salt, and soap. It may seem to some, but for us it means survival. I feel seen and supported,” shaibu said.

Social Welfare Officer responsible for Social Cash Transfer Programme in Salima, Thumbiko Mbale, said the exercise is a success and commended the efficiency brought by the use of electronic payments.

“We are pleased that beneficiaries were able to access their funds without many challenges. The use of mobile money platforms and bank transfers has greatly improved the process and reduced congestion at pay points,” he said.

He noted that SCTP remains a critical safety net for the most vulnerable populations, especially during times of crisis.

"The proactive measures taken in response to the El Niño effects demonstrate government’s commitment to cushioning citizens from climate related shocks," he said.

The K70,000 was a top up on the usual transfers that beneficiaries under the programme receive bi-monthly.

8,365 beneficiary households were budgeted for the exercise.

Social Cash Transfer Programme (SCTP) is Malawi Government social protection programme that helps ultra-poor and labour constrained households.

Salima is among the seven districts funded by the German Government through KfW.