By Manasse Nyirenda

Rumphi, March 10, Mana:  A Social Cash Transfer Programme (SCTP) graduate in Rumphi, Zakeyu Banda, now owns at least 20 pigs worth millions which he has accumulated over a period of five years since he got enrolled into the programme.

Banda from Kasalika Village in Senior Chief Katumbi says before he became a beneficiary of the Multi Donor Trust Fund and World Bank funded programme he struggled to feed his family of seven, but once he got the opportunity he utilized it fully.

"Once I joined the programme I knew it was a chance to transform my life for the better. I bought one pig which has multiplied to at least 20 now. I can now afford farm inputs and produce food for my family by selling some of my pigs.

"I have also built a decent house thatched with iron sheets. I also own six acres of farm land. I have achieved all this through the programme," said Banda.

Another former beneficiary, Hellena Mkandawire, from the same area says through the programme she has connected her house to piped water, bought solar power, renovated her house and also owns goats.

Desk Officer for Social Cash Transfer Programme in the district, Abel Ndlovu has urged new beneficiaries of the programme to invest their money in order to achieve self-sufficiency.

SCTP is a Malawi Government programme under Social Support for Resilient Livelihoods Programme (SSRLP). There are 5,061 SCTP beneficiaries in Rumphi and most of them have just been enrolled into the programme.