By Fostina Mkandawire
Salima, May 13, Mana: Newly re-targeted beneficiaries under the Social Cash Transfer Programme (SCTP) in Salima have expressed optimism of improved livelihood, after the programme expanded its reach from 8,352 in 2024 to 11,814 beneficiaries now.
Salima has registered a significant increase in the number of beneficiaries under the Malawi Government’s Social Cash Transfer Programme, a social protection programme funded by the German Government through KFW.
Sharing her excitement with Malawi News Agency (MANA) on Monday, a newly re-targeted beneficiary, Rabecca Rafael, 69, of Ngolowindo Village in the area of Traditional Authority (TA) Maganga, said she received K120,000 in the month of March inclusive of a K70,000 meant to cushion her family after an El Niño hit Salima district.
"I bought a bag of maize, a goat, and essential household goods. This is my first year on the programme, but already my life is changing,” she said.
At least 8,365 beneficiaries received K70,000 each on top of the monthly transfers they get in response to food shortages caused by El Niño weather which affected crop output.
Another beneficiary, Steria Kandiusiwa, also from Ngolowindo, who supports four household members, used her transfer to buy food items, educational materials for her children and chickens.
“This has given me new hope about life. Before I enrolled on this programme I used to struggle to support my family because I am a widow,” she shared.
Similarly, in Dzaone cluster, Osteni Bwanali, a 60-year-old visually impaired man with a household of seven, received K170,000.
“We bought food and chickens, and I’ve even managed to construct a good house,” he said.
According to Salima Social Welfare Officer responsible for Social Cash Transfer, Thumbiko Mbale, the increase in beneficiary numbers is part of a broader effort to reach more vulnerable citizens.
“The district has expanded coverage to ensure we reach the poor, the elderly, and those who cannot work,” said Mbale.
The cash-based assistance, targets ultra-poor and labour-constrained households, including the elderly, people with disabilities, and child-headed homes.
