Zambia intensifies its social protection agenda by scaling up the Social Cash Transfer Programme

The Ministry of Community Development and Social Services, has intensified its social protection agenda by scaling up the Social Cash Transfer Programme.

The initiative, which has already transformed the lives of thousands of vulnerable households, is set to reach even more families across Western Province.

Currently, the province records 160,000 beneficiaries, but this figure is projected to rise to 180,000 following the ongoing scaling-up exercise.

The process involves the systematic enumeration of households to determine levels of vulnerability, thereby ensuring that only the most deserving families access the support.

Western Province Social Welfare Officer, Macnon Luwaile, says the programme has had a far-reaching impact on communities in the region.

“The Social Cash Transfer has drastically improved the welfare of households, particularly in enhancing food security. We are grateful that government has decided to expand the program so that more households can benefit,” he said.

In Mitete District, the programme currently covers 6,032 beneficiaries, but an additional 1,020 households will be introduced on the programme once the enumeration exercise is completed.

District Social Welfare Officer, Sandra Mwame, acknowledged the significance of the programme, particularly for households with limited sources of income.

“The programme has greatly supplemented the Free Education Policy, as families are now able to purchase school requirements and food for their children. This has brought dignity and hope to many vulnerable households,” she explained.

Ms Mwame, who led a team of Provincial Social Welfare Officers in monitoring the listing exercise, emphasized that fairness and transparency remain at the core of the process.

The exercise specifically targets households with the aged, child-headed families, the chronically ill, and persons with disabilities.

And Chief Kakulunda of Mitete District described the government’s decision to enroll more vulnerable households on the social protection initiative as a game-changer in the fight against poverty.

“This program is significantly reducing poverty in most households in the district. Government’s commitment to uplift the most vulnerable cannot go unappreciated,” he stated.

Godwin Chinyama, a resident of Mitete, testified that the cash transfer has brought relief to struggling families.

“Before, many people here went to bed hungry, but today households are able to buy food and meet essential needs. The government deserves commendation for prioritizing the poor,” he said.

Another resident, Mary Nasilele, echoed these sentiments, praising the government for its consistency in reaching out to the most vulnerable.

“The Social Cash Transfer has restored dignity to many families. We are grateful to the government for this programme because it shows that no one is being left behind,” she added.

With the scaling up of the Social Cash Transfer Programme, thousands of vulnerable families across Western Province are set to experience renewed hope, improved welfare, and a pathway towards breaking the cycle of poverty.