By Maria Tembo, Kasungu
When Joyce Mapulanga’s husband died in 2019, life suddenly became difficult for the widow from Chizira Village in Traditional Authority Kaomba in Kasungu District.
Left alone to fend for herself, Mapulanga struggled to meet basic needs such as food and shelter. With no reliable source of income, each day was a challenge as she tried to survive in a house that was slowly falling apart.
“I went through very hard times after my husband passed away. Sometimes I would worry about where my next meal would come from,” she recalled.
The situation worsened as her house gradually deteriorated. The leaking roof and worn-out walls made life uncomfortable, especially during the rainy season.
Her life took a different turn last year when she was enrolled in the Social Cash Transfer Programme, a government initiative funded by the World Bank, aimed at supporting ultra-poor households.
“The financial assistance allowed me to start rebuilding my life and restore my dignity,” Mapulanga said.
After receiving her transfer of more than K140,000, she prioritised repairing her home.
“My house was in a very bad condition and I had no means to repair it. When I received the money, I thought of improving my house first so that I could live in a better place,” she said.
Being able to rehabilitate her home has brought relief and renewed hope for the future. Mapulanga adds that the support has also encouraged her to consider income-generating activities.
“I am planning to buy goats so that I can start keeping livestock. If they multiply, I will be able to support myself better,” she added.
Like Mapulanga, another beneficiary, Patrick Jason of Chamkoma Village in Traditional Authority (T/A) Chidzuma, said the programme has helped him venture into livestock farming.
Before joining the programme, Jason explained, it was difficult to raise capital to start any meaningful economic activity.
“Through the money I received from the Social Cash Transfer Programme, I have managed to buy goats, pigs, turkeys and chickens,” said Jason. “These animals will help me improve my household income.”
He expressed optimism that as the livestock population grows, he will be able to sell some and use the proceeds to support his family’s needs, including food, school supplies, and other essentials.
The Social Cash Transfer Programme is designed not only to provide financial support to the most vulnerable households but also to promote wealth creation, reduce poverty, and improve school attendance and nutrition among children from these families.
Kasungu District Principal Social Welfare Officer, Given Mukisi, said the programme is currently supporting 19,490 households across the district.=
“It is encouraging to see how the assistance is gradually transforming the lives of many poverty-stricken families,” said Mukisi.
