Government Applauds Social Protection Success Stories in Muchinga Province
The Zambian government has expressed its appreciation for the remarkable success stories emerging from beneficiaries of various social protection programs in Muchinga Province. These initiatives are being implemented by the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services and have had a transformative impact on the lives of beneficiaries.
Beneficiaries have shared their experiences, highlighting the positive effects of programs such as the Social Cash Transfer (SCT), Supporting Women’s Livelihoods (SWL), Keeping Girls in School (KGS), and the Food Security Pack (FSP), among others.
During a monitoring visit of ministerial social protection programs in Shiwangandu District, Ms. Doreen Mwamba, the Minister of Community Development and Social Services, emphasized the government’s commitment to reducing poverty and vulnerability. She commended the dedication of beneficiaries and their efforts to make these life-changing programs successful, ultimately promoting sustainable domestic food security.
Ms. Mwamba also announced the government’s plan to expand the Social Cash Transfer Program to reach over 1,374,000 households nationwide, with an expected 100,000 households in Muchinga Province benefiting from this initiative. Additionally, the government aims to scale up the Food Security Pack (FSP), including its Rainfed and Wetlands Cropping components and the Alternative Livelihood Intervention (ALI), to cover more districts.
Addressing the beneficiaries, the Minister urged them to use the resources wisely and productively. By doing so, they can achieve self-sufficiency, improve their livelihoods, and contribute positively to economic growth. A beneficiary, Gertrude Mwila, expressed her gratitude for the positive impact of the Social Cash Transfer program. She noted that it had not only enhanced her domestic food security but also enabled her to explore other income-generating activities.
