Social cash transfer promotes saving culture

Social Cash Transfer Programme beneficiaries in Nkhotakota District say they are saving and investing their money in businesses and farming to improve their livelihoods.

During a media tour on Saturday to monitor the impact of the programme in the district, it was established that some beneficiaries ventured into farming and small-scale businesses while others joined village savings and loans groups.

One of the beneficiaries, Agnes Chisamba from Sub-Traditional Authority Katumbi said she saved her money and invested it to livestock farming.

She said: “I know that the programme will phase out one day. So, I do not want to be caught unawares when that day comes.

“That is why I joined a village savings and loans group where I save money. From the dividends, I am able to pay school fees for children and buy basic commodities for my family.”

Chisamba said she constructed a decent house using money from her savings and selling livestock.

Another beneficiary, Rathias Kamanga from the same area said he is ready to graduate from the programmebecause he has acquired goats, chickens and built a house.

Nkhotakota District principal social welfare officer Oswald Mwale said in conjunction with the community development office, they haveprepared beneficiaries to venture into economic generating activities before the programme phases out.

“We encourage them to save money through village savings and loans groups and venture into small scale-businesses as well asfarming to make the most of their money,” he said.

Mwale said 208 households are due  to graduate this month after being in the programme for over four years. He said these will get K300 000 to beef up their savings and transition into an economically independent life.

In Nkhotakota, there are 7 794 Social Cash Transfer Programme beneficiaries.