Malawi Cash Transfer Program Aids 500 Families Amid Food Crisis
Officials report that 517 households now receive cash transfers, while 172 families have benefitted from 50-kilogram maize allocations.
DEDZA, Malawi — More than 500 households in Dedza district are receiving government assistance through cash transfers and maize distribution as officials respond to widespread food insecurity affecting millions across the country, writes Edward Chikwanda.
The initiative targets vulnerable families in Traditional Authority Kamenyagwaza, where El Niño conditions have exacerbated food shortages. Government statistics show approximately 4.2 million people across 23 districts face acute food insecurity.
"The little money I received will help me buy fertiliser and foodstuff for the whole household," said Selena John, who previously relied on casual labour to feed her grandchildren.
Principal Social Welfare Officer Mtende Lungu said Tuesday the program aims to reach 19,600 households in Dedza district.
"We are seeing a great change since the government started this program. People can start small-scale businesses, and malnutrition cases have been reduced," Lungu said.
The monthly cash transfers have enabled some recipients to launch micro-enterprises. Safiliyano Aaron, a father of two, used his payment to start a fish-selling business at a local market.
"The money I received today will help increase my business capital and pay school fees for my two secondary school children," Aaron said.
Officials report that 517 households now receive cash transfers, while 172 families have benefitted from 50-kilogram maize allocations.
The program represents part of the government's lean season response to food shortages that intensified during last year's El Niño weather pattern.