PSAA project concludes, enhances social accountability in Malawi
PSAA project closed in Lilongwe on June 15th, enhancing social accountability.
LILONGWE, Malawi - The Partnership for Social Accountability Alliance (PSAA) project, aimed at improving social accountability and public resource management in Malawi, held its closing ceremony on June 15th, marking the successful completion of the initiative, writes Winston Mwale.
The project, funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and implemented by ActionAid Malawi and its partners, spanned from 2016 to 2023, addressing key areas such as agriculture and health.
In her opening remarks, Pamela Kuwali, Executive Director of ActionAid Malawi, emphasised the project's impact on strengthening the capacity of actors involved in social accountability on both the demand and supply sides.
"Together with our local implementing partners, namely NASFAM, MHEN, NPL, TICOSO, Nyanthepa Community Radio in Nsanje, and Mudziwathu Community Radio in Mchinji, the project has provided multi-stakeholder action-oriented training, supported critical social accountability monitoring and advocacy at both national and district levels, and facilitated platforms for collaboration and learning," Kuwali stated.
She added that the project had contributed to improved service delivery and governance in the four sectors, especially in the areas of sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR), inclusive education, food security, and social cash transfers.
Rejoice Chikakuda, NASFAM Head of Policy and Communications, highlighted the project's contribution to influencing policy shifts in the Ministry of Agriculture for the benefit of smallholder farmers in Malawi.
"The PSAA project enabled us to engage with various stakeholders such as parliamentarians, civil society organisations, the media, and farmers' groups to advocate for pro-poor policies and budgets in the agriculture sector," Chikakuda explained. "We also conducted social audits and citizen scorecards to monitor the implementation of agricultural programmes and projects."
George Jobe, Executive Director of MHEN, expressed the significant progress made in improving access to sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) services as a result of the project.
"The PSAA project has made significant progress in improving access to SRHR services for our citizens," said Jobe.
"Through increased awareness, active citizenship, and improved management systems, we have witnessed positive changes in the delivery of SRHR services. This project has been a catalyst for transformation in our healthcare system."
However, Jobe acknowledged challenges faced by the project, including resistance from some duty-bearers, inadequate funding for social accountability activities, and disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Action Malawi recognized Wales Chigwenembe, the PSA-A Project Manager at ActionAid Malawi, as the Man Achiever of the Week (on 19 June 2023) for his exceptional leadership and significant impact on social accountability in the country.
"We commend Wales Chigwenembe for his outstanding leadership and dedication in managing the Second Phase of the PSAA project," stated a statement from ActionAid Malawi.
"Under his guidance, the project has achieved remarkable results and made significant contributions to enhancing social accountability in Malawi."
Working closely with strategic partners, including parliamentary committees, government departments, civil society organizations, and the media, Chigwenembe and his team implemented various initiatives to improve social accountability and transparency in public resource management.
"The PSAA project, led by Wales Chigwenembe, has strengthened the effectiveness of all relevant stakeholders involved in social accountability," the statement emphasized.
"Through training, monitoring, and advocacy, the project has created an enabling environment for collective action and increased transparency."
The PSAA project's impact extended to the national and district levels, particularly in the health and agriculture sectors, empowering stakeholders to actively monitor and demand accountability from service providers.
ActionAid Malawi expressed its gratitude to all partners and stakeholders involved in the PSAA project for their collective efforts in promoting social accountability.
The organization looks forward to building on these achievements and continuing its work toward a more transparent and accountable society in Malawi.
The PSAA project was part of a regional initiative also encompassing Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, with the aim of strengthening civil society capacities to hold governments accountable for public resource management.