Cecilia Mponda aged 27 is a single mother of 2, lives in Kambenje Village, TA Mkanda in Mulanje. She is the household head of 5 members having adopted 3 orphans after the passing on of her siblings. Cecilia is just like many other Social Cash Transfer Programme (SCTP) beneficiaries were being segregated from participating in community development activities. “The communities called us “a manja lende”- literally meaning lazy people and unproductive; for being the poorest within the community.” 

In 2018, Cecilia joined Mtukula Pakhomo 1 Village Savings and Loans Group (VSL)- an all SCTP project participants grouping. “For the first time, I felt a sense of belonging’’. During the Pro-ACT inception phase, the project conducted community sensitizations where Cecilia and other SCTP participants were encouraged to participate in VSL group and other interventions to ensure that communities and households attain resilient livelihoods.

Joining the VSL Group was an eye-opener for many households. Before the Pro-ACT project started, just like many other SCTP beneficiaries from my community, I was using all the money that I was receiving through government cash transfers to buy basic necessities- Cecilia explains”. These sentiments were also shared by Mary Macheso, the Community Based Agent for the cluster.  

“Joining the VSL group is my proudest decision I have ever made- smiles Cecilia. Positive outcomes of VSL participation can be seen at Cecilia’s household. Through the VSL group, members were trained in VSL methodology, business and financial management skills. From the proceeds of Village Savings and Loans, Cecilia managed to build a house roofed with iron sheets. She also managed to acquire livestock and at the time of the visit, she had 9 pigs, all being acquired through VSL proceeds. Additionally, Cecilia is now a proud owner of a mini shop/ hawker, stocking assorted items. With all these achievements, she is now able to look after her household. 

Furthermore, Cecilia is a member of Kambenje Seed Multiplication Group- A group of both Non SCTP and SCTP project participants- whose aim is to ensure farmers have sustainable access to improved seed and planting materials for improved food and nutrition security as well as income. During the 2021/2022 farming season, the group multiplied sweet potato vines-from which they were able to sale some bundles and shared some amongst the members. The proceeds from the sale of vines were used to rent land to produce Garlic and beans during the winter. 

Working together with communities in development activities has changed people’s perceptions on how they view SCTP project participants. “Being a shop owner, a farmer (both livestock and crop production) and a VSL member, I can proudly say I am a role model in this community- narrates Cecilia.” 

“Prior to joining the group, SCTP beneficiaries had limited access or no access at all to financial services and over depended on the cash transfers. Looking at the trends from the savings of the group, you will notice that the groups are thriving,” explains Mary Macheso. VSL participation has had positive outcomes for women in TA Mkanda. Most SCTP beneficiaries have acquired assets such as farming inputs, livestock, food, clothes, housing materials and school expenses through their VSL membership. Some have invested in productive assets to increase earning. 

Cecilia’s family was one of 13100 SCTP households in Mulanje District that United Purpose is reaching with several interventions. For her, joining the VSL group has brought a greater sense of financial independence. Through the capacity building, she can plan and vision for the future. “Through the VSL savings and my businesses, I am always thinking of my long-term goals. It has never been a smooth ride for Cecelia-just like everyone in the community, but she is always determined to face the challenges head-on. “As a business lady, I have always kept records on what I order and sale, this has helped me to set prices for my goods. Using my records, I can adjust the prices of my commodities to ensure I make profit and selling prices for the goods in my Hawker are fair- explains Cecilia.

Cash transfers alone cannot bring positive impacts on the SCTP households. Through the EU funded SoSuRe project, Cecilia was linked to Kambenje seed multiplication group, of which she is a member.  Through the project, Cecilia has also been linked to other resilience building interventions which will help her to access pathways to graduate from poverty and reduce their household vulnerability to risks and livelihood shocks.