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By The Respondent Reporter
Poverty levels in seven districts of Mbeya have significantly declined, with 400,000 households graduating from the Productive Social Safety Net (PSSN II) programme, enabling them to meet living costs and improve their homes.
The Tanzania Social Action Fund (TASAF) disbursed over TZS 68.6 billion for PSSN II in Mbeya Region between the 2021/22 and 2024/25 financial years.
The support reached 37,789 households across Busokelo, Chunya, Kyela, Mbarali, Mbeya City, Mbeya District, and Rungwe.
Of the total, TZS 2.8 billion was allocated as productive grants to assist households in Mbeya City, Mbeya District, Chunya, and Rungwe councils in establishing income-generating activities.
The initiative aims to build sustainable livelihoods for vulnerable families while breaking the cycle of poverty.
TASAF Executive Director, Mr Shedrack Mziray, highlighted the programme’s impact during a two-day monitoring visit in Mbeya, which included representatives from the World Bank, Ms Claudia Zambra, and the Embassy of Switzerland.
“We are impressed with the progress households have made. Many families have improved their economic standing from the difficult situations they faced before. This clearly shows that the programme is delivering tangible results for targeted families,” Mr Mziray said.
He added that preparations are underway for a new programme to succeed PSSN II after its conclusion in September, with the beneficiary selection process to be announced once finalised.
Beneficiaries have shared inspiring stories. Ms Edna Mbesu, who had tuberculosis and struggled to provide for her children, said TASAF support allowed her to start a small business, gradually save, and build a proper home.
“I raised my children by collecting firewood, and some days we went to bed hungry. TASAF helped me cope with the cost of living. I started a small business to support my income and eventually saved enough to buy iron sheets for my house,” she said.
Mr Japhary Winga, now a university graduate, expressed gratitude for the programme funding his higher education.
“I am now a graduate with a degree in Education Arts from Mbeya Catholic University. Initially, my family could not afford these costs, which had been dimming my dreams. TASAF made it possible,” he said.
Mbeya Regional Commissioner, Mr Beno Malisa, commended TASAF’s contribution, saying, “Families that previously struggled to meet basic needs can now send their children to school, access healthcare, and even run small businesses. This is a remarkable achievement.”
The PSSN II programme, jointly funded by the Government of Tanzania and development partners, provides cash transfers, temporary employment, and income support to poor and vulnerable households. Its aim is to strengthen resilience, invest in human capital, and reduce long-term poverty.