Social security for the absolutely poor V

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The aim of the Social Protection for the Absolutely Poor V project is to help households in seven districts of Malawi that meet the criteria of ultra poor and labor constrained and are among the poorest 10% of households to escape absolute poverty by means of regular cash transfers. The project is a conceptual continuation of the FC projects Social Protection for the Absolutely Poor I, II, III and IV and was supplemented by increased numbers (vertical expansion) and a temporary expansion of the target group (horizontal expansion) as part of the COVID-19 pandemic response. With the available FC funds totaling EUR 28 million, the target group households in the districts of Machinga, Mangochi, Mchinji, Salima, Likoma, Chitipa and Phalombe can be supported with regular transfers until mid-2023. The project is divided into the following three components (1) an investment component to finance the transfer payments and the associated operational costs, (2) a technical component to support the sponsoring ministry (MGCDSW), in particular in setting up and operating a management information system and adequate payment structures (including potential introduction of e-payments), (3) a component to provide complementary support to the program (M&E activities, targeting, etc.). This approach is in line with national efforts to combat poverty. It supports the most needy group in Malawi and offers them better prospects for survival thanks to a regular income. With additional targeted support for the school education of children and young people, who make up around 70% of the target group, this project also contributes to strengthening human capital and thus to the sustainable social and economic development of the country. Since a large proportion of the beneficiary households are made up of elderly people and people with disabilities, the measure also contributes to the social security of these vulnerable population groups.