Zambian cash transfers 'aiding the poor'
13/05/2010
Cash transfer projects are transforming the lives of poor families in Zambia, it has been claimed.
The Regional Hunger and Vulnerability programme has produced a documentary that shows how the schemes are helping out those living in poverty, the Inter Press Service News Agency reports.
Letesia Mbewe was one of the individuals featured in the broadcast and she described her daily routine since the handouts came into effect.
She explained: "In the morning I go to draw water from the well. From there I prepare food for the school-going children. I prepare porridge for them."
A 2009 World Bank report entitled Conditional Cash Transfer: Reducing Present and Future Poverty, revealed the programmes have led to increased household consumption and use of preventative health services, as well as a reduction in child labour.
It was recently reported that the rights of gay men and women may not be recognised in Zambia as the United Party for National Development and the Movement for Multi-party Democracy would not support such a motion.
Written by Simon Bassett
