Africa-Press – Tanzania. THE Tanzania Social Action Fund (TASAF) has spent over 68.6bn/- for the implementation of the Productive Social Safety Net (PSSN) programme in Mbeya Region, benefiting hundreds of thousands of vulnerable households from 2021/22 to 2024/25 financial year.
Alongside these transfers, TASAF also injected an additional 2.8bn/- as a productive grant to help households engage in income-generating activities across four councils such as Mbeya City, Mbeya DC, Chunya DC and Rungwe DC.
The funds are intended to support beneficiaries in building sustainable livelihoods and breaking the cycle of poverty.
Speaking during a two-day field visit in Mbeya Region, TASAF Executive Director Mr Shedrack Mziray said the fund was impressed with the determination shown by beneficiaries in Tembela Ward, who made better use of the support to improve their livelihoods.
The delegation comprised TASAF management team and Development Partners (DPs) led by representatives from the World Bank (WB) and the Swiss Embassy.
The delegation visited various communities to witness firsthand results of the PSSN programme. The Development Partners delegation was led by the World Bank task team leader for Tanzania, Ms Claudia Zambra.
“We are impressed with the progress attained by beneficiaries in Tembela Ward. Many of them have managed to improve their household economies from the hardships they were facing in the past. This demonstrates that the PSSN II programme is delivering tangible results on the ground,” said Mr Mziray.
He explained that TASAF’s mission is not only to provide temporary relief to poor households but also to empower them with opportunities to engage in productive activities. Through the productive grant, beneficiaries are investing in farming, small-scale trade, and other micro-enterprises, creating a sustainable foundation for long-term economic growth.
The delegation also met with Mbeya Regional Commissioner, Mr Beno Malisa, who commended TASAF for its contribution in improving the lives of vulnerable families across the region.
“We have seen the impact of TASAF programmes in our communities. Families that once struggled to meet basic needs can now send their children to school, access healthcare and even start small businesses. This is a remarkable achievement and I commend TASAF and its partners for the great job they are doing in fighting poverty,” said Mr Malisa.
He urged local government leaders and community members to continue working closely with TASAF to ensure that the programme reaches all targeted households and achieves its intended goals.
The PSSN programme, jointly financed by the government and Development Partners. The programme provides cash transfers, public works opportunities and livelihood support to targeted poor and vulnerable households.
It is designed to strengthen household resilience, promote human capital development, and reduce poverty in the long term.
Over the years, TASAF has been instrumental in transforming lives by providing reliable social safety nets and enabling beneficiaries to move from dependency to productivity. The impact observed in Mbeya is part of a wider national effort to support millions of Tanzanians living under difficult economic conditions.
TASAF management and Development Partners reaffirmed their commitment to continue investing in programmes that empower poor households, create sustainable livelihoods, and ultimately contribute to Tanzania’s goal of eradicating extreme poverty.
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