SP-MDTF Learning Visit Highlights SSRLP Tidzidalire Progress

Blantyre and Phalombe District Councils this week hosted representatives of the Social Protection Multi-Donor Trust Fund (SP MDTF) for a learning visit to the Social Support for Resilient Livelihoods Project (SSRLP) Tidzidalire to appreciate the progress made, engage with beneficiaries, and draw lessons to inform future social protection programming.

The delegation, led by the Chairperson of the Social Protection Multi-Donor Trust Fund, Mr. Arnold Chikavanga of the European Union in Malawi, visited project interventions in the two districts to gain firsthand insight into the impact of the project on beneficiary households.

The visit commenced in Blantyre District, where the delegation received a presentation from the District Council on the implementation progress of SSRLP Tidzidalire before proceeding to Traditional Authority Kapeni to engage with beneficiaries and observe project interventions. The delegation later travelled to Phalombe District, where the District Council made a presentation on project implementation, followed by field visits and interactions with beneficiary households to appreciate the project's achievements and understand the challenges experienced during implementation.

Speaking during the visit, Mr. Chikavanga said the mission was aimed at assessing the achievements of SSRLP Tidzidalire while drawing lessons that will inform the implementation of the successor project, INSPIRE-O, which is expected to roll out in 2027.

“This visit gives us an opportunity to appreciate the achievements of SSRLP Tidzidalire, understand the challenges experienced during implementation, and draw lessons that will help shape the successful implementation of INSPIRE-O. Seeing the impact on the ground and hearing directly from beneficiaries provides valuable insights for future programming,” he said.

SSRLP Tidzidalire Deputy Project Coordinator Robbins Gausi said the learning visit enables development partners to witness the transformation that has taken place over the six years of project implementation.

“The purpose of this visit is to allow our partners to see firsthand what has been achieved on the ground and to better understand how the project has strengthened the resilience of beneficiary households over the past six years,” said Gausi.

Under SSRLP Tidzidalire, COMSIP Cooperative Union Limited is implementing the Livelihoods Support Component, working closely with communities to establish and strengthen Savings and Loan Groups, promote financial inclusion, and support climate-resilient livelihood interventions that enable vulnerable households to transition towards sustainable economic empowerment.

Speaking to the visiting delegation, Blantyre District Commissioner Alex Mdooko expressed appreciation for the learning visit, saying it had provided beneficiaries with an opportunity to openly share their experiences and challenges with the development partners.