ZIPAR: Cash for Work Programme Lifts 32,000 Out of Poverty

The Zambia Institute for Policy Analysis and Research (ZIPAR) says the Cash for Work programme has lifted 32,000 individuals out of poverty and reduced extreme poverty by 0.6 percentage points.

ZIPAR disclosed this during the launch of a report assessing the impact of fuel subsidies on the poor and vulnerable and the effect of the Cash for Work programme in Zambia.

According to the report, the programme achieved notable poverty reduction among single-parent households and those with elderly members.

Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development Permanent Secretary Gabriel Pollen said the initiative demonstrates that decentralization can make local government a powerful engine for development.

Speaking at the launch, Dr. Pollen added that the findings reinforce the conviction that sustainable rural transformation must be community-driven and locally anchored.

The research, conducted in partnership with UNU-WIDER, used micro-simulation models to assess fiscal implications and distributional consequences of policy choices.

Meanwhile, ZIPAR Interim Executive Director Zali Chikuba said Zambia’s fiscal reforms aim to restore prudence in public finance management and strengthen debt sustainability, while balancing this with social protection.

Mr. Chikuba noted that the recent drought has tested both the economy and the social protection system, underscoring the need for shock-responsive mechanisms.

And UNU-WIDER Research Associate Kwabena Adu-Ababio emphasized the importance of collaboration and capacity development in shaping policy debates on fuel subsidy removal and social protection.