FOR families trapped in the cycle of poverty across Tanzania, the Tanzania Social Action Fund (TASAF) is more than just a hand-out – it's a kind of the government’s intervention designed to foster economic independence amongst the underprivileged especially in rural areas.

By providing direct financial assistance, TASAF empowers beneficiaries from the poorest households to take control of their lives and build a more secure future for themselves and their children.  

The impact of this support goes beyond immediate needs. While the funds provide crucial sustenance for families, many beneficiaries are demonstrating remarkable ingenuity, using the small grants as seed capital to launch micro-enterprises.

TASAF implements a multifaceted approach to poverty alleviation, combining cash transfers, public works and livelihood enhancement programmes. Through its conditional cash transfers it has enabled households to meet basic needs, invest in small businesses and engage in agricultural activities. 

By linking cash transfers to conditions such as school attendance and health check-ups, TASAF has promoted human capital development. This approach has led to increased primary school attendance and improved health outcomes among beneficiaries.

 From setting up small food stalls to investing in livestock and cultivating crops suited to their local environment, these individuals are actively shaping their own economic destinies. The process is systematic. The government, through TASAF, channels these resources through local government authorities.

 These authorities maintain meticulous lists of households that meet stringent criteria to qualify for the national poverty alleviation programme, ensuring that assistance reaches those most in need across Tanzania's diverse regions.

The fund specifically targeted vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, women, and orphans, providing them with the means to improve their livelihoods and achieve greater economic independence. 

As TASAF's third phase, second period, draws to a close, marking a transition to a new phase, the organization has been on the ground, witnessing the tangible results of its efforts.

Their recent tour of the Dodoma Region's district councils – including Kondoa, Chamwino, Chemba, Kongwa, and Mpwapwa – involved inspecting projects and, crucially, engaging directly with the beneficiaries.

The interactions provided a first-hand understanding of how the funds are being utilized to generate income and improve livelihoods.

Christina's story

Christina Fwande, a resident of Gawaye village in Dodoma Urban District, Dodoma Region vividly recalls the hardship her family faced before TASAF Receiving the initial funds, allocated based on her household size; Christina made a conscious decision to wisely spend the funds.

She strategically divided it, ensuring her family had food while diligently saving a portion from each disbursement. Her foresight paid off. Accumulating enough savings, Christina took a significant step towards self-sufficiency by purchasing a cow and a plough.

This investment not only enabled her to cultivate her own land but also provided an opportunity for her to earn additional income by renting out the cow to fellow villagers during the crucial farming season. 

"The two cows and the plough I bought helped me a lot in improving my economic situation and that of my family, while I continued to invest the beneficiary funds to help sustain my family," Christina explained as she commends the fund for the support.

Her ambition didn't stop there. She continued with her disciplined saving habits. Over the time, she invested in her burgeoning agricultural venture, acquiring three more cows.

Now, with a herd of five, she significantly boosts her income through rentals during planting season. Additionally, she provides for her family's nutritional needs by milking the cows, selling any surplus to her neighbours.

"I am very grateful to the government through TASAF for supporting us, most of us are from poor households, with these funds we have changed our lives," she emphasizes.

"They have helped many households improve their economic status and graduate from receiving these funds, allowing other deserving poor households to join the poverty alleviation programme."

A new home, hope for the future

For Christina, the impact of TASAF extends beyond increased income. One of her proudest achievements is the construction of a iron sheet-roofed house, a far cry from the traditional mud dwelling her family once inhabited.

Christina has invested in livestock – cows, chickens, and ducks – diversifying her income streams and ensuring a more sustainable livelihood. She has been able to prioritize her children's education, keeping them in school and providing them with the opportunity for a brighter future.

Christina's story is just one example of the transformative power of TASAF. Across Tanzania, countless individuals are using this vital support to break free from the shackles of poverty, demonstrating resilience, innovation, and a determination to build a better tomorrow.

As TASAF moves into its next phase, the focus remains clear: to empower vulnerable households and foster lasting economic change, one family at a time.