From struggle to strength: How social protection is changing farmers' lives in Zambia
In the quiet fields of Kafue District, 70-year-old farmer Luka Mudekwa is living proof that support at the right time can change everything. A father of six and grandfather of four, Mr. Mudekwa has spent most of his life growing maize to feed his family.
26 June 2025
KAFUE, Zambia (ILO News) - But during tough seasons, food was scarce, and life was hard- until help came through Zambia’s Cash Plus social protection programme.
This programme does not just give money. It also connects people to healthcare, farming support, and skills training. Through the Single Window Initiative (SWI), he was enrolled in both the Social Cash Transfer programme and the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIMA).
“Before, I had to walk long distances just to get information,” he says. “Now, government officers come to us. They explain everything and help us sign up.”
Thanks to the cash support, Mr. Mudekwa was able to grow more maize and take better care of his family. And because of his hearing impairment, he qualified for NHIMA, which gave him access to free healthcare.
“I got free eyeglasses that helped me see clearly again,” he shares. “Before, I couldn’t afford medicine. I just had to live with the pain.”
Mr. Mudekwa says the NHIMA registration was quick and easy. Within a week, he was receiving treatment—even before his card arrived.
“I’m so grateful,” he says. “Without this support, I wouldn’t be able to work on my farm or care for my family.”
Mr. Mudekwa’s story shows how powerful social protection can be when services are brought together and made easy to access. Through the efforts of the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services, Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, and other partners, more people like Mr. Mudekwa are getting the help they need.
The SWI is part of the GRZ-UN Joint Programme on Social Protection, supported by the United Kingdom, Ireland, Sweden, the European Union, and Switzerland. It brings services closer to communities and trains local teams to support people better.