ARUSHA: THE Tanzania Social Action Fund (TASAF) is finalising the process to gradually phase out 400,000 beneficiary households that have made significant progress in terms of asset accumulation and income-generating activities, showcasing improvement in their lives.
Furthermore, TASAF through the second phase of the Productive Social Safety Net (TASAF3-PSSN II) has facilitated 97.6 per cent of households attending health clinics and 98.3 per cent accessing education facilities.
Additionally, over 24,000 poor households living with people with disabilities (PLWD) were supported from the programme.
Executive Director Shedrack Mziray shared the programme’s new development during a recent meeting with journalists visiting TASAF projects in Arusha Region.
“Recent recertification exercise shows that about 20 per cent of beneficiaries’ households have improved their lives in terms of assets accumulations (housing, transport and others) and income generating activities such as agriculture, poultry and small businesses, hence are ready to graduate from the programme,” he said “We have started exiting these beneficiaries gradually,” he stated.
He highlighted that since its inception, TASAF has registered over 1.3 million households, consisting of 5.2 million beneficiaries.
Following a comprehensive assessment, it was determined that 400,000 households have sufficiently improved, hence they no longer require assistance under the programme.
Mr Mziray emphasized that the decision to phase out these households though not universally supported, is crucial for TASAF to effectively target the 26 per cent of Tanzanians living in poverty.
“According to statistics, 26 per cent of Tanzanians live in poverty related to basic necessities and eight per cent live in poverty without access to even a single meal.
Thus, our TASAF approach is to guarantee that these percentages are realized in cooperation with the pertinent community.” He stressed the importance of aligning efforts to uplift those in need and enhance community collaboration.
Moreover, the Executive Director Mziray outlined TASAF’s strategy to allocate 2tri/- for the second TASAF3-PPSSN II spanning from 2020 to September 2025.
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“Here in Arusha, we have implemented infrastructure construction projects through the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Fund but we are grateful that the participation of the people is very big,” he said.
He further urged communities benefiting from TASAF initiatives to uphold and safeguard the projects for sustainable impact.
For his part, TASAF Project Director, Mr John Steven reiterated TASAF’s accomplishments, including high percentages of children accessing healthcare and education from disadvantaged backgrounds.
In line with that, he said as of June this year, a total of 5,195,695 direct beneficiaries have been enrolled in the programme with 55.7 per cent being females and 44.3 per cent being males.
Reflecting on the transformative effects of TASAF’s interventions, Mr Steven emphasized the fund’s commitment to improving the living standards.
He underscored the tangible results achieved, particularly in health and education, where high percentages of beneficiaries have accessed vital services.
He highlighted remarkable achievements in education and healthcare, citing that 97.6 per cent of beneficiaries have accessed healthcare services, while 98.3 per cent have acquired literacy skills.
“The programme has supported 4,600 children from underprivileged backgrounds to pursue higher education, with all benefiting from full financial assistance,” he stressed.
According to him, through TASAF, beneficiaries have experienced relief in accessing crucial services in health and education, marking a significant improvement in their quality of life.
The fund’s inclusive approach involves community participation in selecting recipients of programme benefits, ensuring transparency and fairness in distribution.
In terms of economic empowerment initiatives targeting impoverished households, TASAF has made significant strides over the past 24 years by registering 60,327 groups with over 800,000 beneficiaries, the programme has facilitated savings amounting to 7.9bn/- and disbursements exceeding 3.2bn/-.
Moreover, Mr Steven highlighted the positive impact of TASAF in creating temporary employment opportunities, contributing to the overall economic well-being of citizens and the nation.
“As the programme progresses into second phase of Productive Social Safety Net (TASAF3 – PSSN II) from 2020 to September 2025, a total of 37,331 projects have been successfully implemented in 123 councils, with plans to extend coverage to the remaining 65 councils,” he said.
The testimonials from local leaders, chairman of Oldonyowasi village in Arusha district, Godfrey Ayo and Bwawani Ward councilor Justine Saray acknowledged the transformative impact that TASAF projects have had on communities, promoting education, healthcare access, and economic growth.
Established in 2000, TASAF is a government agency dedicated to advancing social protection and poverty reduction efforts in Tanzania.
