Photo credit: UNICEF
South Sudan has begun cash transfers to support over a million people under a World Bank-backed safety net program.
China.org.cn reports that the five-year South Sudan Protective Safety Net for Socioeconomic Opportunities Project, also known as “Shabaka Meisha” which means “livelihood net” provides cash assistance and labour-intensive work opportunities to uplift households. It also offers behavioural change training to promote human capital development.
The minister of agriculture and food security, Josephine Lagu, launched the program. Lagu said the project aims to provide cash transfers and income-generating opportunities to 1.1 million individuals in 20 counties nationwide and strengthen the national security net delivery system.
She also said the cash transfers aim to alleviate the financial burden on vulnerable households amid inflation and other challenges, enabling them to meet immediate needs and invest in productive activities.
World Bank Country Director Maryam Salim, said, “World Bank is committed to supporting South Sudan in building a robust social protection system that empowers its citizens and promotes sustainable development. We are pleased to see the government taking the lead in providing support for its citizens.”
