IMPACT OF DISABILITY-INCLUSIVE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES ON PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES: EVIDENCE FROM MAKWANGWALA, NTCHEU DISTRICT, MALAWI

Author

Dr. T Velmurugan,Diliya Katayika


Abstract

 This article examines the impact of disability-inclusive development programmes on the quality of life and socioeconomic participation of persons with disabilities in Traditional Authority Makwangwala, Ntcheu District, Malawi. Drawing on the original mixed-methods case study, it integrates evidence from six focus group discussions involving 126 participants and nine key informant interviews, together with field observations and descriptive summaries. The programmes considered included Village Economic and Social Associations (VESAs), inclusive agriculture, nutrition and food security, disability advocacy, and local disability forums. Participants described improvements in savings, livelihood opportunities, participation and community recognition, especially through the VESA model. However, inadequate finance, inaccessible services, mobility constraints, limited assistive devices, social stigma and climate-related shocks continued to restrict equitable participation. The findings support an integrated approach combining disability mainstreaming, targeted support and participatory monitoring. As the evidence is principally descriptive and self-reported, reported improvements should not be interpreted as experimentally established causal effects. The article recommends stronger financing, accessible infrastructure, vocational skills, inclusive governance and longitudinal evaluation.



Keywords

disability inclusion; persons with disabilities; Village Economic and Social Associations; livelihoods; Malawi; community development



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References


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