Empowering older people
In eight years the programme supported around 40,000 older people across Tanzania, Malawi, Ethiopia, and Mozambique to improve their lives. This was achieved by forming 158 Older People’s Associations (OPAs). These associations became a powerful and empowering force, enabling older people to come together, support each other, and advocate for their rights.
The OPAs provided a platform for older people to earn a living through activities like market gardening and retailing, helping them to sustain themselves and support others in the community. They also fostered an invaluable sense of community and purpose that these, helping people feel connected and active in their later years.
Shaping social protection policies
Influencing governments to recognise social protection as a vital public policy was one of the core aims of the AFFORD programme. In this regard, the programme achieved remarkable success.
In Malawi. Mozambique, and Zanzibar in Tanzania, AFFORD participants were part of a movement that helped change social protection systems.
In Mozambique, the OPAs were invited to help shape the design of the Basic Social Protection Programme (PSSB) strategy, which now serves as a cornerstone of the country’s social protection framework. In Malawi, the programme’s influence led to the formulation of a law that protects the rights of older people and the establishment of an Older People’s Council. And in Zanzibar, advocacy by AFFORD’s partners and the OPA’s led to the improvement of the island’s social protection systems, resulting in a significant increase in the social pensions paid to older people giving them more secure income.
These achievements highlight the programme’s success in changing the narrative around social protection. Where once older people could be overlooked or considered a burden, they are now recognised as a vital part of society, deserving of support and protection.
Creating a movement for change
Beyond its work with governments, AFFORD also focused on creating a broader movement for change, working closely with civil society organisations (CSOs), media outlets, and community leaders to raise awareness about ageing issues and promote positive change.
Promoting collaboration with CSOs and their networks was a key strategy of the AFFORD programme, encouraging them to amplify their impact by pooling resources and sharing knowledge. This collaborative approach proved to be highly effective, particularly in engaging with governments at national and community levels.
The programme also placed a strong emphasis on evidence-based advocacy. Several research studies were produced to better understand the challenges faced by older people. These findings were shared with governments to inform their policies and programmes.
Engagement with the media was another element of the AFFORD programme. A programme of active media engagement was developed, informing journalists about social protection and ageing issues, in order to change how older people are portrayed. In the four implementing countries, it became more common to see positive stories about older people in the media, a clear contrast to the negative narratives that once dominated.
Community and partnership
AFFORD’s success was largely due to its strong focus on community and partnership. The programme recognised that change starts at the community level, and it made a concerted effort to involve community players, such as older people, traditional leaders, and local partners, in advancing the ageing agenda.
This bottom-up approach was complemented by top-down advocacy, ensuring that governments were engaged in the programme’s objectives. By bringing together community voices and government officials, AFFORD was able to create a more holistic and inclusive approach to social protection.
The programme also fostered partnerships with international organisations, such as the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and UNICEF, to further its goals. These collaborations brought additional expertise and resources to the table, making it easier for AFFORD to engage with governments and push for the adoption of inclusive social protection systems.
Overcoming challenges
Despite its many successes, AFFORD was not without challenges. One of the main hurdles was older people’s lack of information and awareness on their rights and entitlements. Many viewed government support as a privilege rather than a right, making it difficult for them to advocate for themselves and demand the services they were entitled to.
Another challenge was the constant changes in government departments, particularly during election periods. New ministries were formed, and new officials were appointed, requiring continuous engagement and capacity building to ensure the programme’s objectives were understood and supported.
External factors, such as natural disasters, also impacted the programme. Floods, droughts, and the COVID-19 pandemic presented significant challenges, disrupting the implementation of activities and stretching resources thin. However, the resilience of the programme and its partners allowed AFFORD to adapt and continue its work despite these obstacles.
Legacy of AFFORD
As the AFFORD programme closes, its legacy is clear. Social protection is widely recognised as a critical public policy for poverty eradication in Ethiopia, Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzania. Governments in these countries have shown a growing commitment to supporting and funding social protection initiatives, and there are now dedicated departments responsible for this work.
The OPAs created by AFFORD continue to thrive, empowering older people to engage with their governments and advocate for their rights. In fact, in some cases, spontaneous formations of OPAs have been observed even without the direct support of the programme, a testament to the lasting impact of AFFORD’s work.
Social protection is no longer a new concept in these countries. It is now an integral part of government policy, with older people increasingly aware of the importance of advocating for their rights through associations and networks.
Looking ahead: The ROAR programme
The work of AFFORD will continue under a new programme: Realising the Rights of Older People through Inclusive Social Protection Systems, Accountability, and Resilience Strengthening (ROAR). This programme will build on the foundation laid by AFFORD, continuing to work in Ethiopia, Malawi, Mozambique, and Tanzania over the next three years.
ROAR will take forward the lessons learned from AFFORD, with a focus on ensuring that social protection policies are backed by legislative frameworks to guarantee the rights of older people. The programme will also emphasise the importance of resourcing these policies and systems to ensure that they are effective and sustainable.
As we look to the future, the legacy of AFFORD will undoubtedly continue to shape the lives of older people in Africa. The programme has not only improved the lives of thousands of older people but has also created a lasting impact on the social protection systems of the region. AFFORD’s work has shown that when older people are empowered, they can lead dignified, healthy, and secured lives.
