This report presents the findings of qualitative research carried out in January–February 2014 on the impact of the Malawi Social Cash Transfer programme, Mtukula Pakhomo, on the household economy of beneficiaries, on the wider local economy and on social networks. The Social Cash Transfer programme began in 2006 and was quickly extended to seven districts. In early 2014 the programme was being extended to additional districts but the new payments had not yet started. Communities select the poorest 10% of households in their locality, particularly those that are labour-constrained, to become beneficiaries; these then receive between MK 1 000 (US$2.30) and MK 2 400 ($US5.50) per month depending on the household size, with a small bonus for each child enrolled in school. The money is disbursed in cash within the community.