Cutting out the middleman
Building an inclusive market for all with Christian Aid Malawi and Nandolo Farmers Association
By Robert Thindwa, Programme Officer, Christian Aid Malawi
Pigeon pea farmers in Malawi face many challenges to get a fair deal for their crop.
Many do not have access to good seed varieties and possess little training of how to grow effectively.
Coupled with a lack of market access and low prices offered by unscrupulous traders, most farmers do not earn a profit from their crops.
Christian Aid and our partner Nandolo Farmers Association (NFA) recognised the need to organise farmers, help them market their produce, and increase their pigeon pea harvests.
Methodology and results
1. Training on how to grow effectively
114 farmers were trained on how to cultivate strong, quality pigeon pea crops.
Many of these farmers then spread their learning and knowledge to 342 community members to increase awareness of good farming practice and ensure others could increase their yields.
Training sessions were held at demonstration plots where farmers could show the best of their crop and explain the planting process.
2. Increasing access to good quality seeds
NFA trained 50 farmers on seed production techniques to ensure only high-quality seeds were used to grow pigeon peas.
Participants shared their knowledge with other farmers to ensure more communities could access good quality seeds.
This will help produce good quality pigeon peas.
3. Identifying new markets
NFA encouraged farmers to come together in collective marketing.
By forming groups and co-operatives, farmers are better able to compete against large-scale producers and create new markets for themselves.
Collectively, they can cut out middlemen who often take advantage of farmers, reduce their bargaining power and limit their market reach.
Through these steps, NFA have been able to empower farmers across Malawi to increase their income and ensure they are more resilient to the trends in the market.
Building for a better future
Sebastian Chizula lives in Kanduku with his wife and two children.
Prior to the project, Sebastian was one of many farmers facing production and marketing challenges.
“A few years ago, I was selling my pigeon peas to middle men who were buying at a low price. We didn’t have enough money to improve our home.”
Sebastian received training in agronomic practice and the importance of collective marketing which has helped him to build a successful pigeon pea business:
‘I managed to increase my yield from 200kgs to 350kgs and, through collective marketing, I also managed to sell at profitable prices.
‘I raised K175, 000.00 from the sales.’
From his increased earnings, Sebastian set-up a livestock farming business which has provided an extra source of income for his family.
He recently sold pigs from his livestock business and started a small-scale business buying maize from farmers to sell at local market.
Profits from this business have enabled Sebastian to purchase bricks to build his new home.
By diversifying his income, Sebastian can build a resilient future for his family.
Empowering female farmers
Frances Green has also seen a significant change in her household.
With the support of NFA, Frances increased her pigeon pea yield and her income. Frances used extra income from her pigeon pea crops to build a new house with electricity.
‘I am very grateful for the support received from Christian Aid. I have achieved my dream of building a modern house for myself and my family.
‘This support has helped me reach a greater potential.’
Spurred on by the success of her pigeon peas, Frances has future plans to establish her own transport business for the community.
This project is part of Christian Aid Direct.
