For thousands of farming families in Malawi, pigeon peas are a route out of poverty. The mighty pigeon pea is drought resistant, so thrives in the dry fields of southern Malawi. It’s an essential part of the diet of millions of people around the world.

This Christian Aid Week we share the challenges experienced by communities in Malawi. Covid, climate change, conflict in Ukraine and the cost of living crisis mean that in Malawi, soaring costs of food and essentials are crushing dreams, keeping people in desperate poverty.

But there is hope.

Together with our partners, we empower vulnerable communities to find practical and sustainable ways out of poverty, including giving them the skills to: 

• grow crops (like pigeon peas!) that are more resilient to the climate crisis 

• restore soil fertility 

• increase harvests 

• learn business skills 

• join cooperatives to earn more for their crops. 

Watch our film to find out more about Esther’s life and how your fundraising can continue making change possible.

Find out more about Esther

Esther Saizi, 54, joined her local pigeon pea programme run by Christian Aid partner, Nandolo Farmers Association, in 2019. By selling her peas as part of a cooperative she was able to earn much more for her crops. ‘I was able to sell the pigeon peas at a better price with a better market,’ she explains. ‘It provided financial stability.’ With her peas, Esther can bake delicious bread, support her daughter’s dreams, and send her beloved grandchildren to nursery. 

This Christian Aid Week, you can help dreams come true. With your gifts, prayers and actions, your gift could help farmers like Esther plant better seeds, secure a fairer price for their crops, and build happier futures for their children and grandchildren.