In Malawi, 70% of people live under the poverty line. Despite limited resources, the country hosts over 50,000 refugees, primarily from Burundi, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Refugees in Malawi are not allowed to seek formal employment, enroll in education programs outside camps, or integrate into the host community. In 2023, the government issued a “forced encampment” policy which forced all refugees – including those who had lived in Malawi for decades – to relocate to Dzaleka’s cramped quarters. With Dzaleka’s 50,000+ residents subsisting on $5.90/month food stipends, an estimated 99% are experiencing acute food insecurity.

One Day’s Wages partnered with Solidarity of Refugee Women for the Social Welfare (SOFERES) – a grassroots nonprofit founded by and for refugees – to support 30 of the most vulnerable women in Dzaleka Refugee Camp. These strong women farmers learned climate-resilient methods of raising goats and growing produce on leased land near the camp. SOFERES mobilized the formation of agricultural cooperatives and provided start-up capital and linkages to local markets. In just one year 90% of participants were able to produce and harvest two seasons of leafy vegetables, as well as staple crops like corn, peanuts, and beans. With more food available, 80% of women can now eat two meals a day and 67% report eating a greater variety of nutritious foods. About half of the participants sold surplus vegetables and goats for income, earning an average of MWK 265,000 ($153) each!