Empowering Refugee Women Farmers

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 is partnering with Solidarity of Refugee Women for the Social Welfare (SOFERES) – a grassroots nonprofit founded by and for refugees – to support 60 of the most vulnerable women in Dzaleka Refugee Camp. These strong women farmers are applying their prior farming skills while learning new climate-resilient methods on leased land near the camp. SOFERES is continuing to support the 30 women who were mobilized into agricultural cooperatives during the previous project phase, and will be welcoming 30 new women into the program next year. By formally registering as agricultural cooperatives, participants will gain the opportunity to earn much-needed income for their families.