Pigeon peas, locally known as nandolo, have long been recognised as one of Malawi’s most promising export crops. The crop has both commercial and nutritional value, is well-suited to the country’s climate, and enjoys consistent demand from major international buyers. Yet time and again, Malawi fails to convert this potential into meaningful economic returns.
Recent figures illustrate just how much is being left on the table. In 2023, the country earned nearly $50 million from pigeon peas exports. But by the first quarter of 2024, that figure had plunged to just $9.6 million—a sharp and deeply concerning decline. This drop is not just a reflection of market volatility; it signals something more systemic. Production volumes have fallen, export values are shrinking, and once again, Malawi finds itself asking why a golden opportunity slipped away.
Ironically, this downturn comes at a time when the international market is open and welcoming. One of the world’s biggest buyers has extended its import quota for Malawian pigeon peas for the 2024/25 marketing season. This extension should have been a catalyst for increased production, aggregation, and export activity. Instead, output dropped from over 26 000 metric tonnes last season to just 17 000 metric tonnes this year. It is not a case of demand drying up—it is a case of supply failing to meet it.
At the heart of the problem lies a lack of institutional recognition and policy support. Pigeon peas continue to be treated as a secondary crop in agricultural planning. Unlike tobacco or maize, it is often excluded from major subsidy programmes, research budgets, and promotional platforms. As a result, farmers receive little guidance or support to scale up production or improve quality. Many rely on recycled seed, outdated cultivation practices, and limited extension services—hardly a foundation for international competitiveness.
The structural gaps do not end there. Most pigeon peas are grown by smallholder farmers scattered across rural districts, many of whom have no access to aggregation centres or structured markets. Without a coordinated system for bulking, grading, and pricing, individual farmers are left negotiating from a position of weakness. Even when international markets open up, they struggle to meet minimum volume thresholds, let alone quality standards or delivery timelines.
Another critical missing piece is information. The absence of timely, localised market data leaves farmers producing blindly. Without insights into demand trends, international pricing, or weather-related risks, production becomes a gamble. Meanwhile, buyers in destination countries are turning to other sources that offer more predictability, better coordination, and higher volumes.
This is not simply a missed opportunity for pigeon peas as a crop—it represents a wider failure to diversify Malawi’s sources of foreign exchange. As the country’s traditional exports come under pressure, high-potential crops like pigeon peas should be stepping in to fill the gap. But that will only happen if the necessary systems are built and backed with long-term policy commitment.
There is a path forward. The first step is formal recognition of pigeon peas as a strategic export crop within national agricultural and trade policies. This designation must be accompanied by budgetary allocations for quality seed production, input subsidies, and agronomic support tailored to the crop. Equally important is the development of inclusive financing models that enable smallholder farmers to increase acreage and productivity sustainably.
Beyond the farm gate, Malawi must invest in reliable and farmer-friendly market information systems. These should be accessible via basic mobile phones to ensure that data reaches even the most remote growers. Real-time updates on international demand, pricing cycles, and shipping schedules can empower farmers to make informed decisions and reduce wastage.
Finally, structured markets are not a luxury—they are a necessity. Clear standards, transparent pricing, and efficient aggregation systems are essential if Malawi is to take full advantage of global trade opportunities. Without these, every import quota or trade window will continue to pass unutilised.
Pigeon peas can still become a vital pillar in Malawi’s agricultural and trade portfolio. The potential exists. The market exists. But unless policy vision, coordination, and infrastructure align, the country will continue to miss its moment.
