Malnutrition remains a significant problem in less developed countries. It is the leading cause of death and illness among mothers and children. Legumes like beans and peas are very nutritious. They can seem like a magic bullet for solving malnutrition problems. But it’s not so simple. Farmers don’t just adopt a new crop overnight. Farmers often treat new crops like adopting a new technology. They may accept or reject it. A range of social, cultural and environmental factors influences their decision. Ellis Adams, is a doctoral studen in the Department of Geography at Michigan State University. He received a student internship funding from the Global Center for Food Systems Innovations at MSU to explore the social learning and community dynamics of Pigeon Pea adoption in Malawi. Photo: Ellis Adams