The future of agriculture depends on the next generation of agripreneurs, and young women have a crucial role to play. However, the path isn’t always easy, with challenges ranging from limited opportunities to industry stereotypes. Oyetade Oluwagbemisola Seyifunmi, a final-year student at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), in Ogbomosho, Oyo state, is determined to change that.
With a strong passion for agronomy and soil fertility management, she envisions a future where women are empowered to lead in agriculture. In this conversation, she shares her journey, the obstacles she has faced, and her thoughts on what it will take to create a more inclusive and sustainable agricultural sector. Read the full interview below.
Can you tell me a little about yourself?
I’m Oyetade Oluwagbemisola Seyifunmi, a final-year student at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH). I study Crop Production and Soil Science because I love agriculture. My dream is to become a leader in agribusiness, focusing on agronomy and soil fertility. I want to help farmers grow more food in a way that keeps the soil healthy and farming sustainable.
What inspired you to study agriculture, and what excites you most about it?
My journey into agriculture has been interesting! At first, I thought about switching to Animal Production and Health. But during my internship, I got hands-on experience with crop production and soil science, and that changed everything. I saw how important soil fertility is for farming success, and that’s what sparked my passion.
What excites me the most about agriculture is how it can change lives. It’s not just about growing crops—it’s about making sure people have enough food, using better farming methods, and protecting the land for future generations. Right now, I’m especially interested in how soil science can help farmers get better harvests while keeping the environment healthy.
Have you faced any challenges as a young woman in agriculture? How have you handled them?
Yes, I have! Even though women dominate in farming, fields like agronomy and agribusiness are still dominated by men. This makes it harder for young women to find opportunities, mentors, and funding, which I faced. tI found it difficult to find a mentor or a place to intern.
There are also stereotypes, like: some people think soil science and agronomy are “men’s work.” To prove myself, I’ve focused on gaining real experience and improving my skills. My internship was a turning point. It helped me see the great opportunities in crop production and soil science. My final-year project is also helping me learn even more and building my confidence in the field.
This year’s International Women’s Day theme is “Accelerate Action.” What key actions are needed to bring real change in agriculture, especially for young women?
First, young women need better access to education and training. Many don’t get the chance to learn modern farming techniques or find mentors, which holds them back.
Financial support is also a big issue. Many women struggle to get land or funding to start farming businesses. Governments and organisations should provide loans, grants, and policies that make it easier for women to succeed.
Technology can also help. Digital platforms and smart farming techniques can make farming easier and reduce the physical challenges that often discourage women.
Finally, a strong support system is key. When women have access to mentorship and networks, they gain the confidence and skills they need to become leaders in agriculture.
How can young professionals like you make agriculture more inclusive for women?
We can do a lot – first, we need to talk about the challenges women face and advocate for policies that promote equality in the field.
Technology is another game-changer. By using digital platforms and modern farming techniques, we can make agriculture more efficient and less physically demanding, making it easier for women to participate.
Mentorship is also important. When experienced women in agriculture guide and support younger women, it builds confidence and encourages more women to join the field.
Lastly, young professionals can start agribusinesses that create job opportunities for women. When women see other women in leadership roles, it motivates them to step up too.
What can governments do to help women succeed in agriculture?
Governments can do a lot! One of the biggest barriers for women in agriculture is land ownership. In many places and cultures in Nigeria, women aren’t allowed to own, or buy, or even inherit land. Changing these laws would help women become more independent farmers.
Financial support is another key area. Many women can’t get loans to expand their farms. Governments needs to create special loan programmes and grants to help women get the resources they need.
Education and training are also important. Scholarships, workshops, and technical programmes to help women learn new skills and stay up to date with modern farming techniques are essential.
Lastly, women farmers need better market access. And this can be achieved through government policies that help women sell their produce at fair prices by connecting them with larger markets.
You talked about technology, how can it help close the gender gap in farming?
Absolutely! Technology can make a huge difference for women in farming. Mobile apps will help them get real-time updates on market prices and weather, while digital banking will make it easier to access loans. Online training will give them the chance to learn new skills from anywhere, and smart farming tools will take away a lot of the heavy labour. Plus, with the right support, more women will start agritech businesses, creating even more opportunities in agriculture!
If you could create one policy to support women in agriculture, what would it be and why?
I would create a “Women in Agribusiness Fund” to provide financial support, training, and better market access for women in agriculture.
Many women struggle to get the funding they need for land, seeds, and equipment. This fund would offer low-interest loans and grants to help them start and expand their farming businesses. The training aspect would also be a key part of the programme, helping women learn the skills they need to succeed. Land rights would be another focus, to ensure women have equal access to farmland. By connecting women farmers with buyers and agricultural cooperatives, this fund would help them earn better profits and become financially independent.
Who are some women in agriculture who inspire you, and why?
Off the top of my head, I can think of only one woman who inspires me. Mrs. Oyeyemi Ifeoluwa, the Founder and CEO of Farm Help Agro in Ibadan, Oyo State where I did my internship. She’s very passionate about agribusiness and her passion is infectious. She works hard to educate young people about agriculture, supporting farmers, especially young women, and promotes innovative farming techniques. She inspires me a lot and her work aligns with my vision of making agriculture more sustainable and empowering people in my community.
Finally, what advice would you give to young women who want to get into agriculture but are afraid to start?
Believe in yourself and start small. Get hands-on experience, keep learning, and connect with others in the industry to help you grow. There are many opportunities out there—training programmes, grants, and mentorships designed to support women in agriculture.
Agriculture is changing, and women have a huge role to play in shaping its future. If you have a passion for it, take that first step—you never know how far it might take you!