A Female Agronomist with Trax Ghana, Barakisu Iddrisu has bemoaned the number of female agronomists in the country. According to her, most females who go to university to study agronomy eventually divert to other sectors, reducing the number of females in the sector.
“Even when we were in school, the guys were more than 100, but the ladies, we were not even up to 20, and even with that 20, some have diverted. So, as you can see, the agronomists are just a few. Sometimes, you can walk the whole year and you will not come across a female agronomist in the system.”
Perception, she said, was a major reason why there isn’t enough female involvement in the sector. Adding that the reaction she gets from people anytime she introduces her profession is sometimes heartbreaking.
“The thing is about the perception and the notion that people have. I sometimes go for a programme, and when I write my profession, they come back to ask me what profession. I sometimes wonder if people do not know we exist.”
Barakisu Iddrisu further posited that the decision to be an agronomist has been rewarding and fulfilling.
“Growing up, I never knew I would become a farmer one day. But as it stands now, I can boldly say that it’s one of the best choices I’ve made. It’s always fulfilling to see that you bury a small seed and nurture it to grow.”
Source: A1radioonline.com|101.1MHz|Gerard Awombadek Asagi|Ghana
