Helen Ekaete Adeniji is the Organisational Development Manager at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), a leading agricultural research institution in Africa. With over two decades of experience in Human Resources (HR) across various sectors, Helen brings a fresh and people-centred perspective to agricultural development. At IITA, she is helping to shape how professionals navigate careers in agriculture, especially in a rapidly changing African landscape.

In this insightful interview, Helen shares her journey into HR within agriculture, challenges misconceptions about the sector, and offers valuable advice for anyone, regardless of background, looking to build a meaningful career in the agricultural value chain.

Helen, can you tell us what drives your passion for Human Resources, especially in Agriculture?

My love for HR comes from wanting to change the narrative around how employees see Human Resources. When I found myself in HR, I first thought: How can we do things differently? How can we look at things from the staff perspective, not just from policy? I’ve deliberately challenged misconceptions in various industries, such as construction, manufacturing, marketing, and now agriculture. HR is HR, but the way it functions must reflect the unique realities of each sector.

You’ve said agriculture is no longer for the lazy man. Can you expand on what that means in today’s world?

Yes, it’s one of the phrases I use a lot. Agriculture has evolved, and the idea that it’s only for people with no ambition is outdated. Today, the real question is: after production, what’s next? That’s where you and I come in. There are so many aspects of agriculture beyond farming. You could go into farm management as a farm manager or agronomist, or into livestock production, like piggery or poultry. But that’s just the beginning.

What are some career options people may not associate with agriculture?

There’s a whole world of agribusiness and input supply, including sales reps, agricultural equipment technicians, branding and advertising professionals. Then we have food processing, manufacturing, research and development. At IITA, where I work, we also have sister centres that focus on policy and advocacy. These require skilled professionals in agricultural policy analysis, extension services, regulatory inspection, and agricultural education. We can’t all be on the field. Some of us are meant to do the technical and brain work: agribusiness analysts, marketing managers, supply chain managers. Even HR plays a crucial role—people management is vital for helping staff navigate their careers and organisational development.

How can someone build a successful career in agriculture if they didn’t study it in school?

You don’t have to have a degree in agriculture. It starts with exploring your passion and building on the skills you already have. Attend training, workshops, and short courses. Pick an agricultural value chain segment that matches your strength and grow from there. Continuous learning is critical. Agriculture is broad, so it’s important to move with like-minded people, build networks, and connect with people in your field of interest.

What’s the role of mentorship and coaching in this journey?

We all need mentors. No one has all the experience. A mentor helps guide you through the journey. However, we must also distinguish between mentors and career coaches. Not every mentor is a coach. A career coach engages you, assesses your skillset, and helps you make informed decisions tailored to your abilities and goals. Both are important for building a grounded and rewarding career in agriculture.

What kinds of skills should someone develop to succeed in agriculture today?

You need a mix of technical and soft skills. Technical skills involve hands-on knowledge and field experience. Problem-solving is essential; consider how the Russia-Ukraine crisis impacted food supply chains. We need people thinking of alternatives. Adaptability is key, especially with new technologies. Today, even robots know when to water the soil or test it.

Communication should be number one, not just reading and writing, but also interpersonal skills. Business acumen is no longer exclusive to finance; in agriculture, it’s vital. Leadership skills like emotional intelligence and critical thinking matter. Time management is important, especially for those doing research. You need to pay attention to detail. A data analyst in agriculture must ensure precision.

How important is environmental and cultural awareness?

It is very important. For example, during training sessions in northern Nigeria, our research training team dressed like the locals in hijabs. It helped us gain acceptance and trust. Respecting cultural norms and understanding the topography of your operating environment is crucial. Whether it’s about religious customs or soil type, awareness improves effectiveness.

Do you have final words for young people or professionals considering entering agriculture?

Agriculture is a relay. You do your part and pass it on. Teamwork is non-negotiable. Whether you’re in the lab, field, or office, collaboration makes it work. Agriculture needs thinkers, doers, creators, and leaders. Don’t limit yourself. Find your place in the agricultural value chain and go for it. Agriculture needs you.

 The future of African agriculture is wide open, and it needs people like you. If you’re considering a career in agriculture, start with your passion.