At just 21, Jumoke Thompson from Lagos State has embarked on a life-changing journey, trading her childhood dream of medicine for a newfound passion in agriculture.
Her story began last April when she stumbled upon the Enterprise for Youth in Agriculture (EYiA) program, an initiative by Soilless Farm Lab in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation. Intrigued by the idea of soilless farming and curious to try something different as she prepared for her third JAMB attempt, Jumoke leapt. The three-month training program not only introduced her to the world of modern farming but also opened her eyes to agriculture’s critical role in society.
“I was curious, how can I plant without the use of soil? Apart from that, I was also waiting to write my third JAMB. So I was like, let me just choose this opportunity to go away from home. Because most of my classmates had gained admission into schools and I was like the best student in our class”, she revealed.
As she immersed herself in farm sales and management, Jumoke quickly grasped that farming could be a powerful tool for solving food insecurity in Nigeria. Her story is one of resilience and purpose, having faced and overcome personal struggles that inspired her to make an impact in food security.
Jumoke’s commitment to making nutritious food more accessible and affordable stems from personal experience and a desire to help low-income communities like her own. Her journey, from aspiring medical student to dedicated agriculturalist and food security advocate, serves as an inspiring testament to the transformative power of youth-driven change in Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.
Building skills and overcoming challenges in sales
As part of her role in the EYiA program, Jumoke gained hands-on experience in sales, negotiating with customers, managing records, and ensuring timely deliveries. She learned that effective communication, reliability, and adaptability were crucial in maintaining strong customer relationships.
In particular, she noted the challenges of delayed payments and last-minute delivery changes, which reinforced the importance of earning and maintaining customers’ trust. Her newfound skills in negotiation and communication prepared her well for the complexities of agricultural sales and management.
One of the most challenging moments of her journey came during a solo holiday shift at the farm when Jumoke was left in charge of the crops. After planting new tomatoes to replace old ones in the screen house, she discovered that her coco peat substrate was infected, causing her seedlings to die. Despite her efforts, she lost the crops, an experience that drove home the unpredictability of farming. Jumoke viewed the setback as a lesson in resilience, learning to accept challenges and grow through them as she continued her agricultural training.
“After working hard on the farm and then, you see your plants die. It is very heartbreaking”, she said.
Inspired by food security challenges
Jumoke’s dedication to food security has deep roots in her personal story. Growing up in a low-income family, she faced many challenges, including inadequate healthcare and malnutrition. These hardships eventually led to the tragic loss of her mother and younger brother, both of whom died during childbirth. This painful experience ignited Jumoke’s commitment to ensuring that nutritious, affordable food is accessible to every Nigerian, regardless of economic status.
Her motivation was recently reinforced by a surge in the cost of essential foods like tomatoes and peppers, with a single bell pepper costing up to ₦500. Such price hikes, she realised, directly impact vulnerable families. Her personal experiences and the realities of food scarcity strengthened her determination to contribute to solutions for food security.
Finding purpose by volunteering at the Lagos Food Bank
After participating in a pitch competition at the EYiA program, Jumoke felt an even greater urge to address food security. Although she didn’t win the competition, where she presented her ideas to help vulnerable families gain access to nutritious food, she was inspired to take action. Jumoke joined the Lagos Food Bank, working as a volunteer and gaining firsthand experience in addressing hunger in underserved communities. Her first day was spent in the warehouse, where she assisted with packaging items for distribution to vulnerable women.
Jumoke explained how the Food Bank team carefully prepares for outreach events. Community leaders are consulted in advance to assess needs and arrange suitable distribution sites. Jumoke shared a moment that deeply impacted her when she saw a woman express joy over a donated piece of clothing, intended as her son’s Christmas outfit. This instance highlighted the significance of her efforts and reinforced her resolve to help her community.
Coping with the struggles of volunteering
Volunteering brought its own set of challenges. Living in Badagry and travelling to various parts of Lagos for outreach programs demanded a lot of energy and patience. Despite the stress of long-distance commutes, Jumoke remained committed, finding purpose and fulfilment in her support to struggling families.
The dedication and empathy she observed among fellow volunteers inspired her to continue her efforts, motivated by the difference they were making together. For Jumoke, volunteering isn’t just about giving back; it’s a path to learning, growing, and creating lasting change in those affected by food insecurity.
Acquiring new skills and looking forward
In her time at the Lagos Food Bank, Jumoke has learned valuable skills in community outreach, volunteer coordination, and food safety management. She now understands the intricacies of food safety, from proper storage conditions to hygiene standards, essential for ensuring the quality of distributed items. With each new skill, Jumoke is one step closer to her ultimate goal: to become a specialist in farming bell peppers, a staple food with high nutritional value.
“I’ll be going to Lagos State University to study agricultural economics and farm management,” Jumoke responded when asked about her plans.
Reflecting on her journey, Jumoke envisions a future where food security is a national priority, farming practices are sustainable, and nutritious food is accessible for all. She dreams of a food-secure Nigeria, where communities are resilient, and everyone has access to affordable, healthy meals. Jumoke is dedicated to inspiring young Nigerians to engage in agricultural initiatives and volunteer work, knowing that collective action is essential for creating a more equitable society.
A call to action
Jumoke’s decision to change from medicine to agriculture is a powerful reminder of the role young people can play in solving critical issues like food security. She encourages other youth to consider local volunteer initiatives, learn about the root causes of hunger, and advocate for policies that promote food access and sustainability. Through her work, she hopes to inspire others to embrace agriculture and volunteerism as paths to personal and societal growth.
