There's a saying that goes, "Curiosity killed the cat, but satisfaction brought it back." In the case of Hafsah Jumare, curiosity has not only brought her satisfaction but has also led her to embark on a journey that is transforming the lives of smallholder farmers in Nigeria and Kenya. As the CEO of CoAmana, an AgTech startup, Hafsah's curiosity and obsession with solving the issue of market access for smallholder farmers have driven her from the world of academia to the challenging yet fulfilling realm of entrepreneurship.
In the recent episode of my podcast, Hafsah shared valuable insights into her journey, the lessons she has learned along the way, and the impact her company is making in the agriculture sector in Africa. You can listen here on Spotify and Google
Something she harped on was the importance of understanding the local context when addressing problems. Hafsah's background in research allowed her to recognize the need for a more ethnographic approach to understanding the complex dynamics of the agricultural market in Africa. By working closely with farmers and cooperatives, she has been able to shape her startup’s model to better address the unique challenges faced by smallholder farmers in Nigeria and Kenya. Experience (in this case - ‘local’ experience) matters!
Hafsah also emphasizes the significance of overcoming analysis paralysis and embracing the "just do it" mentality. She shares how some of the best advice she received during her entrepreneurial journey was to stop overanalysing and just take action. This mindset has not only allowed her to learn and grow from her experiences but has also enabled her to make a tangible impact in the lives of the farmers her company serves.
Hafsah's journey from academia to entrepreneurship is a testament to the power of curiosity, determination, and a willingness to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. Challenges are true opportunities for growth!
One promise I made to myself this year is to embrace whatever life throws at me with a ‘fuck it’ attitude (excuse my french). If others could do it, then can I. Even if others failed, then I’ll be one of the few that will make ‘it’ work.
Just do it!