Awa Sogodogo is a field supervisor working in Dialakoroba, the district myAgro launched in 2011. Field supervisors play an important role as intermediaries between the farmer-facing field agents and the field coordinators that manage myAgro’s work across our five zones around Bamako. One of her key responsibilities is to remain informed about what’s happening across the 23 villages that her seven field agents work in.
Because Awa tailors her work to support the field agents, she doesn’t have a “typical day.” She first identifies challenges that occur on the ground, in the day-to-day implementation of programs, and then works with field agents and coordinators to come up with scalable solutions. Armed with this information, Awa develops and implements training to field agents, such as role-plays, to enable them to better support farmers. She also reinforces the work of her field agents by visiting individual farmers that may be facing particular obstacles to making regular payments. Such visits are instrumental in demonstrating myAgro’s commitment to farmers and in strengthening the ties that build trust.
Awa has shown tremendous potential since she started with myAgro as an intern in May 2014. After her internship she moved directly into her position as a field supervisor, skipping the field agent level. With a bit more mentoring and training from the current field coordinators, she is on a track to become a field coordinator within the next year. Her past experience has without a doubt been a factor in her rapid professional growth. As a student, she studied English and information technology and also gained professional experience with two internships. Moreover, Awa’s success is enabled by her strong sense of ambition, “I want to grow and evolve and do not want to become stagnant. myAgro gives me the chance to develop my knowledge.” In conjunction with her fond memories working with her mom on their family farm, it was this opportunity for growth that attracted Awa to myAgro.
In the last year, Awa has really enjoyed working with the women farmers in Dialakoroba. Her ambition extends beyond herself. Awa believes that if she can help to build women’s capacity, in leadership and other skills, they will be empowered to make healthier decisions for themselves and their families.
We love your spirit, Awa! Join our campaign to continue empowering women farmers: https://donate.myagro.org/wf2015
