A Vietnamese Woman Who Pioneers Eco-Friendly Agriculture for All

Throughout history, agriculture has often been seen as a male-dominated field characterized by physical labour and resilience. Nevertheless, achievements in the agricultural sector are also filled with special women. Amongst them are those actively engaged in farming and scientific research and technical advisory roles, exemplified by Mrs. Pham Thi Nhu.

Nhu, a technical officer from An Giang, Vietnam, demonstrates her sustainable mushroom cultivation method using rice straw. Image: Vietnam Association for Conservation of Nature and Environment.

Mrs. Nhu, a resident of An Giang province, served as a technical officer at the Agricultural Promotion Center in Chau Thanh district, An Giang, a position she has held for more than 20 years. Raised in rural An Giang, Mrs. Nhu possesses a profound empathy for the challenges faced by farmers. Consequently, her primary objective remains steadfast: to introduce innovative and contemporary solutions aimed at addressing agricultural difficulties and challenges. Central to her approach is the belief that regardless of technological sophistication, solutions must align with local environmental conditions, climate, social dynamics, and agricultural practices while also being accessible and economically viable.

In her role as an agricultural specialist, Mrs. Nhu has spent over two decades working closely with farmers in Chau Thanh district, An Giang province. Her observations after each rice harvest, where farmers routinely burn straw, have spurred her to challenge conventional practices: why squander such a valuable resource when straw could be utilized for mushroom cultivation, organic fertilizer composting, or livestock feed? How can entrenched farmer habits be altered in favor of recognizing straw's value? How can sustainable agricultural practices be promoted with minimal environmental impact? To address these queries, Mrs. Nhu collaborates closely with local agricultural authorities, the HCM University of Natural Resource and Environment (HCMUNRE), the Vietnam Association for Conservation of Nature and Environment (VACNE), the Global Alliance on Health and Pollution (GAHP) and under support by the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to devise tailored strategies aimed at fostering farmers’ understanding of straw's beneficial role within agricultural ecosystems.

Her weekly routine typically comprises three days in the field and three in the office. She frequently visits progressive farming models to earn insights from experienced practitioners. From those experiences, she offered technical assistance to other farmers through face-to-face meetings, training workshops, and seminars.

Like many women in specialized agricultural roles, Mrs. Nhu often faces questions about her decision to pursue a harsh outdoor career rather than more conventional office-based roles. In response, she just laughed and said, “people often asked why a girl would choose agriculture working under the scorching sun, as it seems so tough. But I find happiness in being able to support fellow farmers." Mrs. Nhu also talked about how she was inspired after recent visits from the GAHP and DEFRA delegations, which included many female experts whom she described as ‘very capable, enthusiastic, and proactive’ and helped her ‘learn a lot more and realize that women all around the world are dedicating themselves fully to agriculture and the environment’.

Balancing work commitments with family responsibilities poses perhaps her most significant challenge. As a mother of two—one recently graduated from high school, and the other is only ten years old—Mrs. Nhu's profession demands extensive fieldwork, inevitably limiting her time with family. Nonetheless, she draws strength from her husband's unwavering support, which fuels her determination to excel in her endeavors.

Mrs. Nhu consistently embraces a positive outlook, emphasizing the advantages women bring to agricultural work, such as their approachability, empathy towards farmers' concerns, and meticulous attention to detail, often honed through household management roles. She views these attributes as distinct strengths that complement the industry's demands, illustrating how women and men possess unique advantages in agricultural pursuits.

Mrs. Nhu exemplifies a cohort of dedicated women contributing significantly to Vietnam's agricultural landscape. While their recognition may vary, these passionate and inspirational figures serve as exemplary role models, inspiring future generations to pursue careers in agriculture with vigor and purpose.