Women in Agriculture: Developing the Next Generation of Leaders

Pakistan is an agricultural nation. Agriculture accounts for a quarter of the nation’s GDP and 45 percent of its workforce. Pakistan's largest food crop is wheat and it also has substantial production of sugarcane, cotton, rice and chickpeas. High quality agricultural research is critical to increase Pakistan’s agricultural productivity and to ensure food security and economic stability. National and provincial universities, research institutes, and private corporations are developing new scientists and research leaders in Pakistan. Similar to the United States, however, most of these new leaders are men. Women scientists are generally marginalized and usually not tracked for leadership positions. This project brings together eight female Pakistan agricultural scientists and professors for a three-week U.S. study tour where they will meet with women agricultural research leaders to share their experiences and discuss strategies for advancing their careers and succeeding in this traditionally male-dominated field.