Chemistry Graduate, Bemshima Soyinka, Finds Solace in Farming

When Bemshima Soyinka Agwa enrolled to study Chemistry at the University of Buea, he never envisaged a life on the farm.

However, when he graduated with a degree in Chemistry, the realities of life began to set in.

His family never had the resources for him to further his education and build a career in Chemistry.

Unemployed and with nothing to show for, except his BSc degree, Soyinka turned to farming — it required very little skill.

He hopes to raise money from farming and continue his education.

Bemshima Soyinka’s Life as a Farmer

Far away from his home in Akwaya Subdivision of Cameroon’s South West region, he found himself at Messonde in the Nyong-et-Kéllé Division of the Center Region.

There, he started farming different food items– plantain, yam, and cocoyam.

“Things were very hard for me in the beginning, but thank God I can now boast of a hectare,” Bemshima Soyinka told MMI.

Despite facing initial difficulties thriving as a farmer, he is now reaping the benefits.

Finding a Market

His problem now is no longer about where to farm or what to do to sustain a living.

He has moved from just carrying a paper in the name to a degree to owning a piece of land that produces food to feed people.

His main worry is finding market for his produce.

“My problem now is where to supply this produce since buyers here tend to buy them at much lower prices,” he said.

Bemshima Soyinka is appealing to anyone who can assist him in locating a good market or company where he can register to supply the produce as a wholesaler or retailer. 

“Even if it means registering with the Ministry of Trade, I will be happy to do so. I really need help because I wish to raise money to continue my education and better cater to my family,” he said in a chat with MMI.

Bemshima Soyinka Agwa is grappling with a tough economy where many graduates from universities remain unemployed.

He heeded the advice of President Paul Biya, who had asked Cameroon youths to embrace farming, as agriculture remains the backbone of the country’s economy.