Agriculture has always been important to Dr. Ozzie Abaye, professor in the School of Plant and Environmental Science, who teaches in the CALS Global Food Security and Health Pathway Minor program. She grew up on a farm and has worked in agriculture both domestically and internationally. Between 1998-1999, she worked in Africa through the International Development Office solving grassland reclamation issues. Her focus has broadened into improving livelihoods of smallholder farmers in West Africa to combat hunger and poverty. Her biggest passion is in empowering women in agriculture.

With expertise in plant production systems and international research and development (to include new crops and forages), Dr. Abaye has worked extensively in Senegal through programs led by USAID/ERA in collaboration with several key partner institutions (ISRA, ENSA, ISFAR, and ANCAR). Through her work in Senegal, Dr. Abaye aimed to 1) develop linkages between research and outreach activities, 2) create interaction with farmers through hands-on outreach services, 3) illustrate the use of on-farm demonstrations for outreach and extension purposes, 4) address production and management issues related to the newly introduced mung bean and, 5) Provide technical training to mitigate the lack of feed resources during the long dry period. Dr. Abaye is currently involved in Food for Education Program through Counterpart International in Senegal with the dual objectives of 1) strengthening farmer groups’ ability to provide high quality, nutritious commodities and connect them to school feeding programs, and 2) improving nutrition of students by increasing access to and use of various, quality, nutritious, and culturally appropriate foods in school meals. In addition to these activities, Dr. Abaye teaches five courses in the School of Plant and Environmental Sciences including a study abroad winter program. She also coaches the crops judging team within the School.

When asked about the Global Food Security and Health minor Dr. Abaye shared, “This minor is very diverse” with a total of 25 majors represented. The Global Food Security and Health Course counts as a pathway course and the beauty of it is you do not need to know anything about agriculture to participate as it is “an elementary course where you will learn everything you need to know.” Therefore, “you can contribute to global food security and health no matter what your major is and no matter your knowledge base in agriculture!” Dr. Abaye shared this advice, “get involved, because most of this course, 30% to be exact, is service learning and community involvement. If you are willing to get involved you will do well.”