Interview
“Competence Has No Gender”
We spoke with Adèle Noudjilembaye, Head of Sustainability at Cotontchad SN, a subsidiary of Olam Agri.
Adèle Noudjilembaye — the head of sustainability at Cotontchad SN, a subsidiary of Olam Agri — has been instrumental in leading the training of women for sustainable agricultural development in Chad, driven by her personal commitment to the values of servant leadership.
Born into a cotton-farming family in Chad, she has not only built an impressive career but also achieved remarkable success in establishing Olam Agri’s sustainability approach in her home country.
Adèle, 2026 is the UN’s International Year of the Woman Farmer. Why is it important to support women in agriculture?
As true pillars of the African economy, women farmers are guardians of food security and economic vitality. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), women account for approximately 43 percent of the agricultural workforce in developing countries. However, they face a productivity gap, not due to a lack of skill but because of unequal access to resources such as land, credit, and technology.
Supporting women would increase agricultural production worldwide, especially in developing countries. Women reinvest up to 90 percent of their income in their households’ well-being. I know that women play a key role in crop diversification, and they are often more open to sustainable farming practices and soil conservation.
To What Extent Does Your Own Life’s Story Play a Role in Your Daily Work in Chad?
Born into a family of farmers, I grew up in the heart of this rural world. Farming enabled my parents to finance my education. I did my PhD in agro-entomology. My career has been marked by a constant search for sustainable solutions in agricultural contexts.
Today, I translate this vision into concrete actions. I have helped organise more than 600 women’s producer groups that cover over 3,000 hectares. We do more than just facilitate access to inputs; for instance, we build their financial autonomy through village savings and loan associations (VSLAs).
Do You Encounter Gender-Related Resistance in Your Work?
In a cotton sector historically dominated by men, the main resistance I encounter is sociocultural in nature, particularly regarding women’s technical credibility and their access to decision-making positions. Historically, women have been virtually absent from management and department-head positions at Cotontchad SN.
Today, having joined its management team, I am striving to break through this glass ceiling. I draw on my expertise in the field and the results achieved on the ground; the rigour of my scientific expertise commands respect and proves that competence has no gender.
How Do Collaborations, Such as With Cotton made in Africa, Support Cotton Companies Like Olam in Empowering Women in Cotton?
They are essential catalysts for achieving our sustainability goals. CmiA strengthens our position so that we can drive profound change. This synergy has enabled us to implement concrete tools, e.g., a robust gender and harassment policy to ensure a safe and equitable work environment.
Beyond governance, CmiA’s support extends to projects that are vital for women’s empowerment and health, particularly through improved access to water. By addressing challenges through CmiA’s development-focussed approach, the protection of human rights and the economic empowerment of women have become pillars of a modern, competitive, and deeply humane cotton sector.
