Hello to the entire SciGi family! My name is Zanella DONFACK and I am the head of Trans’agro, a Cameroonian company that transforms vegetable crops into powder.
Let’s talk about the idea behind Trans’agro: the company was initially created to reduce post-harvest losses for vegetable farmers and to create jobs. One of the main goals was to add value to local crops by transforming certain vegetable crops into powder to extend their shelf life. The main crops involved are celery, basil, leek, onion, and parsley.
This idea materialized in 2019 because my team and I were finalists in the YEIC (Youth Entrepreneur Innovative Challenge) organized by the UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) for the first time in Cameroon.
Following this competition, we drafted a Business Plan that allowed us to involve more people and obtain a production area to make our activity profitable. In an effort to improve the raw material, we decided to use the crops of artisan producers.
To achieve this profitability goal, my daily role is to lead Trans’agro in its entirety, from production to sales, partnerships, and communication. Communication particularly involves the spice brand of Trans’agro: “Z-epice” through the creation of advertising posters and product displays. All these tasks require rigorous organization and very solid knowledge in the scientific field, especially Chemistry.
Indeed, the process from manufacturing to sale follows these steps;
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Harvesting
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cleaning
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cutting
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washing
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disinfection (using natural products made by the company)
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spreading
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drying (in a food dehydrator where temperatures are well controlled)
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compression
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packaging.
“I’ve always loved a challenge”
Regarding my academic background, I obtained my Scientific Baccalaureate in 2013 at the Lycée de la Cité Verte in Yaoundé, Cameroon. I then turned to chemistry, which was my favorite subject. I completed a BTS in Analytical Chemistry where I was the top of my class in 2015 at The Higher Institute of Chemistry and Management in Douala, Cameroon. I continued with a professional degree in general and industrial chemistry in 2016. Scientific subjects have always interested me because I’ve always loved a challenge.
However, I have experienced more challenging times. The most difficult part of my journey was my first year of a master’s in HSQE (Hygiene, Safety, Quality, and Environment) which I did not complete due to lack of resources. Indeed, alongside this master’s, I had a student job as a cook in a restaurant from 7 AM to 6 PM and attended classes from 6:30 PM to 10:30 PM. This lifestyle, along with certain personal events, did not allow me to complete my master’s.
“Depending on the goals set, I deploy the maximum energy to achieve them”
In addition to my professional activity, I am passionate about cooking, hairdressing, and especially sports.
Depending on the goals set, I deploy the maximum “energy to achieve them and I give myself one day off per week to take care of myself. Our goals have a timeframe to be achieved, which then allows us to be free to do other things.”
In my opinion, the low rate of women in the scientific field can be explained by the fact that some women let themselves be influenced by what society says and thinks. They don’t dare to be rebellious, to realize their thoughts, to achieve their dreams, and others settle for routine.
My advice to the young girls reading me today is to dare, to believe in themselves, to be determined, and not to let anyone influence them negatively!
Zanella DONFACK: A Businesswoman in the Agro-Food Sector in Cameroon
