Kansan leads sustainable farming quest
B. Jan Middendorf ’s office at Kansas State University is a testament to the power of human connection – a cup from Ethiopia, baskets from Senegal, a West African baobab tree figurine – gifts from those whose paths she’s crossed on her travels.
“What inspires me the most is engaging with amazing researchers, scholars, farmers and families from across the lobe to build human capacity,” Middendorf said.
Middendorf is USA TODAY’s Woman of the Year for Kansas.
Middendorf is the associate director of Feed the Future Innovation Lab. Her team receives funding from the U.S. Agency for International Development to conduct agricultural research on sustainable farming practices in developing countries in Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, and East and West Africa.
“We believe in the concept of ‘One Health’ – healthy soils lead to healthy plants, which lead to healthy animals, which ultimately lead to healthy humans and ecosystems. One must address the whole system in order to make transformational change,” she said.
With food production needs expected to increase 60% globally by the year 2050, the work Middendorf does is critical to fighting food insecurity.
“The focus is to develop pathways out of hunger and poverty. What we learn in developing countries has a direct impact on our local agriculture production systems,” said Middendorf. “If we can improve the livelihoods and conditions in vulnerable countries, this will have a direct impact on national security in our own country, ensuring peace and happiness around the world.”
Question: Who paved the way for you and who do you pave the way for?
Answer: I would never have pursued my doctoral degree without the steadfast insistence, encouragement, and support of Dr. Linda Thurston. I would also like to acknowledge Dr. Vara Prasad, director of SIIL, for his faith in our partnership and appreciation of my social science perspective and contribution to our lab. Together, we have been able to build human and institutional capacity across the globe.
I stand on the shoulders of many strong women leaders that have fought hard to pave the way for me and others who want to make a difference in this world. When I was growing up, I was led to believe that the most important role for a woman was being a wife and mother, which is a role I cherish. However, it’s because of women before me who pushed boundaries, took chances and paved the way to create more professional opportunities for me, my daughter, and all women who deserve to reach their dreams and goals.
I would hope that I am one of those people who advocates for what is right, ensures that all voices are at the table, and creates a level playing field for women across the world.
What are your proudest moments?
On a personal level, my proudest moment is bringing two amazing people into this world; my son Andre, and my daughter Sarah. They fill my heart with love, grace, and faith for a brighter future. Professionally, I’m proud to have fostered an environment that values cultural diversity and encourages international experiences.
How do you define courage?
Courage means having the strength and ability to face difficult situations with measured fear; being brave and confident enough to take on challenges that seem out of your control. A quote that I love from Georgia O’Keefe: “To create one’s own world takes courage.”
Do you live by any particular guiding principle or mantra?
After my mother died, I was devastated. During this time, my sister sent me a card with an amazing message: “Everything changes, everything is connected, so pay attention.” It was a very profound message and very true to my mother’s spirit and my beliefs. Nothing stays the same, embrace change, and look for those important connections.