Leaving the Nest: Divine Irumva

Looking back at your journey, does it surprise you how things turned out?

It still surprises me how life connects different chapters, but looking back, the journey feels very meaningful. My path into agriculture began with a bold decision: moving to India alone on a one-way ticket. It was a deliberate step outside my comfort zone, one that ultimately shaped both my career and my perspective. There, I spent five years completing my bachelor's and master's degrees. This international setting exposed me to different cultures and mindsets, but it also meant dealing with difficult personal moments and handling unfamiliar responsibilities alone.

Throughout that time, I stuck by a favorite saying of mine: "Akanyoni katagurutse ntikamenya iyo bweze," which means “the bird that never leaves its nest never discovers where the grain is ripe”. For me, buying that one-way ticket was my way of leaving the nest. Taking on those new challenges helped me build confidence, learn new skills, and realize that growth requires the courage to explore beyond what is familiar. Ultimately, I am grateful for how things turned out because it prepared me for my current role, where my work directly improves farmers’ lives every day.

What initially sparked your interest in joining One Acre Fund, and how has your journey been since then?

After returning to Burundi, I worked as a sales manager for a local NGO supporting underserved communities. That role gave me a firsthand look at the challenges rural communities face, and really sharpened my leadership and collaboration skills.

I first discovered One Acre Fund on LinkedIn when I saw a video of a farmer sharing how the organization supported her farming journey and helped her increase her harvests. Her story deeply moved me. I wanted to work for an organization where my skills could contribute to something bigger than just business results. When I saw an opening in procurement, I started researching the organization. Seeing the beautiful offices in Kenya made me want to discover how they supported farmers right here in Burundi. I applied, went through the interview process and here we are. 

Give us the inside scoop, what do you do in your role, and what does a typical day in your world look like?

My job is to ensure our teams and farmers have the right goods and services at the right time, with the right quality, and at the right cost. I work closely with vendors, field, and internal teams to support the smooth operation of their activities. A typical day starts with reviewing procurement requests in my inbox. Then I negotiate with suppliers, follow up on deliveries, and coordinate with logistics and operations teams. Our team handles procurement of everything from non-agricultural items, such as laptops and tablets for administration, to essential agricultural goods, such as seeds and fertilizer. 

Describe your job using only emojis.

📞- Reaching out to suppliers and stakeholders.

📚 - The contracts I have to read through quite often.

📝- Requesting approvals, confirming deliveries, and reporting.

At One Acre Fund, we’re all about impact. How does the work you do translate into real impact for farmers?

Procurement often happens behind the scenes, but I believe we directly support farmer prosperity. When we source quality materials and services effectively and on time, it helps the field and internal teams operate smoothly. When we source quality farm inputs and services efficiently and on time, it helps the field and internal teams to operate effectively. That ultimately ensures farmers receive the products and support they need without delays.

What’s something you genuinely enjoy about working with your team?

The collaboration. There is a strong sense of purpose within the team, and everyone is willing to support each other and share ideas to solve problems. I also appreciate our culture of continuous learning, which makes it easy to grow and stay motivated even during busy periods. Everyone is willing to learn through mistakes or by asking questions.

Something you wish you knew at the start of your career?

I used to focus on being perfect, but I wish I knew that growth takes time and I don’t need to have everything figured out immediately. Now, I understand that asking questions and making mistakes are essential parts of professional growth. Staying consistent and delivering results matters much more than perfection.

As a young professional, what has been the biggest lesson you’ve learned about leadership, growth, or finding your voice?

Leadership is not about titles. It is about responsibility, communication, and how you treat people; they make you a leader. I have also learned the importance of speaking up with confidence while staying open to learning from others. Real growth happens when you step out of your comfort zone and embrace challenges to become the professional you wish to be.

What is the one non-negotiable item or ritual that officially starts/ends your day?

While I always carry my planner and start each day mapping out my tasks, my true non-negotiable is actually a bit more personal; I never leave the house without putting on some lipstick. I love to smile and want to make sure it looks good! It’s the final touch that officially starts my day.

Complete this sentence: "I know I’m making an impact when…”

...I see the results of my work help the team operate smoothly and contribute to improving farmers' lives.