In My Own Words: Christine Gitobu

Why I Left Banking to Train Farmers

If Christine Gitobu were a cartoon character, she believes she would be Avatar Aang, using her powers to bring balance and growth to rural communities. Where rain is needed, she’d summon her waterbending skills. When soils are depleted, she’d call on the earth. And when pests strike, she’d bring out all the bending tricks in the book. But in real life, Christine’s ‘bending’ skills lie in her ability to break down complex agricultural knowledge and train teams to deliver it with heart.

In this piece, she shares her journey from the world of banking and fintech to the frontlines of field work,  how she made the pivot and why her colleagues now fondly call her “headteacher.”

What sparked your journey into agriculture and development? Was this always the dream, or did life surprise you along the way?

I had been in the banking industry for 8 years, starting as a teller, then slowly growing into product management, and later joined the fintech arm of the bank. I truly believed fintech was my future, until life surprised me. I came across a Product Innovation Associate role for One Acre Fund Kenya on LinkedIn and reached out to a friend who was already working at One Acre Fund to learn more. Shortly after, I was sold. I went through the interview process and joined the organization in 2023. I have come to truly love what I do, and who I do it for. Now, as the Kenya program's Extension Lead, I get to innovate for our extension work, directly engaging in both farmer training and staff capacity-building.

You mentioned that fintech was your dream career space. How did that change?

I think believing that fintech was my future was really just me getting comfortable in my zone. I came to realize that my real interest lay in the product management space; developing new things, generating ideas, and designing solutions. So when the One Acre Fund opportunity came up, I found myself entering a whole new world, one where the things I create have a direct and visible impact. In fintech,  the impact of my work was not as visible. In my current role, I get to see the difference my work makes. All this is incredibly fulfilling.

How does a banker find their footing in farmer extension work?

This is a question I get a lot. I think One Acre Fund hires people who are adaptable, are lifelong learners, and people with transferable skills.

For me, one of the most relevant skills has been in user experience. understanding people, their needs and how to meet them. Another has been the ability to digest technical information and translate it into something accessible. Agronomy is a very technical field. I often work with agricultural experts who develop recommendations based on research and trials. My role is to take that complex, technical information, break it down, and communicate it in ways people can understand and apply, tailored to their local context.

What’s the most heartwarming or hilarious thing your team or farmers have ever said to you?

I conduct a lot of trainings, for both field staff and farmers, and I always find it funny when our Field Officers call me ‘headteacher’ and farmers call me ‘mwalimu’ (teacher). I never wanted to be a teacher, and I have no background in teaching. But it’s a welcome surprise that I’m good at it. 

If your leadership style were a type of crop, what would it be and why?

Sweet potato! I adapt easily to different environments, just like sweet potatoes grow well in various agroecological zones. I adjust my approach based on the needs of the moment, just like sweet potatoes can be planted and cooked in many ways. And beneath the quiet, strong exterior, are sweet roots. 

What’s something you’ve learned in the field that no classroom could have ever taught you?

The field has taught me that you must genuinely engage with a community to understand their true needs. It’s not just about conducting surveys or asking questions. It’s about being present; listening, observing, and sometimes just sitting with people.

What’s one thing about One Acre Fund’s culture that makes you feel like you belong? 

We have this saying: Fail, but fail fast. There’s so much grace and freedom in that mindset. It removes the fear of trying something new. Instead of getting stuck chasing perfection, you are encouraged to test ideas, learn quickly, and move forward. It creates a culture that’s not only innovative but also supportive and solution-oriented. I felt aligned with that right away.

Additionally, One Acre Fund has created a supportive environment where women can grow their careers and families together and without judgment. Family does not have to take a back seat! My manager, Hepsiba Chepng'eno, and other senior leaders like Patrick Bell have shown genuine understanding, offering flexible work schedules and encouraging rest as I connect with and grow my family. I have felt truly cared for, even when I wasn't at my best.

If we made a documentary about your life and work, what would it be called and what song would play in the background?

It would be called “By Faith”, with the song “By Faith” by Keith and Kristyn Getty playing in the background.

That title really captures both my personal journey and my work, especially in social behavior change. In this line of work, you are rarely guaranteed results. You can design the best interventions, but many factors are beyond your control and things don’t always shift the way you hope. It takes time, patience, and a lot of trust in the process. I have often had to move forward without certainty, just faith that the work matters and that change will come.

As the song goes:
“Till the race is finished and the work is done, we will walk by faith and not by sight.”