In My Own Words: Zainab Haruna

Living My Ikigai

If you ask Zainab Haruna, our Nigeria Tree Lead, about her career journey, she’ll tell you it’s all about staying true to her ikigai - the Japanese concept that means ‘a reason for being.’  She has explored different industries but has always felt drawn to work with a deeper purpose, something bigger than herself, something worth waking up for every morning.

For as long as she can remember, Zainab has been passionate about improving people’s lives, intentionally seeking opportunities that connect her purpose, passion, talent, and drive for impact. Today, in her role at One Acre Fund, she’s found that sweet spot. For her, impact isn’t just numbers. Yes, we can talk about the millions of trees her and the team have distributed, or the support they’ve offered farmers to restore their land and boost their incomes. But it’s also something more lasting - it’s about creating a mindset shift, helping farmers to see themselves as environmental stewards, protecting ecosystems for generations to come.

In this piece, Zainab reflects on her journey into tree work, why finding her ikigai was important to her, and what it means to be a woman leading change.

Can you tell us what led you to join One Acre Fund and what drew you to tree work? Was it always the plan or a happy twist of fate?

Joining One Acre Fund felt like both a twist of fate and the perfect next step. Before this role, I had worked on programs across different sectors, always drawn to initiatives that could transform lives. Over time, I became especially interested in livelihood programs that help people improve their income and create more secure futures. When I discovered One Acre Fund, what struck me most was the focus on smallholder farmers, working alongside them to create pathways to prosperity by supporting their efforts to grow more food, increase their income, and build stronger, more resilient communities.

I also wanted to move beyond Abuja, where most of my career had been based, and connect directly with rural communities at the grassroots. With my background in botany and love for plants, the Tree Program felt like a natural fit, combining farmer livelihoods, ecosystem restoration, and climate resilience. Tree work feels like the gift that keeps giving.

You are very passionate about pursuing a career in the impact space. Why is that important to you?

I once tried working outside the impact space, in the private sector, but I lasted only a few months. The work was interesting, but I realized I need a deeper purpose, a reason bigger than myself to wake up every morning. Development work gives me that. Every tree planted, every farmer supported, changes not just an individual’s life but entire families and communities. Numbers can be impressive, but behind them are real people with dreams and aspirations. That’s what keeps me grounded. For me, this is my ikigai - where passion, purpose, talent and impact come together.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

As mentioned, for me, impact isn’t just about numbers; it’s also about people. At One Acre Fund Nigeria, you can’t have a dull day. The team is lively, full of jokes, engaging in smart conversations, and overflowing with passion for farmers. Our leadership team feels like a safe space, where every session is about new ideas and how to serve farmers better. My own team, largely farmer-facing, constantly surprises me with their creativity, intelligence, and drive to exceed targets. 

Farmers, too, make this work deeply rewarding. I love visiting them and listening to their honest feedback, which keeps us sharp. Truly, it’s fantastic people all around.

Thinking about your journey here, what’s a moment at One Acre Fund that truly captured the spirit of the organization for you?

There are many stories that capture our impact. One that stands out is from a community in Niger State. During a donor visit, a woman farmer, who is also a nurse and the head of her household, shared how the trees she collected from us had already begun generating income. She sold some timber to pay her child’s school fees and used some for roofing her home, which saved her some costs. Hearing this was powerful because we often tell farmers that trees are assets that grow in value over time, but seeing it happen was inspiring.

As a woman leading impactful work in development, what do you hope your journey sparks in the next generation of women leaders? 

I think the most important thing for women to remember is: you matter, just as you are. Leadership doesn’t have one look or one voice; it comes in many shapes. Some leaders are funny and light, others are serious and structured, and others are creative dreamers. All are valid. So show up authentically, create space if it’s not there, and trust that the world needs your kind of leadership.

Finish this sentence: When I look at the farmers we serve, I feel…

….. humbled. Despite all the external shocks like weather challenges and rising costs, farmers continue to trust us. They count on us to stand with them, offer real solutions, and walk beside them as partners building a better future for their children. That trust is profound, and we never take it lightly.