In My Own Words: Emmanuella Niyoyita

From Corporate to Community: Rediscovering My Why

Emmanuella first joined One Acre Fund in 2016. Operational changes prompted her to leave and pursue what she believed was her dream career in the corporate sector. While the experience was valuable, she soon realized something was missing. She missed the sense of purpose, human connection, and people-first culture. Today, Emmanuella is back, serving in field operations and supporting over 380,000 farmers in Burundi. 

Tell us about your time at One Acre Fund. When did you join the team and how has your role evolved?

I first joined One Acre Fund as a Client Data Manager, leading efforts to centralize and safeguard farmer data. After two years, when the Burundi program faced operational challenges, I transitioned to the corporate world as a Brewing Engineer, where I worked for four years, gaining valuable experience. In 2022, I returned to One Acre Fund as a Field Operations Associate, overseeing repayment and client protection, and serving as the tech lead across field operations. I really believe that my work makes a difference, and I see it most clearly when our team successfully implements strategies that support farmer repayment, which enables us to continue positively impacting farmers from season to season. It feels good to be back!

What inspired your return to One Acre Fund after working in the corporate world?

I enjoyed my time in the corporate sector. It was competitive, goal-driven, and gelled well with what I had studied and trained for. However, I genuinely missed the impact-driven, human-centered culture of One Acre Fund.

Interestingly, I missed check-ins, the regular one-on-one meetings with managers. At One Acre Fund, these check-ins are dedicated time to troubleshoot, reflect, workshop, and check on work-life balance.

The people-first culture here excites me, as it involves talking with people, developing them, and going to gemba (field) to see the impact of our work and learn how we can do even more. Additionally, I maintained contact with some team members at One Acre Fund, even while I was away, and so coming back felt natural.

Dream fieldwear outfit, boots or sneakers?

Definitely sneakers, ones that can handle mud and slippery terrain.

What is the most commonly used Kirundi or French phrase in the field by either farmers or staff?

“Mbere na mbere,” and the farmers respond, “Abarimyi.” It means “Farmers First,” and reflects our core value at One Acre Fund. It is a great reminder of why we are all here.

Another one we use is a planting slogan: “Tubungabunge Isi,” and farmers reply, “Kugira twongereze umwimbu n’ubutunzi.” That means, “Let’s protect the earth, so we can increase productivity and wealth.” It ties into our farmer training on soil health and sustainable agriculture, and it helps farmers connect with the why behind our work.

What’s one misconception people have about field operations that you’d like to clear up?

People often think field operations are repetitive and the same every season. That’s not true. Due to weather changes and market fluctuations, our work needs constant adjustment. Whether it’s changes in rainfall, market prices, or seed availability, we must stay agile and realign our plans to serve farmers better. 

What does being a woman in the field mean to you?

It means a lot. It’s not just about my work, it’s also about supporting and advocating for the farmers we serve and other women within One Acre Fund.

I remember meeting a woman field manager who was leading a team of 10. On this particular day, she was carrying her baby in one hand while working on a repayment collection field visit at the end of season. As a fellow mother and woman, I truly understood what she was balancing. I want to be the kind of leader who advocates and stands beside her and others, supporting their careers, well-being, and work-life balance.

What would you say to a young woman looking at your career path and thinking, “Could I do that?”

Yes! You absolutely can. But you have to be intentional. It doesn’t happen by chance.

Be open to feedback, and don’t be afraid to ask for it. As we say at One Acre Fund, “We grow by the feedback we receive.”

Find a mentor who inspires you. Learn from their experience. Make a plan to track your growth, it helps you see how far you have come.

If One Acre Fund were a person, how would you describe their personality?

A mentor and coach. We actively listen to farmers.

An entrepreneur. One Acre Fund operates differently from many NGOs. We aim to use our resources wisely, always striving for the greatest impact in the communities we serve

And above all, a humble person. We serve farmers with respect.

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

…more motivated to go the extra mile to ensure we can continue supporting them in the next season.