Joëlla Mujijima Buhendwa, founder and CEO of AstiFerme and winner of the Women in Ag Award (Agriculture), DR Congo
Joëlla Mujijima Buhendwa leads a circular agriculture initiative that transforms household organic waste into high-quality animal feed and organic fertilizer through the farming of black soldier flies. A model that reduces pollution, replaces imported protein sources, cuts greenhouse gas emissions, and boosts local food security and economic resilience. A true social entrepreneur, Joëlla never forgets that there is still a lot of work to be done in terms of equality and gives back any way she can. Her work and engagement for her community were rewarded in November with the Women in Ag Award, category “Farming”.
Her name is Joella Buhendwa and she is the Founder and CEO of AstiFerme , a green enterprise that transforms household waste into high-quality animal feed and organic fertilizers through the farming of Black Soldier Fly. “Our work contributes to reducing environmental pollution, improving food security, and creating sustainable jobs in my community”.
Beyond her academic and entrepreneurial work, Joëlla is deeply involved in youth engagement and social action. As such, she: is Vice-President of the U-Report Girls Club in Bukavu, where she helps mobilize and amplify the voices of young girls and encourages leadership among them; a Web Watcher at UNICEF, where she tracks and analyses misinformation to support responsible digital practices; and a Peace Ambassador trained by UNICEF and the Ministry of Education through the PROSANI USAID program.
Firmly believing in the intersection of sustainable agriculture and women’s rights, Joëlla leads by example and never stops learning. “I received training on human rights in October 2024 through ODH and UNICEF. In addition, I’ve gained skills in poultry farming, biopesticide production, soap-making, and the use of digital tools for data collection (STATA, SPSS, ODK, KOBOCollect)”, she explains. “Through my work, I aim to fight youth unemployment, promote environmental sustainability, and empower marginalized groups through knowledge and innovation.”
This article was published in Women in Ag Magazine 2025-004. Click here to read the full article.
