Agriculture Reporter
Government has equipped agricultural extension officers in the Zvipani area of Hurungwe with mobile tablets, signalling a step forward in the digitization of the agricultural sector.
This initiative aligns with the broader national vision of enhancing productivity, efficiency, and food security, particularly in rural areas.
Last Saturday’s distribution of 27 mobile devices to the extension officers was part of a broader Government strategy to provide the necessary tools and technologies to agricultural workers, allowing them to better serve their communities.
This gesture comes on the heels of other efforts to improve rural farming capabilities, such as providing motorbikes to extension officers to aid their mobility across vast areas.
One beneficiary of the mobile device, Edith Kamutu said that this initiative proves that the Government is committed to empowering its agricultural workforce, leaving no area behind in national development.
“Now, with these tablets, we can record, store, and disseminate vital information with ease, even in challenging weather conditions. This digitization move is a game-changer, reducing the manual workload and enhancing our productivity,” said Kamutu.
Kamutu added that the provision of these tablets marks a significant improvement in the way agricultural extension officers operate, especially in areas prone to harsh weather conditions.
“Previously, important data and records were at risk of being lost during rainy seasons, but the new digital tools will ensure that such information is safely stored and easily accessible. With the motorbikes we received earlier, mobility issues were resolved, and now these tablets will help us manage information more efficiently. Digitization has transformed how we work, making our jobs easier and more effective,” she added.
Government’s partnership with 4-H Zimbabwe has been instrumental in driving this digital transformation.
The Provincial Director of Agricultural and Rural Development, Medlinah Magwenzi, emphasized the significance of these devices, noting, “These mobile gadgets are loaded with critical software that gives our extension officers access to the latest research, improving the way they conduct their duties. We are already supporting them with data and airtime to ensure they can maximize the use of these devices.”
Board chairperson of 4-H Zimbabwe, Wendy Madzura, expressed her support for the Government’s digitization agenda, stating, “We are complementing the government’s Rural Development 8.0 policy, which focuses on boosting production, rural industrialization, and food security. By providing these 27 gadgets, we ensure that this digitization drive reaches all corners of the country.”
With the upcoming rainy season, the benefits of digitization are more apparent than ever, as extension officers will be able to conduct their duties efficiently without worrying about the loss of important information.
Government’s continued focus on providing modern tools for its workforce is crucial in achieving its broader goals of national development and agricultural transformation.
