Staff Reporter

The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development has announced the official rebranding of Zimbabwe Online Agricultural College (ZOAC) to Zimbabwe Agricultural College (ZIACO), a move aimed at expanding and enhancing agricultural education in the country.

The rebranding reflects Government’s commitment to equipping farmers, agricultural entrepreneurs, and farm personnel with essential skills to improve productivity, profitability, and food security.
In a statement yesterday, the ministry emphasized that ZIACO will continue providing high-quality agricultural education through online platforms, ensuring that more Zimbabweans, regardless of location, can access training that enhances their farming skills.

The college now offers two key programmes designed to cater to different levels of agricultural expertise.
The General Certificate in Agricultural Business Management targets farm personnel such as managers, supervisors, and smallholder farmers, running for a year at a cost of USD 400 (or the equivalent in ZiG) per semester.

The Executive Certificate in Agricultural Business Management is aimed at agro-executives, farm owners, and agricultural entrepreneurs, with a fee of USD 500 per semester for the duration of one year.
To enroll, applicants must have at least three O-Level subjects in any combination, any professional or academic qualification, ownership or access to land, and a smartphone, tablet, or computer with good internet connectivity.

The application process requires prospective students to pay a non-refundable fee of USD 20 (or its ZiG equivalent), submit scanned copies of identity documents, certificates, and proof of payment, and complete an online application form available through a provided Google Form link.

Government’s focus on modernizing agricultural education comes at a time when food security and sustainable farming practices are national priorities.
Authorities believe that by offering flexible, digital learning platforms, ZIACO will equip farmers with the skills necessary to adapt to changing climate conditions and improve agricultural productivity.

This initiative aligns with the broader national strategy to empower farmers with knowledge that enhances efficiency and sustainability in Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector.
Ministry officials have encouraged aspiring farmers and agricultural professionals to take advantage of ZIACO’s programmes, emphasizing that an educated and well-trained farming community is key to achieving national food security