The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is advancing agrifood systems through the integration of effective digital technologies in Zimbabwe. Through the Fostering Digital Villages Initiative (FDiVi), FAO hosted a Digital Fair in the Masvingo province, marking a significant step toward agricultural transformation in the region.
The digital fair brought together digital service providers, farmers, agri-entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders, creating a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange and real-time onboarding to digital agriculture solutions.
Fostering Digital Villages Initiative: Transforming Rural Agriculture
The digital fair is part of the broader Fostering Digital Villages through innovative advisory and profitable market services project, which aims to transform agrifood systems in rural Malawi, Rwanda, and Zimbabwe using effective digital technologies, including artificial intelligence.
Patrice Talla, FAO Subregional Coordinator for Southern Africa and Representative, Zimbabwe, explained the project’s comprehensive approach:
“This project facilitates delivery of innovative agricultural extension services for increased productivity, enhanced market access, and advance inclusive rural transformation. It will also support local farmers, extension officers, agro-dealers, and processors, particularly the youth and women.”
Digital Fair Success in Bikita District
The digital fair held in the Bikita district is part of a series of ongoing campaigns by FAO targeting digital service providers, rural farmers, agri-entrepreneurs and other stakeholders to interact and integrate digital technologies in agriculture.
The event sparked renewed enthusiasm for digital transformation in agriculture among local communities, demonstrating the power of hands-on technology exposure in rural settings.
Local Leadership Support for Digital Agriculture
Speaking during the digital fair, Bernard Hadzirambwi, the District Development Coordinator, praised the initiative and encouraged farmers to adopt digital technologies to enhance productivity and resilience.
“Rural innovation thrives when communities connect and interact with digital technology,” Hadzirambwi emphasized, highlighting the importance of community engagement in digital transformation efforts.
Agricultural Extension Officers Embrace Technology
Nobert Chiduza, District Agricultural Extension Officer in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Zimbabwe, shared his observations from the digital fair:
“During the digital fair, our farmers explored AI-powered advisory tools, mobile market platforms, and digital extension services. I am truly encouraged by how quickly the community is embracing these innovations. Digital technologies are not just tools, they are enablers of climate-smart agriculture and inclusive rural development in our district.”
What is the Fostering Digital Villages Initiative
The FDiVi is one of FAO’s corporate initiatives and flagship programmes. It represents an integrated development vision that enshrines digitalization at the core of rural transformation and prosperity, addressing both on-farm and off-farm socio-economic elements.
The initiative focuses on several key areas:
Digital Infrastructure Development: Establishing digital hubs equipped with essential technology and internet connectivity.
Capacity Building: Providing digital literacy training and technical support to rural communities.
Market Integration: Connecting farmers directly with markets through digital platforms.
Agricultural Extension: Delivering innovative advisory services through digital channels.
Project Implementation in Zimbabwe
The project is being implemented in two strategic locations:
Mhondoro-Ngezi District: A key agricultural area where digital transformation can significantly impact productivity and market access.
Bikita District: The location of the recent digital fair, serving as a model for rural digital integration.
Digital hubs in these districts will be equipped with comprehensive digital tools and services including:
- Free internet access for community members
- Computer facilities for digital literacy training
- Digital literacy training materials and programs
- Technical support for digital platform adoption
Supporting Key Agricultural Stakeholders
The project supports multiple stakeholder groups critical to Zimbabwe’s agricultural ecosystem:
Local Farmers: Providing access to innovative agricultural extension services and market connectivity.
Extension Officers: Equipping them with digital tools to better serve farming communities.
Agro-dealers: Connecting them to broader market networks and supply chain opportunities.
Processors: Facilitating access to raw materials and finished product markets through digital platforms.
The initiative particularly emphasizes support for youth and women, recognizing their crucial role in agricultural transformation and rural development.
Young Farmers Leading Digital Adoption
Sheunesu Njeke, a 26-year-old farmer from Zimbabwe, exemplifies the transformative impact of digital agriculture:
“Before the digital fair, I didn’t know how much technology could change the way I farm. Now, I’ve learned about AI tools that help me plan better, and I can connect directly with buyers through my phone. As a young farmer, this gives me confidence in exploring new opportunities posed through digital technologies.”
This testimonial demonstrates how digital agriculture is particularly resonating with younger farmers who are naturally more adaptable to new technologies.
Digital Technologies Showcased at the Fair
The digital fair featured several cutting-edge agricultural technologies:
AI-Powered Advisory Tools: Artificial intelligence systems that provide personalized farming recommendations based on local conditions, weather patterns, and crop requirements.
Mobile Market Platforms: Digital marketplaces that connect farmers directly with buyers, eliminating intermediaries and improving profit margins.
Digital Extension Services: Online platforms that provide agricultural advice, training, and support services accessible through mobile devices.
Climate-Smart Agriculture Solutions: Digital tools that help farmers adapt to climate change and implement sustainable farming practices.
Integration with Existing Agricultural Programs
Going forward, FAO will integrate Digital Fairs into the annual District and Ward level Agriculture Shows, ensuring sustainable engagement with farming communities throughout Zimbabwe.
This integration strategy ensures that digital agriculture becomes a permanent feature of Zimbabwe’s agricultural calendar, rather than a one-time intervention.
Supporting Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship
The project will continue to support digital innovators and entrepreneurs in breaking into the rural market. This support includes:
Market Access: Helping digital service providers understand and access rural agricultural markets.
Product Development: Supporting the creation of agriculture-specific digital solutions.
Training and Support: Providing technical assistance to ensure successful implementation of digital solutions.
Safe Onboarding: Supporting farmers and other rural stakeholders to safely onboard onto digital platforms and services.
Regional Impact: Malawi, Rwanda, and Zimbabwe
The Fostering Digital Villages initiative extends beyond Zimbabwe to include Malawi and Rwanda, creating a regional approach to digital agricultural transformation in Africa.
This multi-country implementation allows for:
- Sharing best practices across different agricultural contexts
- Developing scalable solutions that work across diverse farming systems
- Creating regional networks of digitally-enabled farmers and agricultural stakeholders
Climate-Smart Agriculture and Rural Development
The integration of digital technologies supports Zimbabwe’s broader goals of climate-smart agriculture and inclusive rural development. Digital tools help farmers:
Adapt to Climate Change: Access weather information, climate-resilient farming practices, and early warning systems.
Improve Resource Efficiency: Optimize water, fertilizer, and seed usage through precision agriculture techniques.
Enhance Market Access: Connect with buyers and access price information to make informed marketing decisions.
Build Resilience: Diversify income sources and access financial services through digital platforms.
Future Outlook for Digital Agriculture in Zimbabwe
The success of the digital fair in Masvingo province demonstrates strong community appetite for digital agricultural solutions. As the initiative expands, Zimbabwe can expect:
Increased Agricultural Productivity: Through better access to information, inputs, and markets.
Enhanced Food Security: By improving farming efficiency and reducing post-harvest losses.
Rural Economic Growth: Through new income opportunities and value chain development.
Youth Engagement: Attracting young people to agriculture through technology integration.
The FAO’s Fostering Digital Villages Initiative represents a comprehensive approach to rural transformation that positions Zimbabwe at the forefront of digital agriculture adoption in Africa.
