The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, with support from FAO, is leading a digital transformation of rural agriculture in Zimbabwe. Through the Fostering Digital Villages Initiative (FDIVI), innovative technologies—like AI tools, mobile platforms, and digital hubs—are being introduced to build climate resilience, boost productivity, and empower youth and women across farming communities.
Sharleen Mohammed
The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, with support from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), is spearheading efforts to transform rural agriculture in Zimbabwe through digital technologies designed to build climate resilience and empower youth.
Under the FAO’s Fostering Digital Villages Initiative (FDIVI), a recent Digital Fair held in Bikita District, Masvingo Province, brought together farmers, agri-entrepreneurs, and digital innovators to showcase solutions that improve agricultural productivity while addressing climate challenges.
“Digital technologies are vital enablers of climate-smart agriculture, helping farmers make informed decisions in the face of erratic weather patterns,” said Norbert Chiduza, District Agricultural Extension Officer from the Ministry of Agriculture. “Our partnership with FAO ensures these tools reach rural communities, enabling sustainable farming and inclusive rural development.”
The FDIVI programme integrates advanced tools such as artificial intelligence (AI) advisory services and mobile platforms that provide real-time weather data, pest alerts, and market information, enhancing farmers’ capacity to adapt and thrive.
Bernard Hadzirambwi, District Development Coordinator, stressed the role of digital hubs established under the initiative, which provide free internet access and digital literacy training, particularly targeting youth and women — key drivers of rural economic growth.
This approach aligns with the countrys broader development goals to modernize agriculture, foster innovation, and create employment opportunities for young people in rural areas.
Patrice Talla, FAO Subregional Coordinator for Southern Africa and Representative to Zimbabwe, noted: “By embedding digitalization at the heart of rural development, the FDIVI programme is accelerating inclusive transformation and building resilience across the agrifood system.”
The Ministry and FAO plan to institutionalize Digital Fairs within annual agricultural shows at district and ward levels, ensuring ongoing engagement and scaling of digital innovations that future-proof Zimbabwe’s agriculture.
Through this initiative, Zimbabwe is embracing a new era where technology, climate-smart practices, and youth empowerment converge to secure sustainable rural livelihoods and strengthen food security.
