FAO IGNITES DIGITAL FARMING REVOLUTION IN ZIMBABWE

FAO spearheads digital transformation in Zimbabwe’s agriculture sector by introducing AI-powered tools and technologies to rural communities.

Zimbabwe Digital agriculture Artificial intelligence Smallholder farmers Technology.
FAO harnesses artificial intelligence (AI) and smart technologies for Zimbabwean smallholder farmers
FAO harnesses artificial intelligence (AI) and smart technologies for Zimbabwean smallholder farmers


Zimbabwean smallholder farmers are now at the forefront of a digital revolution, thanks to a new initiative by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) that harnesses artificial intelligence (AI) and smart technologies.

Over the weekend, the southeastern district of Bikita played host to a vibrant digital agriculture fair, an interactive showcase of AI-powered tools and digital solutions designed to reimagine farming for a new era. Farmers, agri-entrepreneurs, digital service providers, and government officials converged to explore how data-driven innovation can improve productivity, market access, and climate resilience.

“This project facilitates delivery of innovative agricultural extension services for increased productivity, enhanced market access, and inclusive rural transformation,” said Patrice Talla, FAO Subregional Coordinator for Southern Africa and Representative to Zimbabwe. “It will especially support youth and women in farming communities.”

The fair is part of FAO’s broader Digital Villages initiative, which aims to revamp agrifood systems in rural Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Rwanda using scalable digital technologies. Central to the programme are mobile market platforms, AI-powered advisory apps, and digital extension tools tailored to the needs of smallholder farmers.

Bernard Hadzirambwi, District Development Coordinator for Bikita, praised the initiative, noting that “rural innovation thrives when communities connect and interact with digital technology.” He urged farmers to embrace these tools to improve yields, adapt to climate shocks, and grow their businesses.

FAO is also establishing digital hubs in Bikita and Mhondoro-Ngezi districts, providing free internet access, computers, and digital literacy training. These hubs will serve as community learning spaces to help farmers unlock the potential of tech-enabled agriculture.

Looking ahead, FAO plans to integrate these digital fairs into district and ward-level agricultural shows annually, creating more opportunities for innovation, knowledge exchange, and rural empowerment.

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