AI‑powered eAgro platform set to boost smallholder farming

SMALLHOLDER farmers in Matabeleland South province are set to benefit from an artificial intelligence-powered agricultural advisory system that integrates satellite data, weather information and agronomic expertise to provide guidance throughout the farming cycle.

Under a Government-funded initiative, the eAgro platform is expected to support smallholder farmers by delivering data-driven, climate-smart farming solutions aimed at improving productivity and resilience to climate change.

The digital platform is currently used by more than 5 000 farmers and is estimated to be benefiting over 15 000 people within farming communities across the country.

Mr Tafadzwa Chikwereti, co-founder of eAgro, an agri-tech start-up funded through the Potraz Innovation Hub and developed using AI-powered solutions, said the system offers crop-specific recommendations based on crop growth stages, soil conditions and weather patterns, alongside pest and disease monitoring and practical, localised advisory services.

“It is designed to work in low-connectivity environments using basic mobile phones. Farmers are actively using the platform across several agricultural regions in Zimbabwe, including Marirangwe, Marondera, Norton, Mutoko, and Murehwa, alongside broader coverage in Mashonaland East, Mashonaland West, Mashonaland Central, and Manicaland. Our focus now is on the Matabeleland region following the success of the project in other parts of the country,” said Mr Chikwereti.

He said the eAgro platform has already begun to deliver positive outcomes for farmers.
“The system processes satellite data, weather patterns and farm-level inputs to generate localised recommendations tailored to each farmer’s conditions. Farmers access the service through SMS for accessibility on basic phones and WhatsApp for smartphone users. This ensures inclusivity, allowing farmers in both low and high connectivity areas to consistently receive advisory support.

“Farmers using eAgro are seeing measurable improvements in their farming outcomes that include 18 to 22 percent increase in income per farmer, improved yields through better timing of planting and input application, reduced losses from pests and diseases through early detection and more efficient use of inputs such as seed and fertiliser.

This leads to more consistent harvests, stronger decision-making, and increased overall farm productivity,” said Mr Chikwereti.