Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
Over 450 extension workers from Matabeleland South, last week received solar kits under a Government initiative aimed at empowering these frontline workers, who play a vital role in advancing the agricultural sector.
District Agritex Extension Officers from all seven districts in the province also received vehicles.
The Government has deployed more than 400 extension officers across Matabeleland South to advice farmers and serve as anchors for early warning systems in the face of climate change. However, some have struggled to carry out their duties due to power challenges.
Speaking during a ceremony to commission the equipment, Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Cde Albert Nguluvhe, said the capacitation drive is crucial to boosting the agricultural sector.
“Agritex extension officers are the foot soldiers responsible for implementing projects rolled out by the Government as part of efforts to develop the agricultural sector. Our foot soldiers cannot do their work without the necessary resources.
“We are grateful for this intervention from the Government under the able leadership of His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa, which will ensure that our foot soldiers can carry out their duties effectively,” he said.
Minister Nguluvhe emphasised the need for constant monitoring of extension workers to ensure they perform their duties diligently. He noted that the country’s attainment of Vision 2030 hinges on several key factors, including a strengthened agricultural sector.
“This is what the President means when he says he will leave no one and no place behind. We are vulnerable to climate change-related challenges, and equipping these officers is the only way to be proactive.
“We are grateful to the Government for this intervention — this is a step in the right direction on our journey towards 2030,” he said.
Minister Nguluvhe added that the Government had implemented strategies to empower communities, such as drilling boreholes to enable villagers to establish village business units.
“For these initiatives to succeed, farmers must be equipped with the necessary knowledge. Extension workers receiving these resources must go to the ground and work vigorously. Agriculture is crucial to the country’s development, hence the need to ensure farmers are supported to increase production,” he said.
Matabeleland South Provincial Agriculture Advisory and Rural Development Services Director, Mrs Shupikai Sibanda, said the tools would help build resilience among communities in the face of climate change.
“We appreciate what His Excellency has done for Matabeleland South, particularly in terms of the vehicles. We also received 463 solar kits for our agricultural business advisors, formerly known as extension workers.
“These tools will be invaluable as we work towards achieving Vision 2030. We want Matabeleland South to be self-sufficient in terms of food, and these tools will help us realise that vision.
“The solar kits will assist business advisors in receiving and disseminating crucial information, such as early warnings,” she said.
Mrs Sibanda added that the tools would also support rapid responses to outbreaks such as pests. — @DubeMatutu
