adminHerald Reporter
Farmers have welcomed the introduction of the EcoFarmer scheme by mobile telephone operator Econet Wireless saying the initiative would reduce the impact of weather on their livelihoods. Zimbabwe Farmers’ Union (ZFU) second vice president Mr Berean Mukwende gave a thumbs up to the scheme which he said was beneficial for farmers facing exposure to weather-related losses.
“Almost all the farmers own mobile phones and with this new technology, information about the weather forecast can reach a wider range of farmers which will keep them equipped and informed,” he said.
“Communication technologies are important and farmers can manipulate such information and produce good yields and in the event of a drought the farmer can get cover and avoid suffering from food insecurity.”
The EcoFarmer scheme was launched a fortnight ago. It is a weather-indexed drought insurance cover for smallholder farmers which allows farmers to make a financial claim if their crops fail because of either inadequate or excessive rainfall.
Mr Mukwende urged other telecommunications companies to also expand such facilities to benefit farmers and the country at large.
Online Reporter