Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, Matabeleland South Bureau
AGRICULTURAL business advisors, formerly known as extension officers, have said they are now able to execute their duties effectively following their capacitation by Government.
The Government, working with development partners, has engaged in a drive to ensure agricultural business advisors have access to working tools, transportation means, work kits, and accommodation, among others.
As part of the capacitation drive, the Government has, since 2020, given the agricultural business advisors various accessories, including motorbikes, rider suits, work suits, tablets loaded with data and airtime, among other resources, and most recently Government handed over solar kits to the agricultural business advisors.
Ms Caroline Moyo, who is based in Ward 9, Insiza District, said receiving a motorbike has brought to an end the nightmare she was having of walking 17 kilometres to reach the furthest point within her area of jurisdiction. She said being able to move around and reach farmers is key to executing her duties.
Ms Moyo has also received a house which is located at the Wanezi Irrigation Scheme.
“My area is very big and the furthest part is about 17 kilometres away. I had to travel this distance on foot, which was hindering me from effectively reaching and engaging the farmers. I can now easily move around villages to engage farmers. For me to carry out my work effectively, I have to be among the people.
“My area also covers the Wanezi Irrigation Scheme and I have benefitted from a house located at the scheme. This will help me to be hands-on at the scheme and to assist farmers across all stages of production. At the same time, I will also be visible in other parts of the district,” she said.
Ms Moyo said they also undergo training, which is aimed at equipping agricultural business advisors to remain abreast with modern agricultural trends.
Ms Sikhanyiso Ngwenya, who is an agricultural business advisor in Ward 1 in Gwanda District, said communication remains crucial in the execution of their duties. The agricultural business advisors have been capacitated with Information Communication Technology (ICT) tools, which have enabled communication with farmers as well as other agricultural officials.
Ms Ngwenya said the gadgets will ensure they can send out information to farmers timeously and also file and submit reports.
“The agricultural sector has evolved over the years, incorporating a lot of new concepts which require us to communicate frequently.
“We need to constantly receive information on weather patterns, disease outbreaks and other threats and then share that information with farmers so they can make informed decisions.
“We also need to send reports and communicate with our superiors. Gone are the days when, as an extension officer, I could do my work remotely.
“I have to be where the farmers are, where the livestock are and where the crops are,” she said.
Speaking recently during a visit to the Wanezi area in Insiza, where he handed over a house to an extension officer of the area Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Permanent Secretary, Professor Dr Obert Jiri said the capacitation of agricultural advisors is crucial to the development of the agricultural sector.
In Matabeleland South the Government has deployed more than 400 agricultural business advisors across the province to advise farmers and act as an anchor for early warning systems in the face of climate change.
@DubeMatutu
