Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
AS part of efforts to capacitate agricultural business advisors, formerly known as extension officers, the Government, working with development partners, has engaged in a drive to provide them with decent accommodation.
Speaking during a visit to Wanezi area in Insiza, where he handed over a house to an extension officer, Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Permanent Secretary, Professor Dr Obert Jiri, said capacitation of agricultural advisors is crucial to the development of the agricultural sector.
“One of the things that is critical for our agricultural business advisors is where they stay. They must have decent accommodation where they can stay with their families as they carry out their duties. If they are close to where they operate from, it’s even better.
“We are seeing here one of our partners building a house for our agriculture business advisor. This is a modernised housed which is equipped with essentials such as solar energy. This is the kind of development we wish to see as we equip and capaciate our agricultural business advisors,” he said.
Prof Jiri said the Government’s journey to capacitate agricultural business advisors started in 2020 when they received motorbikes, rider suits, work suits, tablets loaded with data and airtime among other resources. In a recent development Government has handed over solar kits to agricultural business advisors.
In Matabeleland South Government has deployed more than 400 extension officers across Matabeleland South to advice farmers and act as an anchor for early warning systems in the face of climate change.
Some have been failing to execute their duties due to power challenges.
@DubeMatutu
Bunjiwe Mkwananzi