Online Reporter
Sikhulekelani Moyo, Sunday News Reporter
THE Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development has introduced a new honour, the Best Agricultural Business Advisory Officer and VET of the Year Award, to celebrate the hard work and dedication of extension officers, who drive Zimbabwe’s agricultural success.
The launch took place on Friday at Banket Sports Club, Mashonaland West, where Permanent Secretary, Professor Obert Jiri, paid tribute to these often-overlooked champions of the sector.
He said extension officers play a crucial role in the growth of agriculture, making their recognition both necessary and deserved.
“This award celebrates those extension officers who are doing so much in the wards they serve. They are the vanguard of our agricultural transformation strategy,” he said.
Prof Jiri also noted that President Mnangagwa deeply appreciates the role of extension officers, having equipped them with motorbikes, tools of trade and more recently, solar-powered kits to boost their efficiency.
He revealed that an e-extension mobile application has been developed to provide real-time information and guidance, ensuring that officers remain at the forefront of transforming agriculture.
“By nurturing a strong business culture among farmers, especially smallholders, extension officers can significantly enhance production, productivity and national food security,” said Prof Jiri.
Two award recipients, Agricultural Business Advisory Officers Nyasha Gonde of Mhondoro Ngezi and Mushambi Tigere, expressed excitement over the recognition, saying it would inspire innovation, improve productivity and strengthen food security in Zimbabwe.
“This is a noble initiative, which creates healthy competition among officers, ultimately benefiting both farmers and officers and promoting growth in the sector,” said Mr Tigere.
Ms Gonde added: “We now have sufficient resources. On the technology side, we had challenges charging our phones, but with the solar kits, our devices are functional every day. We also received laptops from the Minister and I won another laptop at the ZAS Awards. We have motorbikes, which make it easier to reach farmers, so we are motivated to work even harder.”
The awards are sponsored by the Shumba Group and other partners, demonstrating a strong commitment to collaboration in uplifting Zimbabwe’s rural communities and agricultural future.
The capacitation of farmers and agricultural extension officers remains key to maintaining the country’s momentum in agricultural revival.
Bongani Ndlovu