Digital collaboration facilitated by FAO links local farmers in Zimbabwe with digital service providers in rural areas
In a groundbreaking initiative, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, in collaboration with the Mhondoro-Ngezi District Agricultural Show Society, hosted a Digital Fair in the Mashonaland West Province, Zimbabwe [6]. This event, part of FAO's broader Fostering Digital Villages Initiative (FDiVi) [12], aims to revolutionise agrifood systems in rural areas, using effective digital technologies, including artificial intelligence.
Tafadzwa Chikwereti, Co-founder of eAgro, aptly described the Digital Fairs as a "vital bridge" between digital innovators and grassroot communities [1]. By showcasing a variety of digital tools and services, these fairs introduce innovative solutions tailored for agriculture, improving the efficiency and effectiveness of farming practices and rural development activities [1][3].
The Digital Fairs serve as dynamic platforms for knowledge exchange and onboarding, allowing farmers and stakeholders to explore, evaluate, and onboard digital solutions in real time, boosting digital literacy and fostering enthusiasm for agrifood digital transformation among rural communities [2]. Maria Chinyoka, a Kushinga farmer group leader, emphasised the importance of bridging technology and tradition in agricultural practices [4].
The fairs also serve as rural market entry points for digital service providers, innovators, and entrepreneurs [5]. Kanukai Madende, Managing Director of Village Finance, expressed interest in partnering with local agents to offer micro-finance services to the under-banked community [7]. The Digital Fairs facilitate access to profitable market services and real-time advisory information, which are crucial for rural farmers' resilience and income growth [2].
The Digital Fairs strengthen engagement between digital innovators and grassroots communities, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange [1]. Spiwe Goto, an Extension Officer with the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development in Zimbabwe, expressed enthusiasm about the Digital Fair, stating that they wish to continue synchronising future agricultural shows with these digital fairs [8].
The FAO Subregional Coordinator for Southern Africa and Representative, Zimbabwe, Patrice Talla, stated that collaborating with Agricultural Show Societies is a step in the right direction [9]. The Digital Fairs reinforce the value of integrating digital innovation into Zimbabwe's agrifood systems, contributing to increased awareness of digital tools among rural stakeholders [10].
FAO remains committed to supporting Zimbabwe's digital transformation journey, ensuring that no community is left behind in the pursuit of modern, resilient, and inclusive agrifood systems [11]. Maria Chinyoka, a Digital Champion trained under the FDiVi project, expressed her learning from the digital fair: digital innovation is beneficial for every farmer, youth, and rural entrepreneur [12]. The Digital Fairs, through their innovative approach, are strategic events that significantly contribute to Zimbabwe’s agrifood systems transformation by embedding digital technologies at the core of rural agricultural innovation, socio-economic development, and sustainable farming practices [1][2][3].
Technology, through the Fostering Digital Villages Initiative (FDiVi) and Digital Fairs, is transforming agrifood systems in rural areas of Zimbabwe by introducing digital tools and services tailored for agriculture. These fairs serve as platforms for knowledge exchange, connecting digital innovators with grassroot communities, and fostering digital literacy and enthusiasm for agricultural digital transformation.
