Story by Mhlomuli Ncube
The adoption of solutions driven by information communication technologies has been identified as the way to go for countries like Zimbabwe which are consolidating their food security status.
The Transform Africa Summit has been a showcase of the best in terms of innovative Smart Solutions and other technologies.
Zimbabwe’s agriculture sector stands to benefit from the ongoing technological innovations some of which are currently being exhibited in Victoria Falls.
Having set up irrigation schemes that are now changing lives in communities through high yields, the Zimbabwe Agriculture Rural Development Authority (ARDA) is eyeing the deployment of smart solutions in other schemes across the country.
“We are looking at deploying drones, robotics and other innovations. These help through the cycle of crop production, harvesting, analysis and forecasts,” said ARDA chief executive officer, Mr Tinotenda Mhiko.
“They are the right products to help the country manage its Irrigation portfolios efficiently and with proven scientific methods,” he went on.
Robotic innovations have ceased to be imaginary television productions and are now playing a key role in other nations across Africa.
“We are producing technologies such as drones which are important in agriculture. These do crop management, and analysis of soils and other nutrients. These are technologies that are critical for Africa,” noted Rwanda M and E Communication Specialist, Ms Tiro Murenzi Guilane.
After a season where government declared the country food secure, mainstreaming Smart Solutions and innovative technologies into agriculture is expected to give impetus to the sector’s growth.
