Story by Tamuka Charakupa
THE Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Rural Development has launched the Best Extension Worker Award, a new initiative to motivate agricultural extension officers to perform at their best as Zimbabwe targets food security.
The award, launched in Banket this Friday, is expected to recognise and reward hardworking agricultural business advisors, formerly extension officers, who play a critical role in supporting farmers and improving productivity in rural areas.
Beneficiaries have welcomed the initiative.
“This award motivates us as the ground force to push beyond our limits. This will unlock personal skills and spur competition among us, but above all, the farmers are the ultimate winners,” Makonde Ward 5, Extension Worker, Mr Mushambi Tigere said.
“We are grateful for the support we are receiving from the government. So far, we have no mobility challenges because we were given motorbikes, and we no longer experiencing communication challenges because we have tablets. Above all, we receive timely updates on current trends complemented by vigorous capacity building workshops that we attend,” Mhondoro Ngezi Ward 5 Extension Worker, Mrs Nyasha Gonde explained.
As Zimbabwe targets food self-sufficiency, the government says empowered extension workers are important to the agricultural sector’s growth.
“We introduced this award to promote excellence and accountability within our extension system. Extension officers are the bridge between research and the farmer, and their performance directly impacts production. With the tools and resources we have provided, we expect them to go the extra mile. Our end goal is simple: we want to ensure food security by increasing productivity per hectare, and that can only happen if farmers receive the right support on time,” Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri noted.
“It is easy to work with a motivated individual. The capacitation of our extension officers has transformed the way we deliver services to farmers. With motorbikes, mobile tablets, and solar kits, officers are now able to collect data in real time, monitor crop performance more effectively, and respond quicker to farmers’ needs. This digital approach also helps us make informed decisions at the national level. Ultimately, it is about improving efficiency, boosting productivity, and ensuring that no farmer is left behind,” Mashonaland West Provincial Director, Mrs Medlinah Magwenzi said.
“As Masvingo, we command at least 52 percent of water bodies in the country, which speaks to our potential as a leading food producer in the country. Before this capacitation drive, many of our officers were limited in their coverage due to a lack of transport and equipment. Now, with the motorbikes and tablets, they can visit more farmers in remote areas, offer real-time technical advice, and even send reports instantly. This has greatly improved farmer engagement and the adoption of recommended farming practices on the ground,” Masvingo Provincial Director, Mr Caleb Mahoya added.
With stronger motivation and improved capacity, the agricultural production foot soldiers are now better positioned to help farmers move the nation closer to its food self-sufficiency goals.
