By Virginia Njovo
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development (MoLAFWRD) has distributed 500 tablets to Agriculture and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS) officers—formerly AGRITEX officers—in five districts of Masvingo Province.
The initiative aims to equip the officers with digital tools to align with the government’s vision of digitalizing field operations.
The districts benefiting from the tablets and training on data collection are Bikita, Chiredzi, Chivi, Mwenezi, and Zaka.
MoLAFWRD Permanent Secretary, Professor Obert Jiri, highlighted the government’s commitment to equipping field officers with modern technology to keep pace with a rapidly evolving world.
“The Ministry has adapted to the digital world by digitalizing field operations. A lot of work is being done on the ground, so to improve timeliness, going digital is the way forward,” said Professor Jiri.
Masvingo Provincial Agricultural Director, Caleb Mahoya, emphasized that providing extension officers with tablets will enhance transparency, improve record-keeping, reduce human error, and offer greater convenience.
“This initiative aims to assist field officers in collecting data from farmers and keeping records electronically. It ensures data confidentiality, minimizes human error in data collection, and improves timeliness,” said Mahoya.
Mahoya praised the ministry for the effort, noting that digitalization will streamline audits and enhance the monitoring and evaluation of various projects.
“This effort of equipping extension officers with technological tools will increase accountability in various activities. Audits will be easily conducted due to the availability and accessibility of information, while monitoring and evaluation exercises will be more efficient for projects within the Ministry,” added Mahoya.
He also highlighted how the initiative safeguards important data from natural disasters.
“Previously, critical data and records were at risk of being lost during rainy seasons, but the new digital tools will ensure such information is safely stored and easily accessible. Combined with the motorbikes they received earlier, which resolved mobility challenges, these tablets will help us manage information more efficiently. Digitization has transformed field operations, making jobs easier and more effective,” said Mahoya.
The government’s ongoing efforts to equip its workforce with modern tools are vital for achieving national development and agricultural transformation. Similar technological advancements have already been implemented for other AGRITEX officers across the country.
