Zimbabwe’s Digital Fair Sparks Rural Agricultural Innovation
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in partnership with the Mhondoro-Ngezi District Agricultural Show Society, successfully hosted a groundbreaking Digital Fair in Zimbabwe’s Mashonaland West Province. This event, part of the Fostering Digital Villages Initiative (FDiVi), showcased how digital technology is revolutionizing agriculture and rural development.
The Digital Fair blended traditional agricultural exhibitions with cutting-edge digital tools and services designed to boost productivity and sustainability. It provided farmers, youth, local leaders, and extension officers with an interactive platform to explore innovative technologies, including artificial intelligence, tailored specifically for rural agrifood systems.
“Collaborating with Agricultural Show Societies marks a significant step in expanding digital innovation to rural communities,” said Patrice Talla, FAO Subregional Coordinator for Southern Africa. “This initiative supports Zimbabwe’s goals for sustainable agriculture, youth empowerment, and rural development.”
The event attracted a diverse group of stakeholders, including government officials, digital service providers, youth organizations, rural development groups, and traditional leaders. Extension officer Spiwe Goto highlighted the positive impact on attendance and knowledge sharing, noting plans to integrate digital fairs with future agricultural shows.
Digital Champion Maria Chinyoka, who leads the Kushinga farmer group, shared her experience: “Digital innovation isn’t just for urban centres. It’s for every farmer and rural entrepreneur ready to grow. We’re building bridges between technology and tradition.”
Local innovators like Tafadzwa Chikwereti, co-founder of eAgro, emphasized the fair’s role in connecting tech developers with grassroots communities, often overlooked in agriculture’s digital transformation. Meanwhile, financial institutions such as Village Finance identified new opportunities to reach under-banked rural populations through micro-finance services.
The successful Digital Fair has strengthened collaboration between digital innovators and rural stakeholders, accelerating the adoption of smart agricultural solutions. It also set the stage for greater policy integration to support inclusive and resilient agrifood systems across Zimbabwe.
FAO remains committed to ensuring that no rural community is left behind in the digital transformation journey, fostering sustainable growth and improved livelihoods across the region.
