By Elvis Dumba
Banket — Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Rural Development launched the Best Extension Worker Award to motivate agricultural business advisors and improve productivity across Zimbabwe.
The new award aims to recognize and reward hardworking extension officers who are crucial in supporting farmers and boosting productivity in rural areas.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri, explained the purpose behind the initiative.
“We introduced this award to promote excellence and accountability within our extension system,” he noted.
“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.”
Extension workers themselves are embracing the new award. Mr. Mushambi Tigere, an extension worker for Makonde Ward 5, said, “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.”
The government has invested in empowering extension workers, providing them with essential tools to do their jobs more effectively.
Mrs. Nyasha Gonde, an extension worker from Mhondoro Ngezi Ward 5, highlighted the impact of this support.
“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 are 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.”
According to Mashonaland West Provincial Director Mrs. Medlinah Magwenzi, this investment is paying off. “It is easy to work with a motivated individual,” she said.
“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.”
With stronger motivation and improved capacity, these agricultural “foot soldiers” are now better positioned to help the nation achieve its goal of food self-sufficiency.
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