This initiative aims to provide these officers with the resources needed to tackle the challenges posed by climate change effectively. This is also in an effort to equip extension officers with technological tools that will increase their access to information through internet access.
The Permanent Secretary, Professor dr. Obert Jiri, represented by Provincial Director for Mashonaland West, Mrs Medlinah Magwenzi acknowledged this initiative and emphasized on the need to embrace information communication technologies.
“These tablets will lessen the number of books needed by extension officers to store information as one can just record everything in the tablet. The tablets will also improve the efficiency and effectiveness of extension officer`s duties” she said.
4-H Zimbabwe has a signed Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development. The organisation, partnering the ministry has also donated smart tablets to AGRITEX Officers in Midlands Province, Chiwundura Rural District.
John Muchenje, Executive Director for 4-H Zimbabwe Foundation gave a presentation about 4-H Zimbabwe and its programming on the Food security nexus. He further explained that this project is aimed at empowering all the farmers in the community as they will all benefit from being educated by the AGRITEX officers. He explained that 4-H Zimbabwe wants to ensure that no one is affected by climate change.
One of the beneficiaries and representative for the disability community, Francis Mano commended the work being done by 4-H Zimbabwe in their constituency and went on to further suggest that there is need for more representation for the disability community in the district.
The handover ceremony of the tablets spearheaded by the Member of Parliament for Hurungwe West, Chinjai Kambuzuma saw the AGRITEX officers from the 8 wards within the Hurungwe West Constituency.
The local Chief from the constituency, Chief Matau gave remarks and expressed his gratitude for such a progressive initiative that will benefit all the farmers within the constituency. He thanked the head of Matau Primary School and the staff for offering a venue to carry out the event. He emphasized on the need to work together as a community so that we go far and no one is left behind.
Closing the event, Edmore Nyamukumba, Councilor for Ward 25 thanked 4-H Zimbabwe for implementing such empowerment to the community. He encouraged all the participants to adhere to the teachings of the AGRITEX officers for enhanced livelihoods.
4-H Zimbabwe hopes to proceed with such initiatives around the country so that AGRITEX officers are capacitated with adequate tools to effectively implement their work.