Zimbabwe, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), has launched digital hubs aimed to empower rural communities particularly
Zimbabwe, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), has launched digital hubs aimed to empower rural communities particularly in the agriculture sector.
The hubs launched in Bikita and Mhondoro-Ngezi districts are part of the Fostering Digital Villages Through Innovative Advisory and Profitable Market Services in Africa (FDiVi) project. These hubs aim to benefit over 5,000 residents, offering a range of services to bridge the digital divide and promote inclusivity in agriculture.
Key Features of the digital hubs includes access to affordable internet access, providing education on using digital tools, with a focus on agricultural applications, and offering technology to enhance productivity and efficiency across farming, processing, and distribution.
National Development Strategies
The initiative supports Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategies (NDS 1 & 2), the Agriculture National Policy Framework, and the Digital Economy Master Plan. It aligns with FAO’s strategic focus on digital agriculture under the Country Programming Framework (CPF) for Zimbabwe (2022-2026).
Special emphasis is on enabling women and youth to participate in the digital economy and promoting inclusivity and rural transformation. To ensure the sustainability of the hubs, FAO and the government are developing a robust model. This includes identifying anchor paying customers, such as schools and local administrative services, commodity associations, as well as exploring corporate social responsibility initiatives and community-based support through nested services and business hubs.
The FDiVi project exemplifies the transformative potential of digital technology in addressing rural development challenges. By fostering innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability, this initiative can serve as a model for similar efforts in other regions. If implemented effectively, these digital hubs will be instrumental in transforming Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector and improving livelihoods in rural areas.
“We believe that these digital hubs can truly integrate local economies into the mainstream, closing the digital divide and unlocking new opportunities for rural communities and especially women,” said the FDiVi coordinator in Zimbabwe.