Zimbabwe AgriTech Strategy 2021–2025.

The Zimbabwe AgriTech Strategy is a national framework aligned with the broader vision of Smart Zimbabwe 2030. It positions technology-enabled agriculture as a driver of economic growth, higher incomes, and stronger value chains, while improving livelihoods across rural communities. By increasing productivity and efficiency, it also supports responses to key sector challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, drought, desertification, high production risks, and fragmented supply systems. AgriTech focuses on the innovative use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in agriculture to enhance decision-making and resource use. This includes leveraging devices, digital networks, services, and applications to expand access to timely, relevant information for farmers and other stakeholders. Beyond technology deployment, the strategy emphasizes the importance of enabling conditions, including standards, regulatory frameworks, and practical methodologies, alongside the development of individual skills and institutional capacity. Through a coordinated approach, it seeks to optimize the use of financial and human resources, address sector-wide constraints, unlock new revenue opportunities, and promote sustainable agricultural and rural development.
The main goals of the AgriTech Strategy are (i) to leverage AgriTech innovations to improve efficiency in light of climate change; (ii) reduce the cost of production and enhance the competitiveness of agriculture; (iii) improve production and productivity and promote the sector’s contribution to the GDP. The Strategy’s specific objectives are to (i) enhance the availability and reliability of agricultural information through improved data systems; (ii) ensure access to affordable, secure, and advanced ICT infrastructure and tools; (iii) strengthen awareness, education, and skills among farmers and other stakeholders through remote knowledge sharing; (iv) bridge demand–supply gaps and boost market access, efficiency, and profitability via digital marketplaces and better logistics; (v) improve research capacity and the quality and reach of extension services using ICTs; (vi) expand traceability and monitoring systems to support food safety, quality, and environmental management while reducing waste; (vii) promote innovation in AgriTech services; (viii) reduce risks faced by agricultural stakeholders; (ix) enhance access to finance and investment through digital and mobile technologies; (x) strengthen and effectively implement policies, regulations, and guidelines supporting e-agriculture. To achieve the outlined objectives, the medium-term Plan is organized around 7 priority areas (1) strengthening the enabling environment for agricultural transformation and development; (2) promoting change management and building stakeholder capacity; (3) increasing production and productivity through AgriTech; (4) developing AgriTech support services alongside robust knowledge and information networks; (5) advancing agricultural industrialization, value chain development, and market access; (6) addressing agricultural land issues while protecting and sustainably managing natural resources, including wildlife; (7) ensuring food security and nutrition through the implementation of quality control and safety measures for both domestic consumption and export.
The implementation of the Strategy will follow a structured sequence of activities and phases. Key steps include (i) defining the most appropriate smart agriculture approach; (ii) establishing governance arrangements and operational mechanisms; (iii) engaging and consulting stakeholders; (iv) setting up an AgriTech management framework; (v) mobilizing the necessary resources.