Permanent Secretary for Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development, Professor Obert Jiri, has called for the urgent retooling of the ministry’s workforce to embrace artificial intelligence (AI) and data-driven agriculture, as climate change continues to threaten food production.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Eastern and Southern African Management Institute (ESAMI) Director General, Professor Peter Kiuluku, yesterday, Professor Jiri said Zimbabwe must prepare its agricultural sector for a future shaped by technology.
“We have approximately 14,000 members of staff who need to be retooled to operate in a data-driven and AI-led agricultural environment. Drought cycles that once occurred every decade are now happening every three to four years, making it imperative for us to use technology to improve planning, preparedness and productivity,” he said.
He noted that advances in satellite imagery and digital agricultural tools have exposed critical gaps in data collection and analysis.
“The technologies are available, but the data gaps remain a challenge. We need officers and managers who can interpret information, supervise modern systems and make informed decisions that strengthen climate resilience,” he said.
Professor Jiri also stressed the need for specialised training programmes targeting Agricultural Business Advisory Officers and senior managers to help them navigate global shocks and changing consumer preferences.
In response, Professor Kiuluku pledged ESAMI’s support.
“ESAMI remains committed to strengthening institutional capacity within its member states. We look forward to collaborating with the Ministry to enhance agribusiness management, food security and rural modernisation through targeted training programmes,” he said.
The initiative is expected to strengthen institutional capacity within the Ministry of Agriculture and improve planning, productivity and climate resilience through data-driven and technology-enabled farming systems.
