Emerging Voices in ICT and agriculture - CTA Publishing

FARMERS ONLINE IN ZIMBABWE
Raymond Erick Zvavanyange,
Zimbabwe, Southern Africa
Youth must be relevant to
their specific disciplines. Youth
should use whatever avenues
they have to make a difference.
Youth must learn from experienced
farmers and persons
involved in agriculture. “Mere
talk” is unacceptable. Youth
must do it.
I am a second born child in a family of five children.
Growing up in a high density suburb in
Zimbabwe with my neighbourhood friends gave
me the social character which helped in my academic
and professional life. I grew up pretty fast
with a growing realization that I am capable of
excelling. I am inspired by people with an open
mind, reminding me of the endless possibilities
to my life, if you work hard. I also value my religion
as well. In the words of my former lecturer
at University, I am “someone who does things
out of his own volition”.
I chose to deal with ICTs and marketing in Zimbabwe
because this is new field. ICTs can integrate
the different marketing strategies and
pro grammes being promoted by public, private
and non-governmental institutions, overcoming
hurdles such as bureaucracy and personnel
involvement in traditional marketing systems.
My blog: http://community.eldis.org/.59f604b2
My Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/
zvavanyanger3
My favourite quote: “With or without a PhD,
there are big and important problems for you
to solve.” – Freeman Dyson
Essay summary
Today’s agricultural challenges need modern
solutions – ones that are producer-driven,
affordable and adapted to local communities. ICTs
hold the key to development in Zimbabwe’s rural
areas, where 70% of the population is based. At
national level, communication technologies are well
integrated into government administration, and all
ministries and state corporations have their own
ICT structures and personnel. NGOs have also
come on board. One popular initiative is the
Freedom Fone launched by the Kubatana Trust,
which uses interactive voice response (IVR) technology.
Anyone can call the service to leave a voice
message, listen to messages from others, or hear
the information provided by Kubatana Trust. This
is a social platform but could also be adapted for
agriculture. Private companies looking for out growers
and contract producers could use the network
to link up with farmers and their organizations.
| 36 Emerging Voices in ICT and agriculture | PART 2