Zimbabwe scales digital and climate-smart innovations to build resilient agrifood systems

Zimbabwe is accelerating agrifood systems transformation through a suite of digital and climate-smart innovations that strengthen food security, boost productivity, and improve resilience to climate shocks. With coordinated support from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the country is advancing solar-powered irrigation systems, digital early-warning platforms, sustainable aquaculture technologies, and next-generation Digital Villages. This integrated approach — showcased at the 19th FAO Subregional Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) Meeting for Southern Africa — positions Zimbabwe as a regional leader in digital agriculture and climate-smart rural development.

Digital solutions driving climate resilience and food security

Zimbabwe’s agriculture sector faces recurring droughts, erratic rainfall, and pest outbreaks, creating urgent demand for data-driven planning and efficient resource management. To address these challenges, FAO is supporting the deployment of solar-powered irrigation schemes that reduce energy costs and expand water access for smallholder farmers, while reinforcing indigenous black soldier fly technologies for affordable aquaculture feed production. These solutions are complemented by digital innovations that enhance farmer decision-making, improve disease surveillance, and support community-level resilience strategies. Together, they reflect Zimbabwe’s vision to link climate-smart infrastructure with digital transformation for long-term food system resilience.

Earth observation, smart aquaculture, and laboratory digitalization

Through the EOSTAT project, FAO is helping Zimbabwe leverage Earth Observation and geospatial analytics for crop monitoring, field mapping, land-use assessment, and early-warning alerts. This real-time data supports rapid response to drought, pests, and climate pressures, enabling farmers and policymakers to act on timely, science-based information. In parallel, the organization is strengthening aquaculture value chains by supporting the use of black soldier fly technologies — rooted in indigenous knowledge — to produce organic protein-rich feed. FAO is also digitalizing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance systems across sentinel laboratories, enhancing national capacity to monitor animal health and protect public health in line with global One Health principles.         

Digital Villages and strategic partnerships for rural transformation

Digital innovation is expanding beyond data platforms and laboratories to the community level. Through the Digital Villages Initiative (DVI), FAO is partnering with local service providers to equip rural communities with mobile-based advisory tools, digital financial services, e-extension platforms, and technology-enabled market linkages. These hubs connect farmers to weather information, agricultural expertise, and commercial opportunities while strengthening local entrepreneurship. Complementing these efforts, investments supported by the African Development Bank’s Seed Revolving Fund and sustainable water-capture technologies such as sand abstraction ensure that digital tools are matched with resilient natural-resource systems. The result is a holistic model where technology, climate adaptation, and local capacity converge to deliver lasting food-systems transformation.

A Pathway toward scalable, data-powered agriculture

FAO and the Government of Zimbabwe continue to expand digital capabilities and climate-smart solutions across the country, from January to December 2025 and beyond. Scaling efforts prioritize partnerships with private technology providers, continued investment in geospatial platforms, and skills development for farmers, extension staff, and youth innovators. As digital ecosystems deepen, Zimbabwe is building a foundation for smarter agriculture, more efficient market access, stronger disease monitoring, and resilient livelihoods. By linking soil, water, aquaculture, and digital systems, the country is charting a future where innovation drives prosperity and food security for all.