Govt, FAO Roll Out GIS Training to

Oscar J Jeke

The Food and Agriculture Organisation and the Government of Zimbabwe yesterday launched a five-day training programme in Bulawayo aimed at strengthening early warning capacity and disaster preparedness in the agriculture sector.

Running from 1–5 September, the workshop is equipping 30 frontline extension officers from the Department of Agricultural Rural Development Advisory Services and the Department of Veterinary Services with skills in Geographic Information Systems, remote sensing, and the KoBo Toolbox.

Officials said the training will enhance hazard mapping, real-time data collection, and rapid response at community level while reinforcing national disaster information systems.

“The objective is to create a skilled pool of specialists who can generate evidence-based data for proactive action in food security and resilience,” organisers said.

The initiative is part of broader efforts to improve Zimbabwe’s capacity for anticipatory action in response to climate-related shocks, animal disease outbreaks, and other hazards threatening rural livelihoods.