By Johnson Siamachira
Harare, (New Ziana) — Artificial intelligence could help Zimbabwean farmers make better production and marketing decisions by providing price forecasts, identifying potential pest outbreaks and connecting producers with prospective buyers, agricultural technology company MarketFindMe says.
The company’s AI-powered platform uses data to provide farmers with market intelligence, crop recommendations, yield forecasts, pest alerts and financial analysis, according to information supplied by MarketFindMe at the 2026 Harare Agricultural Show Saturday.
The technology comes as Zimbabwe accelerates efforts to use digital tools to improve agricultural productivity, market access and climate resilience. The Food and Agriculture Organization(FAO) and the government have been expanding digital agriculture initiatives, including the use of artificial intelligence in extension services. In 2025, FAO trained agricultural extension specialists from 25 districts in generative AI to strengthen frontline advisory services.
The push reflects a growing recognition that farmers need timely information, not only inputs, to decide what to plant, when to harvest and where to sell. A 2026 United Nations University policy brief found that Zimbabwean smallholders face persistent barriers to timely climate and market information, partly because agricultural extension systems remain under-resourced and fragmented.
MarketFindMe says its market-intelligence tools can analyse prices and trends to help farmers determine when and where to sell their produce. Its buyer-matching function is designed to recommend potential buyers and suppliers based on the farmer’s products.
The platform also uses satellite data and AI models to estimate expected production, while its pest-detection function aims to provide early warnings of pest and disease outbreaks.
A financial-insights component analyses production costs and profitability, potentially helping farmers assess whether particular crops or marketing decisions make economic sense.
“AI-powered insights” are intended to give farmers recommendations that combine production, market and financial information rather than relying on individual pieces of information, the company says.
Zimbabwe’s agriculture sector remains heavily dependent on smallholder farmers, with more than 70 per cent of the population relying on agriculture for livelihoods, according to published research.
Other digital platforms are also emerging to address market-information gaps. The Zimbabwe Mercantile Exchange provides market data on commodity prices, trends, bids, offers and trading volumes, while newer digital marketplaces connect farmers with buyers and provide price information.
However, analysts caution that AI will only deliver benefits if farmers have access to reliable connectivity, useful data, digital skills and safeguards for personal information. The United Nations in Zimbabwe has also highlighted concerns over connectivity, data interoperability and the capacity of farmers to use digital systems effectively.
For MarketFindMe, the challenge is therefore not simply introducing AI to agriculture but ensuring that its recommendations translate into practical decisions farmers can afford to implement.
