Bulawayo, (New Ziana)-Natural hazards are emerging as top threats to agriculture productivity and food security in Zimbabwe, particularly in rural areas where communities depend heavily on subsistence farming.
To bolster the country’s preparedness against climate-related disasters, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations (UN) rolled out an intensive training on Mobile Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Kobo Toolbox for agricultural extension officers in THE Matebeleland region.
The training aims to equip frontline officers with real-time data collection and mapping skills essential for hazard anticipation and early action in the country’s agro sector. The initiative comes as Zimbabwe, like many countries in Southern Africa, grapples with the escalating impact of climate change characterized by more frequent and intense droughts, floods, and storms.
Addressing participants of the training in Bulawayo on Tuesday, FAO representative in Zimbabwe and Sub-regional coordinator for Southern Africa, Patrice Talla, highlighted the urgency of the initiative, noting the growing global and regional push towards anticipatory action in disaster risk reduction.
“The workshop seeks to enhance our knowledge and skills to provide timely and accurate information about potential risks and hazards to agricultural systems and food security,” he said.
He noted that while climate-related disasters are becoming more frequent and deadly, the ability to predict and act on early warning signals has improved significantly in recent years. Talla, however, said translating that capability into effective ground-level interventions requires that extension and veterinary officers are adequately equipped and trained.
“Every year, millions of people face the reality of increasingly intense and frequent climate-related disasters, such as floods, storms, droughts and other extreme weather phenomena, killing loved ones and destroying livelihoods. “Early action based on reliable forecasts allows us to support vulnerable communities before disaster strikes, mitigating impact in a fast, dignified and cost-effective manner,” he said.
Through the training, Talla said, extension officers are learning to use mobile GIS tools and the Kobo Toolbox platform to map and report hazards, such as emerging crop pests, livestock disease outbreaks, or flood-prone areas.
“These tools also enable the collection of localized data that feeds into national early warning systems, helping authorities respond swiftly and appropriately,” he said. Highlighting FAO’s global leadership in anticipatory action, Talla pointed to the organization’s long-standing investment in data-driven disaster risk management.
“Since 2015, FAO has built up relevant experience both in terms of technical and operational understanding of anticipatory action, while significantly contributing to the global dialogue and advocacy. “Our neutrality and technical expertise make us well placed to carry out objective and rigorous risk analysis,” he said.
Talla indicated that agricultural business advisory officers and veterinary officers are at the heart of the effort. “The training has reinforced their roles in interpreting weather forecasts, advising farmers on timely interventions, monitoring livestock health, and ensuring community-level warnings are both understood and acted upon. These officers serve as a direct link between national systems and local communities. By building their capacity, we strengthen the entire chain of resilience from policy to pasture,” he said.
He said the timing of the workshop is critical as the government continues to institutionalize anticipatory action within its national disaster risk management framework, championing a coordinated, multi-sectoral response to climate-induced threats.
Talla also reaffirmed FAO’s commitment to supporting Zimbabwe’s broader development goals through technology, capacity building, and policy support in agrifood systems.
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