Zimbabwe took a significant step towards the digitization of competence-based education with the launch of its first online agriculture learning institution, the Zimbabwe Online Agricultural College (ZOAC).
The college was officially unveiled by Dr. John Basera, the Permanent Secretary of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development, in a ceremony held in Harare recently.
The Zimbabwe Online Agricultural College is built on the pillars of training, research, innovation, and entrepreneurship, with the aim of fostering sustainable agriculture and human capital development in the country.
One of the main objectives of the institution is to provide easy access to agriculture-related education and instruction through internet-based technologies.
Dr. Basera emphasized that ZOAC is specifically designed for beneficiaries of the land reform program.
The college aims to bridge information and knowledge gaps among farm owners, particularly those in the A1 and A2 categories, and transform them into proficient agro-farm business owners.
By doing so, the institution aims to contribute to the consolidation of the gains made through the land reforms in Zimbabwe.
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Highlighting the significance of the partnership with the University of Zimbabwe (UZ), Dr. Jotamu Dondofema, the Director of Agricultural Education at ZOAC, explained that the collaboration ensures the delivery of practical knowledge to students.
The UZ’s involvement adds quality to the training programs and standardizes the curriculum to meet regional and international standards.
This initiative comes after the government’s comprehensive review of agriculture education curricula to address capacity gaps and incorporate aspects such as farm management and farming as a business.
The transition from Agricultural Education 2.0, which primarily focused on trainers and extensionists, to Agricultural Education Development 5.0 signifies a shift towards a more holistic approach encompassing training, research, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
The launch of the Zimbabwe Online Agricultural College marks a significant milestone in Zimbabwe’s journey towards digitizing education and empowering the agricultural sector.
By embracing online learning platforms, the country aims to equip its agricultural workforce with relevant skills and knowledge required to drive sustainable and successful farming practices in the modern era.
The move towards digitization in education is expected to not only enhance the quality of agricultural education but also contribute to the overall development and growth of the agriculture sector in Zimbabwe.
