By Violet Mashonga
BANKET – The Mashonaland West Province has launched the Best Extension Worker Awards (BEWA) program aimed at improving agricultural productivity and motivating extension officers.
The launch, held at Banket Sports Club in Zvimba District, was attended by senior government officials, including the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development, Prof. Owen Jiri, Chief Director Lenard Munamati, Provincial Directors and District Extension Officers.
Mashonaland West Provincial Director for Agricultural Rural Development Services (ARDS), Medelinah Magwenzi, welcomed guests and expressed appreciation for the initiative, which is sponsored by the Shumba Group.
Magwenzi said the program would recognise outstanding extension officers while providing farmers with greater access to agricultural support and resources.
Speaking during the event, Prof. Jiri said the BEWA program was in line with government efforts to enhance agricultural output and improve rural livelihoods. He said District Extension Officers would be key in implementing the initiative.
Some extension officers at the event said the competition aspect of the awards would boost morale and improve service delivery. Others welcomed the provision of tools such as phones, laptops and airtime to improve efficiency.
Shumba Group’s Prof. Joe Kamuzhanje said their goal was to ensure no family went hungry and no animal died unnecessarily, while Zvimba traditional leader Chief Katizagombo urged stronger collaboration between farmers and extension officers.
The BEWA program is expected to strengthen agricultural extension work and promote best practices in farming across Mashonaland West Province.
