HARARE, Aug. 26 (NewsDay Live) – Econet Wireless Zimbabwe is showcasing the future of agriculture at the ongoing Zimbabwe Agricultural Show, where an interactive model farm is demonstrating how artificial intelligence, sensors and connected technologies can help farmers improve productivity and make smarter decisions.
The centrepiece of Econet’s technology-driven stand is a miniature farm fitted with a wind vane, rain gauge and soil sensors, giving visitors a glimpse into a future where data becomes as essential to farming as soil, water and seed.
The technology enables farmers to monitor soil moisture, humidity, rainfall and other environmental conditions, providing valuable information to guide decisions on irrigation, planting and crop management.
The showcase complements this year’s Zimbabwe Agricultural Show theme, “Powering Growth: Where Agriculture, Technology and Commerce Converge,” highlighting the growing role of technology in transforming the country’s agricultural sector.
Also on display is EcoFarmer AI, Econet’s artificial intelligence-powered agricultural solution, which gives farmers access to information and insights to support better decision-making.
“By combining data gathered from the farm environment with digital tools, farmers can gain a clearer and more timely understanding of conditions in their fields. This allows them to supplement traditional farming practices and observation with data-driven insights,” an Econet spokesman at the stand said.
He said the demonstration showed how smart-farming technologies could help farmers respond more effectively to changing weather conditions, use water more efficiently and make informed decisions to improve crop yields.
A model display of flourishing blueberry plants illustrates the ultimate goal of technology-enabled agriculture: helping farmers grow healthier crops and build more productive, sustainable and commercially viable businesses.
The exhibition comes as farmers face increasing pressure to maximise production from limited land and water resources while contending with unpredictable weather patterns and rising input costs.
“Smart agriculture is creating new opportunities for young people and technology entrepreneurs to participate in the sector through artificial intelligence, data analytics, digital advisory services and precision farming,” Econet said.
Beyond agriculture, Econet’s stand showcases a broader technology and financial services ecosystem supporting Zimbabwe’s digital economy.
Visitors can explore products and services from across the Econet group, including EcoCash, Econet AI, Econet InfraCo, EcoSure, Moovah, Akello and RemitHope.
“The exhibition is more than a display of individual products and services. It seeks to demonstrate how connectivity, artificial intelligence, financial technology, insurance, digital platforms and infrastructure are increasingly converging to support businesses and consumers across the economy,” Econet said.
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