Zim rural farmers go digital

NTABAZINDUNA, Zimbabwe — Deep in rural western Zimbabwe, where tarred roads are non-existent, Japhet Ngwenya used to spend every season worrying that the people who advise him on how to protect his crops from dry spells and pest invasions would not be able to reach him.

Ngwenya’s farm — in Ntabazinduna, is a mere 40 kilometres north of Bulawayo — but it is strangely so remote that he can go a year or more without seeing the agriculture extension officers who are sent by local charities to assist small-scale farmers like him.

“It has always been difficult to get expert advice.

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