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Audrey Rundofa Herald Reporter
The European Union has availed $7 million to Government to train agricultural extension workers. The bloc said the project was aimed at promoting sustainable service delivery in the field of research, extension and education.

The target groups for the support include the Departments of Research and Specialist Services, Agriculture Education and Farmer Training, Agritex and Ministry of Youth, Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment.

The support is part of the framework of the 11th European Development Fund (EDF) and the National Indicative Plan (NIP), signed between the EU and the Government on February 16, 2015, which marked the resumption of full development cooperation between the two.

“Under the 11th EDF’s Agriculture-based Economic Development component of the NIP, 40 million euro is allocated to the commercial agriculture and downstream value chains through the Zimbabwe Agricultural growth Programme (ZAGP). The ZAGP has the overall objective to contribute to the development of a diversified and efficient agriculture sector that promotes inclusive green economic growth. The strategic approach of ZAGP recognises that value chains are dynamic, market driven system to which support services and coordination are central.”

The EU said service provision to the agriculture sector has eroded over time and is largely ineffective and inefficient in supporting value chain development, while rural development in the agricultural landscape that has significantly changed.

“It is, therefore, critical to re-think and redefine relevant, farmer centric and value chain oriented services and to develop a robust framework for their sustainable effective and efficient delivery. This call will focus on knowledge and Innovation services and its three pillars: research, education and extension,” the statement added.