ZOAC Graduates its First Class

By Ilyana Sithole

Today marked a moment in the history of the agricultural sector of Zimbabwe as the Zimbabwe Online Agricultural College (ZOAC) held its inaugural graduation ceremony. Forty-six students graduated upon completion of studies, marking a significant milestone for the revolutionary digital agricultural education in the country.

The graduation was graced by the Honorable Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Dr. A.J. Masuka, who celebrated the student community for dedication and tenacity in navigating through challenges in remote learning.

Hon. Minister Dr. A.J. Masuka congratulated the graduates for having emerged well-equipped in advanced technology, agricultural engineering, agribusiness, farm management, crop production, and animal production. “These graduates have emerged as well-rounded professionals, equipped to contribute significantly to Zimbabwe’s agricultural growth,” he reiterated, adding that they were now well-set to contribute effectively toward the growth and development of the efficient sector.

In this regard, the innovative approach to agricultural education at ZOAC perfectly aligns with the Zimbabwean Vision 2030 on increasing access to quality education and skills development. The success that is now realization at ZOAC becomes a testimonial to the government’s efforts in breathing life into the agricultural industry. The utilisation of technology can assist ZOAC in reaching out to farmers in rural districts and improve their skills to enhance crop and animal yields.

The institution is now set to proceed with its mandate for farmer empowerment and livelihood transformation as it rebrands to the Zimbabwe Agricultural College (ZAC). The members of this class are, therefore, pioneers in this digital revolution; they reset the bar for agricultural education in Zimbabwe.

ZOAC was established in April 2023 to increase access to agricultural education, especially for farmers. Programs at the institution focus on agricultural engineering, agribusiness, farm management, crop production, and animal production.

As Zimbabwe journeys towards Vision 2030 aligned with National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1,2,3,5 & 10, the role of agriculture cannot be overemphasized. It is expected that the graduates of ZAC will play major roles in this journey.

Congrats, Makorokoto, Amhlope! We are hopeful that graduates and ZAC will continue their work in changing the face of agri-education in the country and continue empowering farmers wherever they are found.