Digital Revolution in Farming: CABI Champions Tech Solutions for Zambian Agriculture.
LUSAKA — In a bid to transform the face of agriculture in Zambia, the Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International (CABI) is pioneering a new wave of digital innovation through its Plantwise Plus (PW+) programme. The initiative, which focuses on equipping farmers with digital tools to manage plant health and enhance productivity, took centre stage at a two-day stakeholder dialogue held in Lusaka this week.
Speaking at the event, CABI’s Country Coordinator, Ms. Judith Phiri, emphasized the urgency of adopting technology in farming practices. “Farmers are facing increasing threats from pests, diseases, and climate change. The Plantwise Plus digital tools are designed to empower them with timely, actionable information that can improve yields and safeguard the environment,” she said.
The dialogue brought together key players in the agricultural digital space, including extension officers, ICT specialists, policy-makers, and NGOs. One of the central goals was to identify synergies among existing advisory platforms and explore ways of integrating the PW+ digital tools into Zambia’s extension systems. “It’s about creating a cohesive digital ecosystem,” noted Mr. Paul Mwansa, an ICT officer from the Ministry of Agriculture. “We’re not just talking about apps—we’re talking about building trust and usability for the end users.”
The discussions also tackled cross-cutting issues such as climate-smart agriculture (CSA), gender inclusivity, and natural resource conservation. Delegates explored how digital platforms could serve as holistic tools that bridge the gap between technology and sustainable farming. According to Ms. Phiri, “It’s essential that these innovations are inclusive and sustainable. We’re not leaving anyone behind—especially women and smallholder farmers.”
The event concluded with stakeholders drafting a preliminary roadmap for promoting PW+ digital tools nationwide. This includes piloting the tools in selected districts, developing sustainability models, and aligning efforts with Zambia’s national agricultural policies. With digital agriculture gaining momentum, CABI’s initiative could signal a turning point for farming communities across the country—offering not just information, but a smarter way forward.