ZCSA, ZARI Strengthen Fertilizer Oversight




Joint inspections and testing to protect farmers from substandard fertilizer and boost crop yields

By Francis Maingaila ♥️ 
Lusaka, Zambia24 --- (January 22, 2026) --
The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) and the Zambia Agricultural Research Institute (ZARI have moved to strengthen fertilizer oversight through joint inspections, testing, and information sharing aimed at curbing substandard products on the market.

The enhanced collaboration brings together ZCSA’s mandate of enforcing compulsory standards and ZARI’s role in agricultural research and fertilizer testing to protect farmers and improve crop productivity.

ZCSA Executive Director Gerald Chizinga and ZARI Director Ndashe Kapulu made the remarks in Chilanga on Wednesday when Mr. Chizinga paid a courtesy call on Dr. Kapulu.

Mr. Chizinga said ZCSA, established under the Compulsory Standards Act No. 3 of 2017, is responsible for ensuring that fertilizer sold in Zambia meets required safety and quality standards.

He said working closely with ZARI will strengthen inspections and enforcement by allowing ZCSA to leverage the institute’s testing capacity.

“Joint inspections and monitoring will help ensure fertilizer on the market complies with compulsory standards,” Mr. Chizinga said.

He added that ZCSA has proposed the signing of a cooperation framework and a service level agreement to formalise collaboration on matters of mutual interest.

Mr. Chizinga noted that effective fertilizer oversight is critical to protecting farmers from products that could compromise crop yields, soil health, and human safety, and to supporting Government efforts to increase agricultural production.

Dr. Kapulu said ZARI’s mandate is to provide scientific research and testing services to support agricultural productivity and regulatory enforcement.

“As ZARI, we offer fertilizer testing services and are ready to support ZCSA in enforcing fertilizer regulations,” Dr. Kapulu said.

He said ZARI already works with ZCSA officers across the country and welcomed the move to strengthen cooperation.

Dr. Kapulu also said the Fertilizers and Feed Act of 1966, which ZARI oversees, is outdated and is currently being reviewed to align it with modern trends in the agriculture sector.

He commended ZCSA officers in provincial centres and at major border entry points for their role in safeguarding farmers from substandard fertilizer.

The two institutions said stronger cooperation will enhance fertilizer regulation, protect farmers, and support sustainable growth in the agricultural sector.

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