About Us

The Zambia Agriculture Research Institute (ZARI) is one of the departments in the Ministry of Agriculture.

Our Mission

The mission of the Institution is to contribute to the welfare of the Zambian people through the provision of agricultural services, technologies and knowledge that enhance household food security and equitable income-generating opportunities for the farming community and agricultural enterprises while ensuring the maintenance of the natural resource base. .

Vision

ZARI’s vision is to be a centre of excellence for generation and transfer of improved and appropriate agricultural technologies through partnerships involving stakeholders and beneficiaries.

Our history

The Evolution of Agricultural Research in Zambia

Early Foundations (1948–1958)

Under the Ten-Year National Development Program led by the British South Africa Company, Zambia’s first major agricultural research efforts began. The initial focus was to understand soils, vegetation, and agricultural practices across Northern Rhodesia, drawing heavily on indigenous knowledge.

Post-Independence Expansion (1964–1970)

After independence, regional research stations were established in Copperbelt, Mochipapa, Kabwe, Nanga, and Luapula. Agricultural research was prioritized to boost smallholder production. The First National Development Plan (1966–1970) laid the foundation for the National Agricultural Research System.

Institutional Growth and Diversification (1970s–2005)

Research focus expanded from soil characterization and crop agronomy to broader agricultural value chains. Over three decades, the institution transformed from a unit under the Department of Research and Specialist Services into the Zambia Agriculture Research Institute (ZARI) under the Ministry of Agriculture in 2005. Priority initially on maize later broadened to legumes, roots, tubers, and oilseeds.

Modern Research Landscape (2005–Present)

ZARI now operates through four technical divisions: Crop Improvement and Agronomy (CIA), Soil and Water Management (SWM), Plant Protection (PP), and Farming Systems and Social Sciences (FSSS). Agricultural research is conducted collaboratively with GART, CDT, universities, training colleges, and private firms, reflecting a multidisciplinary and participatory approach.

our story

Researching the way with agriculture

Since its mandate was established, ZARI has provided agricultural services and conducted both public-good and farmer demand-driven research in soils and water, crops, plant protection, and farming systems. Its overall objective is to generate and adapt crop and soil technologies that increase productivity and diversify agricultural production. This includes developing low-cost, sustainable farming systems for all major agro-ecological regions through active participation of both public and private sectors in research. These efforts ensure farmers receive high-quality, appropriate, and cost-