Zanzibar launches mobile soil testing programme to support farmers’ use of fertilisers
What you need to know:
- The OCP School Lab programme will work in partnership with local agricultural departments and other institutions to deliver training on appropriate farming practices.
Unguja. The OCP School Lab (OSL) programme was officially launched today July 22, 2025 in Zanzibar during an event held at the Golden Tulip Hotel.
Introduced under the theme “Napima afya ya udongo wangu kwa matumizi sahihi ya mbolea kulingana na zao” (“I value the health of my soil through the proper use of fertilisers according to my crops”), the initiative is intended to support farmers with accurate, crop-specific fertiliser guidance based on soil condition.
The launch was attended by various stakeholders, including government officials, agricultural experts, and farmers from across the region. The service provides on-site soil analysis and fertiliser recommendations, aiming to assist farmers in making informed choices to improve productivity.
Minister for Agriculture, Irrigation, Natural Resources, and Livestock, Shamata Shaame Khamis, said the programme represents a step towards improving farming practices in Zanzibar.
“By equipping our farmers with the tools to understand their soil, we are not just improving their yields; we are enhancing their livelihoods and ensuring food security for our communities,” said the minister. He added that collaboration with OCP Africa supports environmentally responsible agricultural development.
Chief Executive Officer of Showtime Zanzibar, Ibrahim Mitawi, whose company managed the launch event, said the use of mobile laboratories brings essential services closer to farmers. “This initiative allows soil testing to take place directly in the field, making agricultural knowledge more accessible,” he stated.
The OCP School Lab programme will work in partnership with local agricultural departments and other institutions to deliver training on appropriate farming practices. By combining personalised soil assessments with farmer education, the initiative aims to support improved land use and farm output.
As the event concluded, attendees expressed interest in how the initiative could contribute to practical changes in farming across the islands. The programme forms part of OCP Africa’s broader activities to promote responsible and data-driven agriculture in various parts of the continent.
