TAFRA enhances ties with the Zanzibar Ministry to improve fertilizer management
ZANZIBAR: THE TANZANIA Fertiliser Regulatory Authority (TFRA) has stepped up cooperation with the Zanzibar Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, Natural Resources, and Livestock in a move aimed at improving fertiliser management and boosting agricultural productivity in the Isles.
The renewed collaboration follows a working visit by TFRA officials to Zanzibar on February 2, 2026, where the two sides agreed to deepen the exchange of experience, technical knowledge and best practices in fertiliser regulation between Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.
Officials say the initiative is expected to enhance efficiency in fertiliser oversight and ensure farmers have access to quality inputs that can raise crop yields and incomes.
Speaking during the visit, Zanzibar’s Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Irrigation, Natural Resources and Livestock, Dr Salum Soud Hamed, said the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar is committed to working closely with TFRA to ensure farmers receive fertiliser that meets approved standards.
He noted that access to quality fertiliser remains a critical factor in improving agricultural output, strengthening household incomes and accelerating the development of the agricultural sector.
Dr Hamed added that closer institutional cooperation would support farmers to become more productive and economically resilient, while contributing to broader national development goals.
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He also stressed the importance of formalising the partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding between TFRA and the ministry, saying the agreement would strengthen operational coordination and institutional relations for the benefit of the wider economy.
TFRA Director General Joel Laurent said close collaboration between the authority and the Zanzibar Ministry of Agriculture is essential to ensuring fertiliser supplied to farmers is of acceptable quality and available on time.
He said effective regulation plays a key role in protecting farmers from substandard inputs and in supporting a reliable fertiliser market.
Mr Laurent further noted that sharing regulatory experience and strengthening oversight systems would improve efficiency in managing the fertiliser industry.
He said the approach would help safeguard farmers’ interests, enhance agricultural productivity, and support national food security efforts.
Agriculture remains a central pillar of Tanzania’s economy, employing a large share of the population and underpinning food security.
Authorities say improved coordination between regulatory institutions on fertiliser management is crucial to delivering tangible results at the farm level.
The TFRA-Zanzibar engagement reflects growing recognition that harmonised regulation and strong institutional partnerships are essential for modernising agriculture, increasing productivity and improving the livelihoods of farmers across both Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.
