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AIZ Urges Agricultural Professionals to Register and Uphold Standards

The Agricultural Institute of Zambia (AIZ) has called on all agricultural professionals across the country to comply with registration requirements in order to promote professionalism, safeguard the environment, and protect public health.

Speaking during a visit to Luapula Province, Mr. Kelvin Saili, Head of Compliance and Inspections at AIZ, said the Institute was established to regulate the conduct of agricultural professionals and ensure that only qualified individuals practice within the sector.

“The Agricultural Institute of Zambia is a statutory body established under Act No. 2 of 2017 and operationalized through Statutory Instrument No. 19 of 2023, and our mandate is to register all agricultural professionals except those in the veterinary field and regulate their professional conduct,” Mr. Saili stated.

He noted that the Institute’s establishment marked a significant milestone in promoting accountability and competence within the agricultural sector. To this end, AIZ is currently conducting compliance inspections across provinces to assess the level of registration among agricultural practitioners in both the public and private sectors.

“For those working under the Ministry of Agriculture, there was a directive dated 23rd September 2023 instructing all Provincial Agricultural Coordinators, District Agricultural Coordinators, and extension officers to register with AIZ,” Mr. Saili said. “My visit here is to check on compliance and encourage officers to fulfill that directive.”

The AIZ has also extended its compliance efforts to private sector players in the agriculture industry. Mr. Saili emphasized that by law, only registered professionals with valid practicing certificates are authorized to serve as agriculturists.

“We urge all agricultural enterprises to ensure that they employ only individuals who hold valid practicing certificates issued by the Agricultural Institute of Zambia,” he stated. “This not only ensures compliance with the law but also promotes efficiency and integrity within the sector.”

Mr. Saili further warned against the growing number of individuals posing as agricultural professionals without the necessary qualifications. He cautioned that such practices have led to unsafe agricultural methods that endanger human and animal health.

“Some unqualified individuals have engaged in the indiscriminate use of pesticides, which has had a serious impact on human life, animal health, and the environment,” he said. “The government’s intention through AIZ is to curb such practices by ensuring that only certified professionals handle specialized agricultural tasks.”

He encouraged farmers to play their part by verifying the credentials of anyone claiming to be an agricultural expert.

“If someone says they are an agriculturist, ask to see their practicing certificate issued by AIZ before hiring them. This protects you as a farmer and contributes to professional integrity across the sector.” Mr. Saili advised.

The Agricultural Institute of Zambia continues to strengthen its oversight functions to ensure that the country’s agricultural professionals adhere to ethical standards, safeguard the environment, and contribute to sustainable agricultural development.

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