National Council for Scientific Research of Zambia

Activities of the NCSR:

In 1991, the National Council for Scientific Research was commissioned by ROP (Z) Ltd. to carry out agronomic studies on Jatropha curcas and to assess and evaluate the technical, the economic and sociological feasibility of cultivating the species under the Zambian conditions and its potential as a commercial seed crop for use in the production of industrial oil for soap manufacturing in Zambia. It is from this commissioned work that the project team developed interest to explore possibility of developing a technique that could be employed to use Jatropha curcas seed oil as a substitute or extender for diesel.

The NCSR has established a 2.5 ha plantation for Jatropha curcas at Ichimpe, Kitwe. From the work carried out on these microplants, a technical manual on establishment of a Jatropha curcas plantation adapted to Zambian conditions was finalised. This means that NCSR can provide relevant information   when one needs to establish a Jatropha curcas plantation.

Through collaborative work between ROP (Z) Ltd and NCSR, it was established that Jatropha curcas seed grown in Zambia can be used to manufacture good quality household soap.

It was established that if applied in right quantities, the Jatropha curcas seed cake can be of value as an organic fertiliser.

On a nation wide level the following organisations are working with Jatropha:

last modification  24.09.01  by