Chitemene Alternative

Before Chitemene Alternatives (CA) launched operations, a thorough survey was done. The following were the findings: (1) unavailability of credit facilities for farming inputs leads to an increase in maize prices. 10% increase in maize prices lead to 3.5% increase in maize land demand and thus chitemene farming ( Benhin & Barbier, 2001). (2) Chitemene farmers were picked randomly across the miombo woodlands and interviewed. 100% percent responded with a firm yes to the question ?are you willing and ready to stop practicing chitemene farming system if you are empowered with free training in sustainable agricultural practices and farming inputs on credit?? After the survey, Chitemene Alternatives (CA) began operations. The problem Chitemene Alternatives (CA) is addressing is prominent in Northern, Luapula, Copper belt, Central, North western and Eastern Provinces. The soils in these areas are generally low in fertility and acidic (Food Agricultural Organization 2004). The first concrete step that has been done is setting our Head Quarters right in the heart of chitemene prominent area. We are located in Central Province 11 KM from the main road. This central location allows us to have direct contact with chitemene farmers and hence well placed to solve the chitemene problem. Four demonstration plots are managed and only sustainable agriculture is practiced. Chitemene Alternatives (CA) grows maize, cassava, millet, sorghum, and vegetables. We also keep livestock. We use these demonstration plots for training local farmers in improved farming methods at no cost. The produce from the demonstration plots is sold and the returns together with the repayments of inputs? credit facilities by farmers contribute in keeping Chitemene Alternatives (CA) sustainable. In order for the sustainable agriculture training and the distribution of farming inputs to be effective, farmers are put in cooperatives (teams). This makes it even easier at harvest time when collecting repayments; even easier when conducting impact evaluation. The Meteorological Department offers their products and services in English. Unfortunately this is unhelpful to the farmers as many of them can not read or understand English. We have partnered with CPMO to offer crop-weather early warning system in local languages. This will enable farmers to make informed decisions in their farming. We have also partnered with KNCC in a chitemene sensitization effort. The current management system is divided into 4 major departments, namely: (1) Human resources and administration responsible for policy & strategy formulation, administration and human resource management, (2) the agricultural department is responsible for all agro systems management and training of chitemene farmers, (3) Maintenance department manages the organization?s mechanical part (4) Monitoring and evaluation team carries out all evaluation needs and gives advisory to the department in charge of administration.