Food Crop Diversification Support Project for Enhancement of Food ...

Food Crop Diversification Support Project for Enhancement of Food Security in Zambia (FoDiS)

Report of Baseline Study on Food Crop Diversification Support Project

Mukelabai NDIYOI1 Moses S. C. SIMWAMBANA2 with Martin CHIONA3 Mathias NDHLOVU4

MARCH 2007 JAPAN INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION AGENCY (JICA) ZAMBIA OFFICE LUSAKA, ZAMBIA 1

Team leader, Farming Systems Expert, Farming Systems Association of Zambia, [email protected] Root and Tubers Specialist, Farming Systems Association of Zambia 3 Root and Tubers Specialist, ZARI, Mansa 4 Economist, ZARI, Mt. Makulu. 2

Baseline Survey Report

Table of Contents TABLE OF CONTENTS ....................................................................................................................................... I LIST OF TABLES...............................................................................................................................................III LIST OF FIGURES.............................................................................................................................................III APPENDIX...........................................................................................................................................................III LIST OF ACRONYMS ....................................................................................................................................... IV ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS................................................................................................................................ VI EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ............................................................................................................................... VII 1 INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND TO THE SURVEY ................................................................... 1 2 PURPOSE............................................................................................................................................................ 2 3 OBJECTIVES ..................................................................................................................................................... 2 4 METHODOLOGY AND TARGET AREAS .................................................................................................. 3 5 SURVEY RESULTS........................................................................................................................................... 4 5.1 OVERVIEW OF ACTIVITIES TO PROMOTE CASSAVA AND OTHER DROUGHT TOLERANT CROPS ..................... 4 5.1.1 Promotion activities sponsored by Government.................................................................................... 5 5.1.1.1 Programme Against Malnutrition (PAM) ..........................................................................................................6

5.1.2 Promotion activities sponsored by Donors............................................................................................ 7 5.1.2.1 IFAD: Smallholder Enterprise and Marketing Programme (SHEMP)..............................................................7 5.1.2.2 Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), World Food Program (WFP) .......................................................7 5.1.2.3 WFP: Peri-Urban Self Help (PUSH)..................................................................................................................8 5.1.2.4 USAID: Market Access, Trade and Enabling Policies (MATEP).....................................................................9

5.1.3 Promotion activities sponsored by Private Sector and NGOs .............................................................. 9 5.1.3.1 Plan International................................................................................................................................................9 5.1.3.2 CARE International ..........................................................................................................................................10 5.1.3.3 Harvest Help Zambia........................................................................................................................................11 5.1.3.4 Wildlife Conservation Society of Zambia (WCS) ...........................................................................................11 5.1.3.5 World Vision Zambia (WVZ) ..........................................................................................................................12 5.1.3.6 Kaluli Development Foundation (KDF) ..........................................................................................................12

5.2 CURRENT STATUS OF PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES IN THE TARGET DISTRICTS ............................................ 14 5.2.1 Eastern Province .................................................................................................................................. 14 5.2.1.1 Overview of the Province .................................................................................................................................14 5.2.1.2 Mambwe District ..............................................................................................................................................14 5.2.1.3 Petauke District.................................................................................................................................................16 5.2.1.4 Nyimba District ................................................................................................................................................16 5.2.1.5 Msekera Research Centre .................................................................................................................................17

5.2.2 Lusaka Province ................................................................................................................................... 19 5.2.2.1 Overview of the Province .................................................................................................................................19 5.2.2.2 Chongwe District ..............................................................................................................................................19 5.2.2.3 Luangwa District ..............................................................................................................................................19

5.2.3 Southern Province ................................................................................................................................ 21 5.2.3.1 Overview of the Province .................................................................................................................................21 5.2.3.2 Siavonga District ..............................................................................................................................................21 5.2.3.3 Sinazongwe District..........................................................................................................................................22 5.2.3.4 Gwembe District...............................................................................................................................................22

5.2.4 Western Province.................................................................................................................................. 24 5.2.4.1 Overview of the Province .................................................................................................................................24 5.2.4.2 Sesheke District ................................................................................................................................................24 5.2.4.3 Shangombo District ..........................................................................................................................................26

5.3 CONSTRAINTS AND LESSONS LEARNT FROM PAST RELATED ACTIVITIES ................................................... 28 5.4 POSSIBLE IMPLEMENTATION PARTNERS AND EVALUATION OF VIABILITY OF DISTRICTS ............................ 32 5.4.1 Distribution channels for cassava cuttings.......................................................................................... 33 5.4.2 Lusaka Province ................................................................................................................................... 33 5.4.2.1 Chongwe District ..............................................................................................................................................33 5.4.2.2 Luangwa District ..............................................................................................................................................34

5.4.3 Eastern Province .................................................................................................................................. 36 i Food Crop Diversification Support Project for Enhancement of Food Security in Zambia (FoDiS)

Baseline Survey Report 5.4.3.1 Mambwe District ..............................................................................................................................................36 5.4.3.2 Petauke District ................................................................................................................................................38 5.4.3.3 Nyimba District.................................................................................................................................................40 5.4.3.4 Msekera Research Centre.................................................................................................................................41

5.4.4 Southern Province ................................................................................................................................ 42 5.4.4.1 Siavonga District ..............................................................................................................................................42 5.4.4.2 Gwembe District ...............................................................................................................................................44 5.4.4.3 Sinazongwe District ..........................................................................................................................................45

5.4.5 Western Province.................................................................................................................................. 47 5.4.5.1 Sesheke District ................................................................................................................................................47 5.4.5.2 Shangombo District ..........................................................................................................................................49

5.5 PRIORITY DISTRICTS FOR PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION ................................................................................ 50 5.6 ESTIMATED QUANTITY OF PLANTING MATERIALS REQUIRED BY DISTRICTS ............................................. 51 5.6.1 Determination of the proportion of daily energy requirements of a household of size equal to 6 members. ........................................................................................................................................................ 51 5.7 DETAILED ACTION PLANS AND IMPLEMENTATION CHANNELS IN EACH DISTRICT..................................... 54 5.7.1 Action Plans - Project Description ...................................................................................................... 54 5.7.1.1 Methods.............................................................................................................................................................57 Management of the District Nurseries .....................................................................................................................57 Preparation of Planting Material for Distribution....................................................................................................57 5.7.1.2 Staffing..............................................................................................................................................................58

5.7.2 Estimation of Budget ............................................................................................................................ 64 5.8 TRAINING ...................................................................................................................................................... 68 5.8.1 Training Facilities ................................................................................................................................ 68 5.8.2 Training Effort in by Organizations in the Target Districts ............................................................... 68 5.8.3 Training Products................................................................................................................................. 68 5.8.4 Required Training in the Districts ....................................................................................................... 69 5.9 PROPOSED INDICATORS AND MONITORING SYSTEM.................................................................................... 71 6 CONCLUSION/RECOMMENDATIONS .................................................................................................... 74 7 REFERENCES ................................................................................................................................................. 76


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List of Tables Table 1 Target Districts for the Baseline Survey.................................................................................................... 3 Table 2 Root and Tuber crops promotion activities sponsored by government in target districts ....................... 5 Table 3 Districts of operation and target beneficiaries ........................................................................................... 8 Table 4 Distribution of cassava and sweet potato planting material in Petauke and Katete districts by AICA/CARE in 2006............................................................................................................................................. 10 Table 5 Eastern Province beneficiary targets of cassava cuttings for 2005/06 season by PAM ......................... 14 Table 6 Current status of Mambwe district in promotion of root and tuber crops............................................... 15 Table 7 Current status of Petauke district in promotion of root and tuber crops ................................................ 16 Table 8 Current status of Nyimba district in promotion of root and tuber crops................................................. 17 Table 9 Current status of Msekera Research Centre as a primary site in Eastern Province ................................ 17 Table 10 Issues and Constraints in Promotion of Cassava and Sweetpotatoes.................................................... 29 Table 11 Implementing Non Government Organizations in Chongwe................................................................ 33 Table 12 Viability and Suitability of Luangwa District ....................................................................................... 35 Table 13. Viability and Suitability of Mambwe District ...................................................................................... 37 Table 14 Viability and Suitability of Petauke District.......................................................................................... 39 Table 15 Viability and Suitability of Tentatively Selected Districts.................................................................... 40 Table 16 Priority Districts for Project Implementation ....................................................................................... 50 Table 17 Composition of a household and energy requirements of members ..................................................... 51 Table 18 The proportion of household daily energy requirements catered for by 1 lima. ................................. 52 Table 19 Amount of planting Material from Primary Sites................................................................................. 53 Table 20 Amount of planting Material from Primary Sites.................................................................................. 53 Table 21 Amount of planting material at Foundation site.................................................................................... 53 Table 22 Detailed Workplan ................................................................................................................................. 59 Table 23 First Estimation of Budget ..................................................................................................................... 64 Table 24 Indicators for FoDiS Monitoring and Evaluation.................................................................................. 71

List of Figures Figure 1 Possible Implementation Arrangements at the District level................................................................. 32 Figure 2 Distribution Channels, Chongwe District............................................................................................... 34 Figure 3 Distribution Channels for cassava cuttings in Luangwa ........................................................................ 35 Figure 4 Distribution Channels, Mambwe District............................................................................................... 37 Figure 5 Distribution Channels, Petauke District ................................................................................................. 39 Figure 6 Distribution Channel, Nymba District.................................................................................................... 41 Figure 7 Distribution channels, Siavonga District................................................................................................ 42 Figure 8 Distribution Channels, Gwembe District. .............................................................................................. 44 Figure 9 Distribution Channels, Sinazongwe District. ......................................................................................... 46 Figure 10 Distribution Channels, Sesheke District............................................................................................... 47 Figure 11 Distribution Channels, Shangombo District......................................................................................... 49 Figure 12 Training of Farmers in the FoDiS Network ......................................................................................... 70

List of Annexes ANNEX 1 TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR THE BASELINE STUD ANNEX 2 BASIC STATISTICS ON TARGET CROPS, DISTRICTS AND PROVINCES ANNEX 3 PEOPLE MET ANNEX 4 INSTRUMENTS USED ANNEX 5 DETAIL OF PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES IN TARGET DISTRICTS ANNEX 6 RECORD OF FIELD INTERVIEWS ANNEX 7 QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS RAISED IN THE PRESENATION WORKSHOPS


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List of Acronyms ADP AICA ASP CBO CDFA CFS CFU CFW CIP CLUSA CMD COMACO CRS CTC DACO DFA DRP DWA FAO FG FoDiS FRA FSP FSRP FTC HCN HH HHZ IITA JICA LADA MACO MATEP MDSP NGO PACO PAM PDM PHS PNG PO PUSH RAPIDS RIACSO RSA RTIP SADC SAO

Area Development Programme Agricultural Input For Community Asset Agriculture Support Programme Community based Organization Chongwe District Farmers’ Association Crop Forecasting Survey Conservation Farming Unit Community Farm Worker International Potato Center Cooperative League of the United States of America Cassava Mosaic Disease Community Market for Conservation Christian Relief Service Conservation Farmer and Wildlife Producer Trading Centre District Agriculture Coordinator Agricultural Development Facilitator Drought Rehabilitation Programme District Women’s Development Association Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Farmer Group Food Crop Diversification Support Project Food Reserve Agency Food Security Pack Farming Systems Research Programme Farmer Training Center Hydrogen cyanide Household Harvest Help Zambia International Institute of Tropical Agriculture Japan International Cooperation Agency Law and Development Association Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperative Market Access, Trade and Enabling Policies Project Multiplication and Distribution Seed and Planting Material Non governmental organisation Provincial Agricultural Coordinator Programme Against Malnutrition Project Design Matrix Post Harvest Survey Petauke Nutrition Group Plan operations Peri-Urban Self Help Reaching HIV/AIDS Affected People with Integrated Development and Support Regional Interagency Coordinating Support Office Republic of South Africa Root and Tuber Improvement Programme Southern Africa Development Community Senior Agricultural Officer


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SARRNET SCCI SHAPES SHEMP SNG TAS WCS WFP WVZ ZARI ZVAC

Southern Africa Root Crops Research Net Work Seed Control and Certification Institute Smallholder Access to Processing, Extension and Seed Smallholder Enterprise and Marketing Programme Siavonga Nutrition Group Technical Assessment Site Wildlife Conservation Society World Food Programme World Vision Zambia Zambia Agriculture Research Institute Zambia Vulnerable Assessment Committee


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Acknowledgements The following report represents the findings of the independent baseline study team on the status of promotional activities for cassava and sweetpotatoes to support the programming for Food Crop Diversification Support Project (FoDiS) The study was initiated with a view to providing the project and implementation partners with an independent and objective assessment of the current status of activities related to promotion of roots and tubers crops in 10 districts of the project, including an assessment of lessons learn from the preceding projects. The study started on 15 January 2007 and ended on 20 March 2007; the 10 districts involved in the project were visited without exception and in each district discussions were held with potential Implementing Partners (IPs) and beneficiaries. In addition, the team visited relevant national offices in Lusaka namely the Directorate of Agriculture, NGOs with activities in the districts and the CSO. The evaluation team is most appreciative of the efforts made by the staff and management of ZARI, FoDiS, the Department of Agriculture officers in the districts visited, as well as potential IPs and a range of other individuals and farmers who provided information and discussed issues in a frank and constructive manner. Some of the beneficiaries met provided valuable insights and always gave a warm welcome to the team. At the end of the study, a debriefing workshop was organized first at ZARI on 6 March then at ACF on the 16 March. We would like to thank Mr Suzuki the JICA Expert at FoDiS whose interest and support allowed us to accomplish our task; Dr Mwale (Director ZARI), Mr Mwale (Deputy Director ZARI); and Mr Akayombokwa the Director of Agriculture. At JICA thanks go to Mr Chibbamulilo for the constructive comments on earlier draft. Following the workshop, the draft report has also benefited from input from various members of ZARI and the Task Force on cassava utilization.

The Baseline Study Team

Mukelabai NDIYOI (Teamleader) Moses Simwambana Martin Chiona Mathias Ndhlovu


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Executive Summary Title Introduction

Baseline Study On the Food Crop Diversification Support Project in Drought Prone Region I and II of Zambia This report presents the findings of the Baseline Study on the Food Crop Diversification Support Project in Drought Prone Region I and II of Zambia. It is meant to buttress the justification and contribute to the formulation of FoDiS’s long-term aspirations to establish a more efficient and cost effective multiplication and distribution system for root and tuber crops planting materials. A new planting material distribution system is required because of the great difficulties and inefficiencies faced in the past by organizations promoting cassava and sweet potatoes in the drought prone regions I and II. Dependence on rain fed agriculture is the main cause of the variation in food production in Zambia. Food crises are amplified by the reliance on maize as the main staple food in the drought prone southern part of the country designated as regions I and II. The maize crop is particularly susceptible to low moisture availability and very hot spells during silking period. Because of its drought tolerance, cassava is strongly suggested as a nutritionally strategic alternative crop in areas with unreliable rainfall such as the southern parts of Zambia. Cassava is widely adapted to the zone within latitudes 30o north and south of the equator and where elevations do not exceed 2000m above sea level and temperatures range between 180 to 25oC. Furthermore, cassava is adapted to areas with rainfall as low as 50mm up to 5,000mm annually. It has good tolerance to soil quality as it performs even in poor soils with pH ranging from 4.0 to 9.0. From as far back as the 1980s, cassava planting sticks have been hauled in big trucks from the northern parts of the country for distribution to drier parts of the county lying in regions I and II as part of Government agricultural rehabilitation packages implemented by relief organizations. These humanitarian efforts did not have follow up activities to assess the performance of distributed cassava planting materials and adoption by receiving households. As a result, these efforts were poorly documented at the local level. The mode of promoting cassava changed a little when PAM included cassava as a component of the Food Security Pack (FSP). In spite of these efforts, there is still a problem in the distribution of cassava planting material in drought mitigation programmes. The cuttings reach the farmers in a deteriorated state; either dried or fermented. Only 10% of the materials sourced from region III reach the farms in good state. Simwambana, (2005) estimates that overall only 3% of the planting material is finally established in the field. It is clear that there is inefficiency and lack of record keeping on household access and benefits of receiving the cassava cuttings. The situation regarding the promotion of cassava is therefore still haphazard and quite confused. The confusion is from several fronts resulting a haphazard delivery of unlabeled cuttings or a “concoction of cultivars” from all over Zambia. Clearly, there is need to establish a more efficient and cost effective multiplication and distribution system for root and tuber crops planting materials in order to effectively address periodic food deficiencies in the


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drought prone areas of Region I and II by crop diversification. To this end the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives (MACO) and The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) have entered into an agreement to develop and implement a Food Crop Diversification Support Project with funds from the Government of Japan. The project intends to carry out various activities related to the promotion of cassava and sweet potatoes in agro ecological regions I and II. This project was launched in October 2006, and the launch both necessitated and enabled the baseline survey to be conducted. Purpose of the Baseline Study

Objectives of the Baseline Study

Methods

The purpose of the baseline study is to understand the status of cassava and sweet potato farming in the drought prone areas of region I as well as to reveal promotional activities of various stakeholders in order to contribute to preparation of detailed project action plans. Furthermore, the study aims at obtaining baseline data/information on indicators for monitoring the performance and impact of the FoDiS Project. . The objectives of the baseline study are: 1. To collect up-to-date data and information on the promotion activities of maize-alternative drought-tolerant crops, with a particular focus on root and tubers, implemented by government, donor and private sector organizations in the target districts. 2. To identify possible organizations in each target district with which the Project/MACO can collaborate or contract to implement the planned activities; 3. To identify active community based organizations (CBOs) or groups such as seed associations that can be partners of the Project; 4. To examine viability and suitability of tentatively selected districts as the project target areas; 5. To estimate required quantity of cassava and sweet potato planting materials in the respective target districts for the next few years, based on the anticipated distribution programs to be carried out by both government and private sector organizations in these areas; 6. To propose detailed action plans and implementation mechanism along with estimation of required budget with which the Project is to operate in each target district, in accordance with the Project Design Matrix (PDM) and tentative Plan of Operations (PO) 7. To identify and collect empirical information that can be used to monitor and measure the impact of the Project in target districts. The baseline study was carried out in the 10 districts tentatively chosen to be covered by the project, namely Mambwe, Petauke, Nyimba, Luangwa, Chongwe, Siavonga, Gwembe Sinazongwe, Sesheke, and Shangombo. The study was conducted by a team comprising two external consultants with two members of ZARI. The baseline survey is a local meso analysis of cassava and sweet potatoes sub-sector in the target districts to provide information to consolidate a detailed action plan for the FoDiS and produce baseline information on indicators to be used to monitor the performance of the project. The study examined national level literature, focussing more on work in the Western, Southern Lusaka, and Eastern provinces. The study utilised common rapid appraisal methods.


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Findings

Overview of Activities to Promote Cassava and other Drought Tolerant Crops

The study team visited national level institutions involved in promotion of cassava and sweet potatoes. Among these are Africare, World Vision Zambia (WVZ), Wildlife Conservation Society of Zambia (WCS), Farmer Organization Support Programme, Christian Children’s Fund (CCF), Reaching HIV/AIDS Affected People with Integrated Development and Support (RAPIDS), FAO, MACO- Agricultural Statistics and Early Warning, AMIC, SHEMP, MATEP Conservation Farming Unit (CFU), and Central Statistical Office (CSO). Following interviews with these organizations, the team visited the districts where similar interviews were held. Activities promoting the growing of cassava in Zambia may be broadly grouped into three. Firstly, Government departments, such as agriculture and social welfare, collaboratively manage the food security pack (FSP). The FSP which includes cassava, cereals and legumes is distributed to vulnerable households across the country. As the target group is households under stress, the FSP is essentially a social safety net programme implemented by Programme Against Malnutrition (PAM) and other NGOs. The second group of institutions includes donor programmes sponsored by FAO and WFP, IFAD, and USAID and implemented by national implementing partners to promote cassava in a variety of projects such as through promotion of cassava nurseries in selected drought prone districts of the country. The third and last category of institutions includes the private actors and other non governmental organisations. These key players exploit the opportunities in cassava production, processing and marketing and through their involvement are capable of influencing the level of production and choice of varieties. The Government is keen to see that cassava production is connected to processors and other markets and is actively supporting these initiatives. Because of previous promotional efforts, cassava is no longer out rightly shunned in the target areas. However, production of cassava at national level is still low compared to available market demand in neighbouring Congo DR, Angola and the local processing industry. Producers do not have sufficient cassava market information. There is need for improving access to market information and directly linking producers with consumers. A mechanism to ensure a steady supply of cassava to users is critical for the development of cassava, access to markets for such crops is essential for accelerated adoption by farmers. For instance, the growing interest in High Energy Protein Supplements (HEPS) based on cassava could lead to increased production. WFP has plans to establish a cassava processing plant. This will encourage farmers to either increase their produce or for the industry to attract large volume producers. The organizations that will partner with FoDiS range from the DACO’s office to NGOs who will partner to contribute to the implementation of the project. Most NGOs have community based structures facilitated by community agricultural workers. Through such CBOs, the project will be able to reach the communities. All the districts tentatively selected do have the DACO’s office and government land that could be used to host the secondary nurseries. From the nurseries the cuttings will be prepared and distributed to the community. It is Food Crop Diversification Support Project for Enhancement of Food Security in Zambia (FoDiS)

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the capacity to organize and accomplish the effective distribution and maintain contact with the farmers that the districts are segmented. The other concern is the ability to access the district for supervision purposes where the barriers are not only physical but also the orientation and stance of the district. On these and other accounts, Nyimba and Shangombo may be excluded from the first phase, while Mambwe and Siavonga are first. Given the planting materials at the foundation site, the study established that a total of 200 farmers in each district each growing 1 lima may be catered for. That translated into 2000 farmers and 5million planting sticks. A detailed action plan relating to the first objective of the project—To establish the multiplication and distribution system for improved varieties of cassava and sweet potato planting material is presented covering the primary nursery establishment at Msekera, Mt Makulu, Simulumbe, and Nanga research stations between March and October 2007, through to the distribution of planting materials to 100 primary beneficiaries and through other channels to another 100 primary beneficiaries from district level secondary sites. The estimated budget for one district is 30,000 dollars (based on the norm of 15,000 dollars per year per professional person) For monitoring and evaluation purposes, the establishment of the sampling frame is critical. A clear definition of the treatment group (i.e beneficiaries) and control group is recommended to enable a definition of the baseline values for the variables that will define the attainment of project objective. The variables that need baseline values include the proportion of households growing cassava in each group and the amount of kcalories supplied by cassava for an average household in each group. The same variables shall be measured at the end of the project to for both groups. Lessons Learnt

The promotion should be preceded by sensitization and careful appreciation of the nature of the farming systems of the target community. Historical factors such as the colonial history of cassava also need to be appreciated to avoid the promoter being regarded as one in a series of outsiders trying to impose an alien crop. Lessons have been learnt during the promotion efforts and are summarized below and in the Table on barriers to adoption below: 1. Training is required for nursery and for the main field. Training should involve crop management and post harvest issues such as processing and utilization. Training of beneficiaries in utilization enhanced the adoption of cassava in the southern province. 2. The demand for cuttings has grown in the southern province, clearly demonstrating that access to markets is key aspect of promoting an enterprise such as cassava. 3. Despite the efforts of MACO, supporting NGOs and other partners, the area under cassava had not changed substantially in the years that such efforts were in place. Among the reasons for the slow progress is that cassava is a new crop and has low social status (e.g. among the Tonga). The preferred staples are maize, sorghum or millets. NGOs and other actors have distributed cassava cuttings initially under emergency programmes during the rainy season. At this critical planting time, cassava would not compete with the preferred cereals on two accounts: a. It is NOT the preferred staple b. It matures in 12 to 24 months when the households need the food sooner 4. Cassava distributed during the critical period for cereals was put aside until


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the cereals were established, at which time the cuttings would have dried 5. Experience from the dry areas cultivating cassava, such as Mongu, point to the need to plant the crop early for two reasons: a. To allow it to shoot before the rains – hence take maximum advantage of the available moisture b. To avoid competition for labour with other crops in the calendar, crops such as maize that have narrow optimal planting period. 6. The cuttings brought to region I were sourced from distant farms and their handling during transit did not take into account the fragility of the skin on the sticks. The skin was often seriously bruised in the long journey to the farmers. 7. On the whole what the Project is faced with is a long period over which attempts to promote cassava have not been successful. The failures appear to stem from lack of sensitization and continuing support. Training on how to grow the crop and how to use it are relevant. The successes evident from the survey come from: 1. Careful sensitization of the households meant to receive the cassava cuttings. 2. Avoid competition for labour with the preferred staples. It is not purely by accident that cassava is not staple in the target areas. 3. Cash earned from cassava is an important motive for adopting the crop. Income may come from sale of cuttings or fresh root. Thus the entry point may not necessarily be substitution of cereals in the diet. Consequently, training of seed inspectors to aid the sale of cuttings from growers will support the promotion of the crop. 4. Fencing the cassava field has helped to protect the crop from livestock. More often than not, the target areas have high livestock ownership. For starting purposes, 1 lima is a good size of field because it could be fenced off easily. 5. If is preferable to start small and build up slowly from the successful pioneers. Blanket distribution of planting materials will not succeed. Barriers to Adoption of Cassava Lessons (Responses) Measures Being bitter and poisonous is one In phase 1 of the promotion, use sweet negative factor associated with varieties only while familiarity with the cassava. Some believe that the crop is nurtured. cassava gets bitter as it grows! Sensitization that places the crop in the Poor sensitization of beneficiaries has management practices of the farmers contributed to poor adoption of should be done before the distribution cassava. of planting material. During the rainy season, cassava is Introduce cassava outside the rainy considered an unwelcome burden to season as during the rainy season, the farmers’ heavy workload on cassava is considered an unwelcome preferred annual staples. addition the farmers’ workload Irrigate stations for three weeks after planting. The availability of domestic Poor cassava establishment resulting water would assists in the establishment of cassava near from termites (Valley) homesteads. Better performance is observed for cassava planted near the river including seasonal streams. The custom of the communities is to Introduce cassava outside the rainy concentrate on rain fed cereals such as season as during the rainy season, maize and sorghum. cassava is considered an unwelcome Food Crop Diversification Support Project for Enhancement of Food Security in Zambia (FoDiS)

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addition to the farmers’ workload

Exogenous factors, which influence success

Recommendations

Destruction of cassava by livestock Fencing off fields with materials and wildlife. To survive in the low rainfall areas of region I, households ranging from live fences to solar keep livestock such as goats and cattle. powered fences In addition, in some localities like the Livestock owners should control stock Luangwa and Mambwe, wildlife may movement strictly through the year. also destroy crops. Focus more on development than on emergency to promote the roots and Uptake of cassava is low because it tuber crops. Development will include has been distributed as a relief food. better sensitization and mentoring and allow inclusion of factors beyond food consumption Familiarity with the crop is limited, Use local experts to promote the cropsuch as people from other provinces especially regarding utilization as settled in the area and are familiar with substitute or complement to maize. The limited use options lead to poor cassava utilization. Increase lessons or demonstrations and utilization. adoption of the crop. 1. The interplay between the level of production from the farms and the level of demand from the users such as stock feed processors. The pace at which the big cassava buyers will take to cassava will influence the pace of adoption in districts where the adoption of cassava is driven more by commercial gains than subsistence considerations.

1. Given that the project has 2ha of cassava at Mansa and that only Kapumba is missing, we recommend that: 1. The project advances one year by planting secondary nurseries this October. Two (2) ha is sufficient to plant 3.36 ha per district nursery enough to supply planting material to 200 farmers per district. 2. The required Kapumba should be sourced from Kaoma and Senanga and treated for pests after careful inspection in the fields. The FODIS should do the sourcing instead of contracting a trucker. 3. Between now and October, the secondary nursery sites should be selected and those at GRZ institutions should be given irrigation capacity. 2. Regarding the monitoring and evaluation aspect of the project 1. The project should proceed to list the farmers starting July 2008 at the latest. The listing should include areas in the district not covered by the project. 2. The listing should be useful in stratifying the households receiving project services. 3. Fodis should commission the baseline survey to establish the quantitative levels of the variables meant to be improved by end of project, e.g. the proportion of cassava in the diets of households in target districts. 3. Mistakes committed by the suppliers of cassava were: 1. Timing. The farmers in Sesheke prefer that the cuttings are planted in September so that come October when the new leaves shoot in the forest, the cassava would be shooting too, as it is a tree like any other. 2. The supply chain is not smooth. The cuttings spend too long a time at the local warehouse before they are distributed. The farmers estimated that ¾ of sticks supplied by CRS were too dry. Those that were


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planted, the farmers were not sure they would survive. 4. To be successful, FoDiS should pay attention to: 1. Time of planting—should be at the time when trees are planted. There are two planting dates depending on the age of the cuttings: a. August/September. This is the preferred date for planting by farmers. The reason given is that during October when the forest shoots new leaves, the cassava would also be shooting. Planting as late as March evidently leads to the sticks drying up in the long dry season and risk being eaten by termites. Planting in September assures that the cassava plant has the maximum use of the short rainy season b. Rainy season, up to January. During this period, the tender growing tips (Temu or Ndelumuna) may be planted. The Temu may be obtained from the fresh shootings from the cuttings planted in September. The two planting periods suggest that the first is also used to provide seed 2. The programmes should distribute the cuttings on time—i.e. September 3. The advantage of cassava in an environment were rainfall is low should be emphasized 4. With time, there are going to be many households that will provide the demonstration effect. 5. The capacity of the extension workers to handle the cassava crop requires to be improved. Literature on cassava should be availed to assist in training. 6. The development of vegetable production in Sesheke has demonstrated the critical role that a market outlet plays in the promotion of a commodity. Cassava is no exception and will benefit from activities. 7. Cassava should be actively promoted, beyond the apparent lip service it has received hitherto. The extension staff in the field should be the lead in the promotion effort. To this end, the camp officers should be motivated to grow cassava and consume it as nshima or other forms to demonstrate its utility. 8. Standards of cassava in trade and food safety have not yet been established. There is a lack of institutions and infrastructure to assist the traders at the borders. For example, there are no warehouses that would allow traders to store their commodities nor are there facilities to exchange money or check the validity of certain notes used in cross border trade. Government should assist establish such infrastructure and services to aid trade.


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1. Introduction and Background to the Survey Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives (MACO) and The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) have entered into an agreement to develop and implement a Food Crop Diversification Support Project with funds from the Government of Japan. The project intends to carry out various activities related to the promotion of cassava and sweet potatoes in agro ecological regions I and II. This is a report of a baseline study to buttress the justification and contribute to the formulation of FoDiS’s long-term aspirations to establish a more efficient and cost effective multiplication and distribution system for root and tuber crops planting materials in drier parts of the country. A new planting material distribution system is required because of the great difficulties and inefficiencies faced in the past by organizations promoting cassava and sweet potatoes in the drought prone regions I and II. Zambia faces intermittent food crises. Dependence on rain fed agriculture is the main cause of the variation in food production. Food crises are amplified by the reliance on maize as the main staple food in the drought prone southern part of the country designated as regions I and II. The maize crop is particularly susceptible to low moisture availability and very hot spells during silking period. Because of its drought tolerance, cassava is strongly suggested as a nutritionally strategic alternative crop in areas with unreliable rainfall such as the southern parts of Zambia. Cassava is adapted to the zone within latitudes 30o north and south of the equator and where elevations do not exceed 2000m above sea level and temperatures range between 18 o to 25oC. Furthermore, cassava is adapted to areas with rainfall as low as 50mm up to 5,000mm annually. It has good tolerance to soil quality as it performs even in poor soils with pH ranging from 4.0 to 9.0 (Okigbo (WWW Accessed Feb 2007)) From as far as the 1980s, cassava planting sticks have been hauled in big trucks from the northern parts of the country for distribution to drier parts of the county lying in regions I and II as part of Government food relief packages implemented by relief organizations in Shangombo and other parts of the country. These humanitarian efforts did not have follow up activities to assess the performance of distributed cassava planting materials and adoption by receiving households. As a result, these efforts were poorly documented at the local level. The mode of promoting cassava changed a little when PAM included cassava as a component of the Food Security Pack (FSP). The pack now includes food legumes, cereals and root and tuber crops. This intervention by PAM required field visits by the extension department to assess the performance of the crop because repayment for the pack involved handing back a proportion of the harvest. In spite of these efforts, there is still a problem in the implementation of cassava planting material as a drought mitigation programme. The cuttings reach the farmers in a deteriorated state; either dried or fermented. Only 10% of the materials sourced from region III reach the farms in good state. Simwambana, (2005) estimates that overall only 3% of the planting material is finally established in the field. It is clear that there is inefficiency and lack of record keeping on household access and benefits of receiving the cassava cuttings. This baseline study team found that the names of planting materials distributed by various organizations in Chongwe, Siavonga, Sinazongwe, Gwembe, and Sesheke were not known. At most, the coordinators (field extension, or field officers in NGOs) knew the names of cassava varieties included in the programme but had no idea of the lines that had actually been planted by the farmers. Food Crop Diversification Support Project for Enhancement of Food Security in Zambia (FoDiS)

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The situation regarding the promotion of cassava is therefore still haphazard and quite confused. The confusion is from several fronts. A more fundamental problem is in procurement procedures that do not involve the experts. The result is a haphazard delivery of unlabeled cuttings and a “concoction of cultivars” including local cultivars from all over Zambia. Another problem is that the NGOs contracted to distribute the planting materials by-pass the extension and employ unqualified volunteers to oversee the distribution of cassava. Lack of Government involvement at local levels is the reason for lack of continuity and institutional memory since NGOs are not obliged to report their operations to the MACO staff. There is a need for a better strategy for distribution of the cuttings to the farmers. A promotional effort involving the use of the cassava in their diets is also needed. On the whole, there is need to establish a more efficient and cost effective multiplication and distribution system for root and tuber crops planting materials in order to effectively address periodic food deficiencies in the drought prone areas of Region I and II by crop diversification.

2. Purpose The purpose of this baseline study is to understand the status of cassava and sweet potato farming in the drought prone areas of region I and II as well as to reveal promotional activities of various stakeholders in order to contribute to preparation of detailed project action plans. Furthermore, the study aims at obtaining baseline data/information on indicators for monitoring the performance and impact of the FoDiS Project. Since food security in drought prone areas is multifaceted, the baseline survey adds to our understanding of the institutional and organizational networks that define the cassava and sweet potato promotional activities in ten districts of region I and II. The baseline study will produce information that will benefit the farmers bringing a focus on the problems of multiplication and distribution of cassava planting materials and better attention by FoDiS for the situation of farmers in the target districts.

3. Objectives The objectives of the baseline study are: 1. To collect up-to-date data and information on the promotion activities (aspects of both production and consumption) of maize-alternative drought-tolerant crops, with a particular focus on root and tubers, implemented by government, donor and private sector organizations in the target districts (e.g. target crops, target communities, number of beneficiary households, etc.), such as PAM, Care International/FAO, Africare/FAO, CLUSA, ASP, MATEP/USAID, Wildlife Conservation Society/FAO etc. 2. To identify possible organizations in each target district with which the Project/MACO can collaborate or contract to implement the planned activities such as distribution of planting materials and extension services for target communities; 3. To identify active community based organizations (CBOs) or groups such as seed associations that can be partners of the Project at the grassroots’ levels; Food Crop Diversification Support Project for Enhancement of Food Security in Zambia (FoDiS)

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4. To examine viability and suitability of tentatively selected districts as the project target areas; 5. To estimate required quantity of cassava and sweet potato planting materials in the respective target districts for the next few years, based on the anticipated distribution programs to be carried out by both government and private sector organizations in these areas; 6. To propose detailed action plans and implementation mechanism along with estimation of required budget with which the Project is to operate in each target district, in accordance with the Project Design Matrix (PDM) and tentative Plan of Operations (PO) 7. To identify and collect empirical information that can be used to monitor and measure the impact of the Project in target districts.

4. Methodology and Target Areas The baseline survey study is a local meso analysis of cassava and sweet potatoes sub-sector in the target districts to provide information to consolidate a detailed action plan for the FoDiS project for the next five years and produce baseline information on indicators to be used to monitor the performance of the project. In order to determine the base on which promotion of cassava and other alternative crops to maize in drought prone areas will rest, the study examined national level literature, focussing more on work in the Western, Southern Lusaka, and Eastern provinces, (Table 1). The study utilised common rapid appraisal methods namely: analysis of secondary literature, key informant interviews, focus group interviews and direct observation. On the whole, twenty-four days (three weeks) was spent in the field, collecting information to substantiate literature review findings. Table 1 Target Districts for the Baseline Survey

Province Western Southern

Lusaka Eastern

District Sesheke Shangombo Sinazongwe Gwembe Siavonga Chongwe Luangwa Nyimba Petauke Mambwe

TOTAL

Total Population 78,169 70,049 80,455 34,133 58,864 137,461 18,948 67,050 195,474 54,778 795,381

Estimated Cassava Area (Ha) 2,468 -

Estimated sweetpotato Area (Ha) -

-

58.7 -

Households Producing Cassava 2,319 979 247 205 152 4,158 259 2,565 7,346 2,367 20,587

Source: CSO, 2000 Census report


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5. Survey Results 5.1. Overview of Activities to Promote Cassava and other Drought tolerant Crops The study team visited national level institutions involved in promotion of cassava and sweet potatoes. Among these are Africare, World Vision Zambia (WVZ), Wildlife Conservation Society of Zambia (WCS), Farmer Organization Support Programme, Christian Children’s Fund (CCF), Reaching HIV/AIDS Affected People with Integrated Development and Support (RAPIDS), FAO, MACO- Agricultural Statistics and Early Warning, AMIC, SHEMP, MATEP Conservation Farming Unit (CFU), and Central Statistical Office (CSO). Activities promoting the growing of cassava in Zambia may be broadly grouped into three. Firstly, Government departments, such as agriculture and social welfare, collaboratively manage the food security pack (FSP). The FSP which includes cassava, cereals and legumes is distributed to vulnerable households across the country. As the target group is households under stress, the FSP is essentially a social safety net programme implemented by Programme Against Malnutrition (PAM) and other NGOs. The second group of institutions includes donor programmes executed by FAO and WFP and implemented by national implementing partners to promote cassava in a variety of projects such as through promotion of cassava nurseries in selected drought prone districts of the country. The third and last category of institutions includes the private actors and other non governmental organisations. These key players exploit the opportunities in cassava production, processing and marketing and through their involvement are capable of influencing the level of production and choice of varieties. The Government is keen to see that cassava is connected to processors and other markets and is actively supporting these initiatives. Because of previous promotional efforts, cassava is no longer out rightly shunned in the target areas. However, production of cassava at national level is still low compared to available market demand in neighbouring Congo DR, Angola and the local processing industry. Producers do not have sufficient cassava market information. This is one reason for inadequate production. There is need for improving access to market information and directly linking producers with consumers if possible. A mechanism to ensure a steady supply of cassava to users is critical for the development of cassava. In this respect, activities of SHEMP in building capacity for marketing are useful. However, one of the most critical constraint on production is the shortage of cassava planting materials. Uncertainty of weather suggests a need for alternative drought resistant crops. However, access to markets for such crops is essential for accelerated adoption by farmers. For instance, the growing interest in High Energy Protein Supplements (HEPS) based on cassava could lead to increased production. WFP has plans to establish a cassava processing plant. This will encourage farmers to either increase their produce or for the industry to attract large volume producers. There is ample demand for cassava from Zambia among neighbouring countries especially Congo DR. There is also an increasing cassava demand for starch making in South Africa (RSA). The efforts of Chunno Agricultural Group in processing gari to carter for West Africans living in Southern Africa region are an important contribution to the promotion of Food Crop Diversification Support Project for Enhancement of Food Security in Zambia (FoDiS)

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cassava. Chunno, currently based in Kaoma, exports gari to Botswana, South Africa and Namibia and is expected to enter Malawi market soon. Two other companies with national focus are Kammis and Kalundwe Estates whose products are available in supermarkets of Lusaka. All the processors produce dry matter, which is conveniently packaged as flour or gari. The dry matter yield of cassava is, therefore, an essential criteria for the processor. Chunno says that 1 kg of gari is produced from 5 kg of fresh cassava. Some high yielding cultivars contain a lot of water; therefore, processors can influence the choice of cassava variety to grow as they are willing to pay more for cultivars that have a higher dry mater yield, such as Nalumino. There is need to study the advantages of each cassava and sweet potato cultivar with the view to defining the market niche that each can best serve. SHEMP is also actively developing cassava markets in collaboration with Africare through mobilization, capacity building, processing and facilitating market linkages. In Serenje, SHEMP has reached an advanced stage of linking cassava producers to Tiger Animal Feeds. What is needed is to have medium to large scale industries using cassava. The proposed starch factory in Northern Province will certainly assist in this respect. 5.1.1. Promotion activities sponsored by Government The Government of Zambia has sponsored seed foundation sites at Mansa and Mutanda Research Stations through the Root and Tuber Improvement Programme (RTIP). These efforts have successfully developed and released improved cassava and sweet potato varieties now being multiplied and distributed to the farmers. A lot of work is still being done in areas of utilization and processing of these crops by introducing processing machines and promotion of newly developed cassava and sweet potato products. Table 2 is a summary of the status of Government promotional efforts. Table 2 Root and Tuber crops promotion activities sponsored by government in target districts

Organization MACO/RTIP/

Area of operation Mansa and Mutanda Research Stations

Activities involved Developing new improved varieties at the Research stations

Luangwa District

Supplied sweet potato Poverty reduction vines strategy

SARRNET

SCCI

Comments Cassava and sweet potato utilization / processing

Source: Baseline Study Mission The Ministry of Agriculture in Zambia and the Southern Africa Root Crops Research Network (SARRNET) trained many Zambian staff at IITA/Nigeria to reinforce the management and promotion of these crops in the country. Cassava and sweet potato germplasm from IITA and CIP was imported to broaden the national germplasm base. The IITA/SARRNET Chinyanja Triangle Consortium is a new project based at Msekera Research Station and aims at improving livelihoods and reducing poverty levels among the people of that area. The project has since 2005/06, collected some cassava and sweetpotato planting materials from Lundazi and Mansa Research Stations and multiplied these in nurseries at Msekera. Some of the cassava planting material from Lundazi (Maniopola) has Food Crop Diversification Support Project for Enhancement of Food Security in Zambia (FoDiS)

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already been distributed to farmers in Chipata, Katete and Petauke districts for further on farm multiplication to be passed on to other farmers. The project has also imported about 103 cassava clones from SARRNET office in Malawi for evaluation and will soon go into preliminary yield trial for future distribution in the region. Promotional activities need to focus on production and marketing. Establishing collection centres along the main roads would make collection and marketing easier. The following section will examine the promotional activities of the Government through other institutions such as the Programme Against Malnutrition. This is followed by other sections examining donor organisations and other private institutions. 5.1.1.1. Programme Against Malnutrition (PAM) PAM is supported by the Ministry of Agriculture and implemented the Drought Rehabilitation Programme (DRP) from 1995 to 2000 to address recurrent droughts affecting household food security in the country. The DRP sought to rehabilitate the farmer’s productive capacity in the country. In 2000, PAM formed the Smallholder Access to Processing, Extension and Seeds Project (SHAPES) to encourage smallholder farmers to increasing cultivated food security crops in selected districts. The project phased out in 2004. Since then, PAM has implemented the Food Security Pack with Government support. The food security pack includes a cereal, a legume and a root or tuber crops. It has thus been a vehicle for the promotion of cassava across the country. PAM has its origins in emergency response following the drought of the early 1990s. The style of working through lead NGOs at district level is inherited from that emergency era and is therefore organized for quick delivery of required assistance. PAM operates in all the 10 target districts and works in partnership with the department of agriculture and a lead NGO to implement the Ministry of Social Welfare sponsored FSP. The lead NGOs vary from District Nutrition groups such as the Petauke Nutrition Group to faith based organizations like the New Apostolic church in Shangombo. PAM obtains cuttings from anywhere in the country and delivers them to the lead NGO or the DACO who in turn conveys them to the local CBOs (or satellite committees) to the household. The delivery system is fraught with logistical problems associated with sourcing of the cassava and timely delivery to farmers and often results in cuttings delivered late at farm level. In all the districts where PAM operates, it has conducted training courses for utilisation and processing of cassava and other traded crops. To most of the communities in all the target districts, cassava is a new crop and people do not yet have knowledge to process it. As a result of this; only sweet cassava varieties are preferred to avert the risk of HCN toxicity from bitter varieties. Additional training is required to give people the option to consume the sweet cassava varieties and sell the processed bitter cassava for income generation. Generally, PAM has accomplished a lot in the promotion of root and tuber crops from 1995. However, distance from sources of planting materials, Mansa and Solwezi, to target areas has often led to late delivery of the planting material. Often, planting materials reach the farms in a deteriorated state making it difficult for cuttings to establish in the field. This is a common weakness found at all levels of agriculture extension from the provincial, district and farm levels. Until recently, the planting material was not certified for movement across provinces and this led to spread of cassava pests and diseases to other areas. In many cases the names of Food Crop Diversification Support Project for Enhancement of Food Security in Zambia (FoDiS)

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received materials were not known. Even sources of the materials were also unknown because it was mixed and therefore difficult to distinguish even the improved material from foundation stations.

5.1.2.Promotion activities sponsored by Donors 5.1.2.1. IFAD: Smallholder Enterprise and Marketing Programme (SHEMP) SHEMP Agribusiness interventions began in 2006 and used the ILO Start Your Business (SYB) curricula. Training is general. It is without specific commodity. SHEMP operates in 15 districts, namely Lundazi, Chipata Chadiza, Lusaka, Chibombo, Mumbwa, Gwembe, Namwala, Monze, Mazabuka, Mpongwe, Masaiti, Lufwanyama, Kabwe, Kapiri-Mposhi and Mkushi. All the districts fall in agro-ecological regions I and II. The Agribusiness covers all the areas of operation and focuses on how to promote and trade specific commodities. Current promotional efforts aim at commercial orientation of cassava production by enabling cassava farmers to adopt a business approach to cassava production. Cassava production is currently too low to make a mark on the market. It is low production and not lack of demand that is currently explaining the low cassava availability. It is estimated that only 8% of the total production is sold (Haggblade and Nyembe, 2007) while the total production is insufficient to meet the demand. If stock feed millers and breweries were to substitute 30% of their maize requirements for cassava, there would be very little left for subsistence. For instance, Tiger Feeds use 2000 tons of maize per month. Replacing 30% of that figure suggests 600 tons of cassava per month or 7200 per year for this company alone. Therefore the estimated production of 1,000,000 tons of cassava per year is woefully inadequate to meet this potential demand. There are other cassava market channels, such as the cross border trade with Congo through the Kasumbalesa border post, where cassava traders are already being linked by SHEMP through a warehouse that is being built at the border. In addition, cassava grits could replace some maize in the brewery industry. All these options are actively being considered by SHEMP and other industry actors. The emerging standards suggest production of sweet, peeled and sun dried whole root for the Congo DR markets and any cassava variety for stock feed pellet and grits for breweries. 5.1.2.2. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), World Food Program (WFP) The World Food Programme and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Organisation promoted the Strengthening Livelihoods through Food and Nutrition Security in Vulnerable SADC Countries emergence project. The Zambian part of the project concerned the establishment of cassava nurseries in drought prone districts of Eastern, Western and Southern Provinces for the purpose of enhancing food security and providing an alternate crop to vulnerable households relying on maize as the source of food. The project aim was to develop a total of 20 hectares of cassava nurseries in each province. The nurseries were to provide a source of cuttings to farmers in the vicinity who chose to engage in cassava production. The project duration was May 2004 to July 2005. The districts covered in Zambia are listed in Table 3 below. In Eastern Province, WCS was selected as an implementing partner to establish the cassava nurseries. In Eastern province WCS covers Chama, Lundazi and Mambwe.


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Table 3 Districts of operation and target beneficiaries Province

Implementing District Partner

EASTERN

WCS

WESTERN

WVZ

SOUTHERN

AFRICARE PAM

Chama Lundazi Mambwe Petauke Sub-Total Mongu Lukulu Kalabo Sub-Total Siavonga Gwembe Sinazongwe Namwala Sub-Total Grand Total

Male

Beneficiaries Female

9 15 5 1 30 5 6 8 19 9 3 4 5 21 70

3 1 5 1 10 1 0 0 1 3 3 2 0 8 19

Total

12 16 10 2 40 6 6 8 20 12 6 6 5 29 89

Source: FAO, May 2005.

WCS also works jointly with WFP who provide food for assets which means that a farmer is given food in return for preparing the land. This is to encourage farmers to quickly adopt the programme. Each farmer is expected to plant 0.5 lima of cassava. The Extension Officers, Community Development and WCS staff sensitize the farmers to work in groups through village leaders. This approach has been more effective than working with individual farmers. 5.1.2.3. WFP: Peri-Urban Self Help (PUSH) The PUSH is operating a food for assets project in Sesheke on behalf of the WFP in 2006/07 season. This is the first season in which the organization has worked with cassava. The programme employs food rations as an incentive for vulnerable households (the hungry, those nursing the terminally ill and persons taking care of the OVCs) to invest 4 hours per day in developing group assets. The households are given the food rations during the period October to March. The asset being developed is cassava nurseries. The nurseries have been developed in 9 wards at a rate of 2lima per ward giving a total of 18 lima or 4.5ha in the two constituents of Mwandi and Sesheke Central. A total of 3,500 beneficiaries in the nine wards have been reached with the Food Aid. The beneficiaries ought to have a lima or two to grow food in order to qualify to be in the programme. The programme may continue, but that is uncertain at the present. The plan for PUSH is to go into other constituencies and wards that are far off although they recognize that communities that are isolated present prohibitive logistic costs. WFP also builds assets by supporting the reclaiming of land from the torpedo grass along the lake shore in Siavonga. WFP has provided a tractor, plough and disc to HHZ to carryout the land reclamation.


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5.1.2.4. USAID: Market Access, Trade and Enabling Policies (MATEP) MATEP is a five year project focused on promotion of export of agro and natural resources products. MATEP have eight chains in their portfolio including cassava. MATEP is an active member of the Accelerated Cassava Utilization Task force which has three subcommittees: Grades and standards – to assist trade local and export; feed and industry use and food industry. MATEP sits on the grades sub-committee, and together with the other two committees, the task force will produce a reference document for the cassava sector in the country. In terms of trade, the task force has had enquiries from Angola and Rwanda. MATEP has products that help exporters of cassava or other commodities conduct their business: 1. The project will support up to 50% of the cost from output to export order 2. Loan facilities: Short term loan payable in 6 months at (libor plus 4%). Minimum of 10,000 and maximum of 250,000 USD. This facility is for pre-shipment/pre-export finance. Needs collateral for security. 3. Medium term loan facility is similar to the short term but takes 36 months to 3 years to repay. Provides for expansion of a business. 4. BDS – when a business is looking for buyers in the region or Europe.

5.1.3. Promotion activities sponsored by Private Sector and NGOs 5.1.3.1. Plan International The main goal of Plan International is to reduce malnutrition and household poverty through improved household food security and family income. To contribute to achievement of this goal, Plan supports increased and sustainable agricultural production, crop diversification using appropriate technical approach and irrigation. Plan enables communities with access to quality seed and supports seed multiplication projects to boost agricultural production. It also supports training in better farming techniques such as agro-forestry, irrigation, and improved crop storage and water management. Current Plan activities in Eastern Province began in 2001 and are focusing on Chadiza and Mambwe districts. Chadiza has high levels of poverty. However, because of poor road conditions Plan is unable to start operations in Mambwe district as it is difficulty to monitor project activities in such conditions. Cassava is one of the crops they plan to promote. Others are cowpeas, beans and sweet potato. They are also promoting production of round potatoes and vegetables among farmers that have received treadle pumps to ease irrigation. Plan collaborates with ZARI at Msekera for multiplication of root and tuber crops planting material and ICRISAT/Malawi for multiplication of beans. Plan is also encouraging farmers to adapt organic farming including use of agro-forestry tree species. The seed multiplication is through a pass on system to two other families. Plan International started with 500 farmers in 2001 and now work with 10,000 farmers. Only 1,000 farmers are involved in cassava. Each farmer is expected to devote a lima to cassava. Last season 400 farmers received a 50kg bag of sweetpotato vines each in Chadiza covering 6 wards for cassava and sweetpotato out of 20 wards. Plan is proposing to extend this programme to Chipata, Petauke and Mambwe. Food Crop Diversification Support Project for Enhancement of Food Security in Zambia (FoDiS)

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Plan proposes smaller groups of 5 farmers to manage a nursery because communal groups are difficult to manage. The farmers form their own groups provided that they have a gender balance. MACO trains the farmers. Farmer exchange visits to Malawi have also been organised. Farmers’ participation in activity monitoring helps to assess the weaknesses and strengths of the programme. 5.1.3.2. CARE International Care International’s Agricultural Input for Community Asset (AICA project started in 2005 in Southern province and was replicated in Petauke district of Eastern Province in 2006. In December 2006, the project wound up because of changes in the organization. During its operation the project was looking at food security for vulnerable households by providing them with drought tolerant crops such as sorghum, millet, groundnuts, cassava and sweet potatoes. The programme distributes seed through ‘seed for work’. For example, seed or planting material are given to community members after working on public projects such as building of roads, clinics, teachers’ houses, and storage sheds. Petauke district has two Agricultural blocks (Chinika and Kapoche) with five camps making a total of 10 camps. Following the DACO’s recommendations that there were no NGOs operating in those blocks, CARE distributed these inputs to the camps and seven other camps in Katete district as shown in Table 4 below.

Table 4 Distribution of cassava and sweet potato planting material in Petauke and Katete districts by AICA/CARE in 2006

Agric. camp

Number of cassava beneficiaries

No. of bundles(2 bundles of 50 x100cm)

Sweet potato beneficiaries

Number of 50kg bags by volume

Petauke district Nyanje 1 Mwanika Mawanda Chikalawa Nyamtuma Chilongozi Wankhala Muzumwa Kapungwe Nyanje 2 TOTAL

110 90 139 46 61 87 135 125 126 86 1005

220 180 278 92 122 174 270 250 252 172 2010

83 65 121 88 76 76 22 52 34 89 706

332 260 484 352 304 304 88 208 136 356 2824

Katete District Chimunsi Chimtende Gaveni Chitawe Chithasa Kameta Seya TOTAL

117 121 74 108 128 113 96 757

234 242 148 216 256 226 192 1514

45 21 87 55 86 27 65 386

180 84 348 220 344 108 260 1544


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The sweet potato planting material (Chingovwa) came from Kapiri in deteriorated condition while cassava (Maniopola) was sourced from Petauke Farmers’ Training Centre. The project had targeted 1,800 beneficiaries but the number reduced because farmers had enough produce and were therefore reluctant to participate in work for food as they had enough food of their own. This suggest that distribution of seed or planting material through work for food is only effective when farmers face crop failures and not suited when farmers have sufficient food of their own. If the commercial and income aspects of cassava were obvious, then there would be no decline in demand for work for cassava during a good season. This is a good lesson that for sustainable production focus should not be narrowed to food security but should include the income / commercial side. 5.1.3.3. Harvest Help Zambia Harvest Help Zambia is an NGO that is working in Siavonga district. This NGO has been involved in various developmental activities and relief work. Regarding cassava, Harvest Help realised the futility of emergency distribution of cassava cuttings and decided to take a more developmental oriented approach to the promotion of cassava among the communities of Siavonga. They realized that distribution of cassava at the start of the rain season positions the crop in competition with the cereals which are the preferred crops for the community. However, it found it possible and workable to introduce cassava in the offseason, when the pressure on both the land and the farmer’s time is lower. The cassava is promoted in the residual moisture left by the lake every year supplemented by irrigation for two weeks during establishment to prevent the termites. Harvest Help is also promoting treadle pumps and motorized pumps for water lifting. This is in addition to the manual watering that is possible for households on the lakeshore. The pumps are obtained on a three year loan to the farmer. Currently Harvest Help is working with 10 groups in Kabyobyo, Mundulundulu, Gwena, Jali, Manchamvwa, Dimbwi, and Mutubato to promote maniopola variety and other varieties distributed by PAM. The programme involves promotion of cowpeas, sorghum, maize, and cassava. A target of 1000 farmers has been set for 2007. The groups are not only used for training farmers, but will also function as a marketing group in addition to land reclamation from Torpedo grass. Cassava cuttings are distributed from farmer to farmer by pass-on gift. The first set of cuttings came from Chongwe, the second from a Siavonga farmer and the latest supply is from Namwala. 5.1.3.4. Wildlife Conservation Society of Zambia (WCS) The interest for WCS is to move households from reliance on poaching to agriculture. The organisation works through communities in game management areas to improve crop production and generate income and reduce poaching of game. The society is quartered at Masumba, the regional office for Petauke and Mambwe and works in Lundazi and Chama district game management areas. Agriculture offers an alternative livelihood to poaching. To achieve the transition from a poacher to a farmer, the household is provided with food for assets by WFP for a period while the crop is establishing (to prepare land and plant the crop). The annual aerial surveys indicate an increase in numbers of wild animals. This means that the programme is achieving its objective of shifting the target group from poaching to farming. Across the districts from Chongwe to Mambwe WCS has distributed cassava cuttings and has sponsored the establishment of CBOs, Community Markets for Conservation (COMACO), to help with marketing of produce and consequently making agriculture a worthwhile alternative to poaching. Food Crop Diversification Support Project for Enhancement of Food Security in Zambia (FoDiS)

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WCS has erected solar fences where feasible to keep off wild animals from destroying crops—these fences work better against bigger animals only but smaller animals such as wild pigs can still pass under the fence. COMACO is currently exploring the market for the crops being grown by the communities. Plans for installation of processing machines for these crops are being drawn and cassava is one of them. 5.1.3.5. World Vision Zambia (WVZ) The World Vision Zambia operations are parcelled in terms of Area Development Programmes (ADPs). The ADPs go beyond agriculture and include activities such as of building schools and other public works. Thus, the character of each ADP depends on the opportunities that can best be exploited for the benefit of the community concerned. However, each ADP has Agricultural Development Facilitators (DFAs). Even though WVZ has child welfare focus, the Chama ADP has a cassava promotion activity. WVZ participated in the distribution of Food Security Pack for 750households in Chibombo and this included cassava. However, the ADPs of interest to FoDiS would be Sinazongwe, Gwembe (Lumbo ADP), Chongwe (Kapululwe ADP), Petauke (Nyampande ADP), Chipata (Makungwa ADP). According to WVZ the biggest problem of working in agriculture is access to good foundation seed for most crops of interest to smallholders. However the WVZ programme seems to take on an a parallel approach by employing Community Farm Workers (CFW) to facilitate farmer to farmer extension of messages and by pass agricultural extension. Agricultural Development Facilitators may be used to support FoDiS activities such as selection of suitable sites for the nursery establishment and the subsequent distribution to households and collection of recoveries. 5.1.3.6. Kaluli Development Foundation (KDF) KDF began as Gwembe South Development Project a joint project between MACO and Gossiner mission. At the unification of Germany, the mission attention turned more to Eastern part of that country leading the project to transform into a foundation. KDF is running several programmes and has linked up its activities with the camp extension officers. The area of Muzio has been the main focus of activities. Other areas of the district such as Siameja and Siapondo are difficult to reach and rarely included in programmes from Lusaka. One of the programmes run is the water supply and sanitation project involving the construction of weirs to capture water for livestock and, in future, to supply irrigation projects. The Sustainable Agriculture project is one of the biggest and longest running. It is a development project focusing on soil fertility and land management. The project has several components including (i) Community based extension in which KDF chooses persons on criteria such as ability to work as a volunteer. The persons so chosen are put through training and contribute to the KDF as Community Agricultural Workers (CAWs). This effort has allowed the KDF improve extension coverage, (ii) Soil Fertility Improvement encourages the use of kraal manure, rotation of crops, Nitrogen fixing plants such as velvet beans and sun hemp and the retention of acacia in the fields. (iii) Post harvest and Loss Control: the foundation promotes on farm seed production by promoting open pollinated varieties (OPVs). 20 farmers have been trained, 10 of whom are very successful as they are now able to produce certified seed. This component also promotes the construction of improved storage.


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The KDF has not had a programme on cassava promotion except as a collaborator with PAM. The first cassava from PAM was in 2000/01 season. The cuttings were too dry when they were received. In 2005/06, the PAM sourced cassava from within the three out of six farmers who were trained under the FAO emergency project (Table 3). Because of the animals, the nurseries never did well. The cuttings also died as the rain was not there and termites destroyed the sticks. In 2006/07 season, the PAM sourced cassava from elsewhere as the sticks were too expensive in Sinazongwe. Apparently the steep price for cuttings is due to some NGOs paying highly for the cuttings. The preference is for sweet varieties as the norm is to boil and use as substitute for bread when taking tea. Leaves are widely eaten by the population. Training is required in processing and agronomy before the farmers receive the cuttings for planting. The threats to cassava are domestic animals. Due to uncontrolled livestock movements, 1 lima would be a good size to promote for each farmer as it is easier to fence off, the few who have cassava have fenced off their fields. Of the 6 farmers that received cassava from the FAO project, the 3 that failed had not fenced of their fields. The three who succeeded have continued since 2004 and now supply cassava to many others. Sweetpotatoes have only been received once in 2003/04. The KDF has 3 extension officers, to backstop the CAWs, one of whom is seconded by the MACO. The CAWs number 24, and the foundation owns a tractor a truck and a pickup. The foundation station and Kanchindu has a nursery supplying the sustainable agriculture component.


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5.2. Current Status of Promotional Activities in the Target Districts 5.2.1. Eastern Province 5.2.1.1. Overview of the Province The importance of cassava and sweetpotato especially during the hunger periods is well acknowledged through out the province. Availability of planting material of these crops is one of the bottlenecks. Only one cassava variety, Maniopola, is widely cultivated in the whole province for its sweet taste and earlier bulking. The people in Eastern province have no wide use of cassava and sweet potato crops other than as a snack or boiling. However the animal-crop interaction in the province is a threat to adoption of the crops. The DACO’s office chairs the Food Security Committee in all the districts in the province. The Food Security Committee is responsible for the food security pack, therefore the DACO’s office is all the time involved in the distribution of these planting materials. However, in some districts, suppliers of the planting material may directly deliver to a lead NGO in that district, but the DACO’s camp or block office will still be involved at that level. Most of the training courses done by NGOs, are conducted at the Farmers’ Training Centres using the agriculture extension staff as resource persons. The government’s contribution is limited due to poor funding. Table 5 below shows the number of targeted cassava beneficiaries in 2005/06 by PAM in the province. Table 5 Eastern Province beneficiary targets of cassava cuttings for 2005/06 season by PAM

District Mambwe Chipata North Chipata South Katete Chadiza Nyimba Petauke Lundazi Chama TOTAL

Number of cassava beneficiaries 386 938 1000 452 350 250 600 550 300 4,826

Source. PAM Monthly report for the month of Feb. and March 2006 Eastern Province (Bernadette Ngulube, 2006)

This season a total of 1,700 farmers are expected to benefit from WCS Maniopola nurseries. In these areas cassava is used as a snack or chewed raw. As a result, utilization and processing training is mandatory although little effort has already been made in Lundazi. A few farmers are given processing skills and in turn trained their group partners upon return to their communities. 5.2.1.2. Mambwe District PAM started distributing cassava and sweet potato planting material to Mambwe district during SHAPES era. Only a total of 313 cuttings were distributed during that time. Even though the material satisfactorily established in the field, it was grossly insufficient. The farmers got interested in the crop as a cushion during hunger periods. Adoption of cassava Food Crop Diversification Support Project for Enhancement of Food Security in Zambia (FoDiS)

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and sweet potato has been slow due to lack of planting material and the community’s slow rate in adopting new crops. In 2004/05 there were 868 cassava growers with a total of area of 148 hectares. In 2005/06 season the number increased to 1,736 cassava growers covering 868 ha and 1,572 sweet potato growers with a total hectare of 393 (Mambwe DACO’s handout Jan. 2007). FAO/PAM through Mambwe DACO’s office have provided 83 treadle pumps to farmer groups (1 pump to 6 farmers) for winter cropping to mitigate hunger in the district. The District Women’s Development Association (DWA) is the lead NGO in the district and the recipient for PAM’s food security pack which it delivers to the farmers in the district, (Table 6). The Association is contracted by PAM to distribute and monitor the establishment of the FSP in the field. The DWA collaborates with the DACO’s office, Community Development and Social Welfare and other Food Security Pack Committee members in the district. They are responsible for organising transport for distribution of planting material to their farmers in satellite areas. They also organise training courses for the farmers. Table 6 Current status of Mambwe district in promotion of root and tuber crops

District Mambwe

Operating organization PAM/DWA WCS/WFP/FAO

Objective Food security Promoting crop diversification

MACO/MASUMBA Information dissemination

Activities conducted Food pack, training, processing and utilization. Distribution of planting material, seed, collaboration with WFP, FAO, MACO, training, soybean, poultry, rice, COMACO Technology testing, demos, seminars, field days, training

Cassava was first introduced to the WCS programme in 2004/05 through the FAO-RIACSO emergency programme. This involved establishment of a hectare to each chiefdom. The 1 ha nursery was hosted by one farmer who had demonstrated interest in agriculture in each chiefdom. The host was a member of a group. Farmers were trained in utilization such as making nshima from cassava and other uses. However, lack of cassava processing facilities hinders utilization at household level. Cassava production is viable in the areas of operation. What is required is access to high yielding and early maturing varieties. The major problem for the farmers is the availability of planting materials. The FRA is a possible channel for marketing cassava. Between 2004 and 2006, 8 x 1 lima nurseries of cassava were established by WCS in the eastern province. Last season WCS distributed cassava planting material to 484 farmer groups (10 -15 members /group). Other activities include groundnuts, soybeans, poultry, rice and bee keeping. Of all these activities, 30% of intervention goes to cassava. COMACO buys the produce from the farmer and adds value to it in form of processing and packaging and then finds a market for the product either within the province or transports it to Lusaka.


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5.2.1.3.Petauke District In Petauke district, PAM is in partnership with Petauke Nutrition Group (PNG). This is a community based organization combating malnutrition in the district through provision of seed to vulnerable groups,(Table 7). PNG had a target of 3,000 farmers in the district but has reduced the number to 353 farmers this year. During the 2006/07 season PNG received 322 bundles of Maniopola cassava cuttings (100 stems x 90cm) distributed to 353 farmers; each farmer to plant 0.5 lima. This material is not enough and farmers are requesting for more planting material of cassava and sweet potato. One of PNG’s cassava farmer visited has more than 2.5 ha of cassava. The field has a sisal hedge all round to keep the animals away. The crop is well established but has high CMD infection. This showed that the effort being put into promotion of cassava by both the farmer and PNG is limited by availability of healthy planting material. The PNG indicated a decrease in production of these crops due to lack of planting material in the district. Table 7 Current status of Petauke district in promotion of root and tuber crops District Petauke

Activities conducted

Operating organization PAM/Petauke Nutrition Group

Combat malnutrition

  

Petauke Farmers Training Centre

Dissemination of information



Objective

Outreach nutrition program Provision of seed to vulnerable Support to orphans and vulnerable children Food Security pack

During the 2005/6 farming season the Petauke Farmer Training Centre had 4 ha of cassava (Maniopola) and 2 lima sweet potatoes (Chingovwa/Kenya). Plans for 2007/08 are to have 15 ha cassava and 2 ha sweet potato. The Centre also trains farmers in new technologies and skills. They have enough resource persons to run all these courses. The centre has a tractor, implements, and borehole for domestic water. 5.2.1.4. Nyimba District In Nyimba district, PAM works in partnership with DWA for distribution of the food security pack. The targeted beneficiaries for 2005/06 were 250 and during 2006/07 the number reduced to 147. Out of the 146 bundles of cassava (50 cuttings/bundle of 90-100cm long), only79 bundles were received when the truck failed to deliver the balance of 67 bundles for the season. Generally the adoption of cassava and sweet potato in Nyimba district is very low. The DACO’s office estimated an area of 5 ha cassava and 20ha sweet potato for the whole district. This low adoption of the crops is attributed to lack of planting material and communities having not been sensitized enough about the importance of these crops in the district. DWA is the lead NGO in the district (working in partnership with PAM) to deliver the food security pack, Table 8. They have 147 beneficiaries under the food security pack this season; among these 55 are men and 92 women. This number has been reduced from 250 beneficiaries in 2005/06 Food Crop Diversification Support Project for Enhancement of Food Security in Zambia (FoDiS)

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Table 8 Current status of Nyimba district in promotion of root and tuber crops District Nyimba

Operating organization PAM/DWA PAM/COMACO

Objective Food security Crop diversification

Activities conducted FSP distribution Utilization & processing Market development

Although there is not much cassava being grown in Nyimba district, PAM has opened up a COMACO office which was barely 7 months at the time of the study. Like in other districts, this office is linking to WCS activities in Nyimba through PAM. The office is carrying out similar activities as earlier covered in Luangwa and Mambwe. They also have plans of installing processing machines in the district. The limited area under cassava and sweet potato cultivation does not mean that people in the district do not want the crops. A few farmers expressed the importance of the crops for food security. Mr Weta Sakala, a cassava farmer in Chalubilo Camp cited how in 1972 the District Council used to supply them with cassava cuttings and encouraged them to grow the crop for food security. The farmer further bemoaned lack of planting materials for these crops although they would like to grow them. Mr Ackson Lungu of N’gambwa Camp also echoed the sentiment that he used to grow cassava in the past but lost his cassava through theft. He would have wanted to plant another field of cassava but has no planting material. That alone, indicates the desire for the crop in the district. There is need to sensitize the people about the importance of the crops for food security. The introduction of COMACO in the district accompanied by a good establishment of cassava sweet potato nurseries to supply them with the much needed planting material, would boost the production of the crops in the district. In view of what has been said above, FoDiS may start with small nurseries through DWA/MACO and also COMACO since they have already started distribution of planting materials to their farmer groups in the areas of operation. The district has potential for adoption of these crops. 5.2.1.5. Msekera Research Centre Msekera Research Centre is the Primary Site for Eastern Province (Table 9). The Station has the capacity to handle the crop training requirements in conjunction with the Agriculture extension depending on the training needs. Table 9 Current status of Msekera Research Centre as a primary site in Eastern Province District Chipata

Operating organization ZARI/Msekera Research centre

IITA/SARRNET Chinyanja Triangle

Objective

Activities conducted

Source of seed material

_Planting material multiplication -Implementing agent _Training- source of resource staff for training

Improve livelihood and reduce poverty

-Planting Material nurseries Planting material distribution -Demos

Msekera Research Station is host to IITA/SARRNET Chinyanja Triangle Project. The project aims at improving the livelihood and poverty reduction. The activities involve Food Crop Diversification Support Project for Enhancement of Food Security in Zambia (FoDiS)

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cassava and sweet potato planting material multiplication and distribution. The SARRNET project has already distributed planting material to Chadiza, Katete, Petauke and Chipata. This season the project is multiplying some of the cassava and sweet potato varieties collected from Mansa at Msekera Research Station.


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5.2.2. Lusaka Province 5.2.2.1. Overview of the Province Lusaka is home to greatly varied agriculture and other industries. The organizations of interest to the project are the packaging material manufactures, feed mills and piggery operators. These would influence the behaviour of the cassava farmers. 5.2.2.2. Chongwe District Chongwe has specific areas where cassava is grown. These are largely the Rufunsa and Kanakantapa areas. In Bundabunda, the cassava has failed and the area could benefit from a trial of other cultivars. Chongwe may be broadly divided into four regions. The eastern region or (i) Rufunsa, where cassava, particularly maniopola, is grown, (ii) the central region where promotion efforts need to be increased as this area is challenged by the poorly controlled livestock, (iii) the northern side in which maniopola does not do well. This region offers potential for testing new cultivars other than maniopola. The district also has (iv) the Kanakantapa settlement scheme where more business oriented farmers can be found. It is from the settlement scheme where NGOs have bought cassava cuttings and sweet potato vines. Maniopola is the most widely grown variety but carries cassava mosaic virus. The cultivar is preferred because of the cash sales in Lusaka (roots, leaves and cuttings). Some farmers in Chongwe grow cassava to feed their pigs. These piggery operators, NGOs and other farmers are the biggest buyers of cuttings in Chongwe. The demand/awareness for cassava is already high. The constraints appear to hinge on livestock of neighbours destroying the cassava crop. Given a market for cassava, farmers will seek planting materials from suitably placed nurseries. Farmers in the settlement scheme will not need much sensitization – but good planting materials and market outlet for their produce. Thirty of these farmers have half lima or more under cassava. The organizations active in Chongwe are Christian Children’s Fund (CCF), World Vision Zambia (WVZ), PAVIDIA, Heifer, Land-O-Lakes, MACO’s Fertilizer support programme and Chongwe District Farmers Association. Given the relatively better transport situation for Chongwe, the DACO’s office offers potential for coordinating the cassava development effort of FoDiS. 5.2.2.3. Luangwa District In Luangwa district PAM started supplying cassava and sweetpotato planting material during the lifespan of SHAPES and continues distributing under FSP. PAM works in conjunction with DACO’s office and Community Development distributing the pack to the communities. The Seed Control and Certification Institute (SCCI) supplied some Chingovwa vines for multiplication to Luangwa DACO’s office under poverty reduction program. WCS is the only organization actively involved in promotion of root crops in Luangwa district. In 2003/04 WCS supplied sorghum (Kuyuma) to 110 households. In 2006 cassava cuttings from Mphaisya/Rufunsa were targeted for 200 households who were expected to plant 0.5 lima of cassava each. Other crops included in the crop diversification are rice, Food Crop Diversification Support Project for Enhancement of Food Security in Zambia (FoDiS)

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cowpea, groundnuts and bananas. WCS has also introduced beekeeping for honey, and fish ponds. During 2006/07, WCS is targeting 120 households (0.5lima per household) to receive cassava cuttings from Rufunsa (60 house holds for Luangwa and 60 others for Mbuluma). Luangwa district is expected to have 32 lima of cassava and 25 lima in Shikabeta. One major limiting factor in cassava production in Luangwa district is goats and wildlife. There is a high population of goats that can destroy the crop if cultivated near their homes. Secondly wildlife is a menace around Mphuka area and is referred to as a “corridor for wildlife”. The team witnessed half hectare of cassava field that was completely destroyed by elephants and abandoned. More crops damaged by wildlife were observed by the team and complaints about animals were received from the farmers. Farmers wish to grow the crops but the animals do not give them a chance. Availability of planting material is also another limiting factor inhibiting production.


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5.2.3. Southern Province 5.2.3.1. Overview of the Province Generally, the farmers in Southern Province still have to be convinced to take up cassava as a staple food. The preferred cultivar in Southern Province should be sweet. The bitter cultivars require water for processing and water is not readily available in some localities. This barrier is artificial, however, because the processing of bitter cassava does not require running water. Choma milling in Southern Province has stopped blending cassava with maize. The reason given was that the sale price of cassava was higher than that for maize. The logistics of sourcing cassava was also a hindrance to continued use and promotion of cassava by the milling company. 5.2.3.2. Siavonga District The Siavonga district is dominated by small fields resulting from crowding along the lakeshore and the limited arable land in the hills. Although Siavonga is a dry environment visual observations indicate that cassava is able to thrive much better in the valley. The little rain coupled with warm temperatures mean that the cassava can grow with almost no break. Besides the warm temperature, the soils also appear fertile enough to support the vigorous development of dry matter. Cassava is promoted by two organizations in the district. The first is the PAM that works with the Siavonga Nutrition group to implement the Food Security Pack. The pack consists of a cereal, legume and cassava/sweet potatoes. The FSP is meant for vulnerable but viable households and is influenced by considerations of mitigating the effects of HIV/AIDS. The FSP is meant to be implemented in a given area or a set of farmers for two years only, after which another area is chosen. This time limit echoes the origins of PAM as a humanitarian assistance response facility. Thus operationally the FSP is implemented in the emergency mode in contrast to long term developmental programme that other organizations may have and cassava promotion prefers. The FSP joins DACO and the Siavonga Nutrition Group (SNG) in extending the Food Security Pack to farmers. The SNG is the lead implementer of the FSP in Siavonga while the department of agriculture through the office of the Senior Agricultural Officer (SAO) provides technical support to FSP and helps monitor the activities in the field. This tripartite arrangement is common across FSP activity areas. The Food Security Pack, have covered four broad areas of Siavonga district namely the Chirundu area bordering the Zambezi river, Shangambwe – Siangwemu area between the main road and Kafue river, peri-urban and Lisutu and the Lake Shore in conjunction with Harvest Help Zambia. Altogether, 10,500 cuttings have been distributed at the rate of 105 per beneficiary. The beneficiaries received 1-2 day training giving information on pests and disease management. Varietal descriptors will need to be given to the districts to help them appreciate what the varieties are and be able to identify them. The second organization is Harvest Help Zambia (HHZ). The NGO has been involved in various developmental activities including collaboration in relief work. Regarding cassava, Harvest has taken a more developmental oriented approach to the promotion of cassava among the communities in Siavonga. The Siavonga perspective is that cassava production has not developed in the district because the promotion competed for time with the preferred crops. The solution has been to move cassava outside the main cropping period. Harvest Food Crop Diversification Support Project for Enhancement of Food Security in Zambia (FoDiS)

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Help has accomplished this by providing water lifting devices ranging from buckets and treadle pumps to petrol pumps. Harvest Help has other programmes in the communities which can be associated with the cassava promotion. Programmes include water and sanitation, primary health care and civic management and capacity building (under which the communities are trained to be able to control the service providers). Thus the central role of the HHZ is capacity building of associations so that they can access services at cost. HHZ has provided staff to the DACO in those camps not manned by the MACO. Besides Siavonga, the NGO has sites in Gwembe that await cassava cuttings to establish four nurseries there. HHZ has had financing from different sources. Currently, Kinder have funded treadle pumps and motorized pumps while HHUK has financed cuttings, training and study visits. The land reclamation is supported by the UNWFP through provision of a tractor, plough and disc. 5.2.3.3. Sinazongwe District Two main development organizations working in the district are the Kaluli Development Foundation (KDF) and the World Vision in addition to MACO. Sinazongwe is deemed to be a poor district because it does not produce maize for sale even in a good year. Cassava is almost non-existent; PAM (FSP) and FAO are credited with the promotion of cassava. Kaluli has a history of a strong agricultural programme – a development project focussing on soil fertility and land management. Kaluli first had cassava from PAM in 2000/01 season. The cuttings were dry and consequently not used. In 2003/04, PAM sourced cuttings from within the province—but the performance was poor due to animal attacks – and in some cases the cuttings died due to termites as there was no rain at the time of planting. The value of cuttings has gone up in Sinazongwe due to demand from NGO projects distributing large quantities of cassava in the drier southern regions of the country. One such organization is CRS. In 2006/07, PAM had to source cuttings from elsewhere at K200 per 1m cutting while farmers in Sinazongwe demanded K450 per cutting. The study team bought cuttings at K300per 1m. The Agricultural Department of the WVZ distributed an unknown lot of cassava in 2003, but did not make follow-up visits—consequently they do not have information on impact. WVZ have not promoted sweet potatoes before and the 2003 attempt was the first time cassava was given out in this 12 year project. The greatest challenge has been the timing of supply of planting materials. One constraint to cassava promotion is the small land holdings in Sinazongwe, most households hold a maximum of 2ha, hence a field size of 0.5lima per household may be ideal for promoting cassava, but even this represents a substantial proportion of land already being used for producing, often inadequate food crops. 5.2.3.4. Gwembe District In Gwembe, the promise of a treadle pump appears to contribute to the adoption of cassava besides the potential cash from the cuttings. The first cuttings in Chipepo were distributed under the FAO emergency programme and included treadle pumps to apply water when needed. Farmers are reluctant to adopt cassava due to the labour needed to construct fences against goats. WVZ actually focuses on livestock development for the district. PAM has Food Crop Diversification Support Project for Enhancement of Food Security in Zambia (FoDiS)

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been working with the WVZ while the department of extension provided monitoring support. The DACO does not have specific root and tuber crops programme. The Organizations that have programmes in the district are Agricultural Support Programme (ASP), World Vision Zambia, Kamano Seed, Evangelical Fellowship Council, Monze Diocese, Fertilizer Support Programme, and LADA on land use rights. The DACO suggested Munyumbwe, Chipepo and Bunyete areas as possible nursery sites for promotion of cassava. In Chipepo, a female farmer who received material from the FAO has since spread them to five other farmers. The only drawback is that the farmers do not know the varieties they are growing. The potential for sale of cuttings has been demonstrated and the farmers in Chipepo camp could host a nursery with the support of the camp extension officer. In fact the farmer suggested DACO should hold a field-day for cassava instead of maize only as has been the practice in the past. FoDiS could consider supporting this event, say in October when the materials could be harvested for sale to interested farmers


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5.2.4. Western Province 5.2.4.1. Overview of the Province The Western Province is listed as one of the regions where cassava forms a regular part of the staple food. However, there is great variability in the utilization of the crop due to ethnic differences. The main users are residents of the upland sandy soils where the cassava is able to grow freely. The crop has been spreading in the province basically from the northwest towards the east and the south. Sesheke and Senanga are the southern frontiers of the advance of the cassava. Pockets of resistance still persist especially among the residents of the annually flooded Borotse in Mongu district and the Siloana plains in Shangombo district to southern Sesheke. The remaining areas are much more familiar with cassava than their counterparts in Southern Province. 5.2.4.2. Sesheke District Very little cassava is grown – except in the north of the district. The activities of the DACO’s office in roots and tuber crops have been to support the activities of NGOs. The district is settled by persons with varying familiarity with cassava. In the North (Sichili North etc) the households grow cassava while the south is less likely to display cassava. However, the district is also settled by immigrants from Senanga and Mongu Districts besides the native users from Angola. On the whole, Sesheke is more familiar with cassava than are Chongwe, Siavonga, Gwembe and Sinazongwe. There have been several programmes implemented in the district but to no tangible results due to the poor coordination with the agricultural extension. Past efforts have at worst dumped cassava cuttings without first recruiting the farmers and having them buy into a long term development process. One of the immediate evidence of the lack of sensitization is that the farmers do not know the names of the varieties they have received. The same problem applies to Sweet potato distribution in the district. All the organizations that have distributed cassava normally operate in the emergency mode. A few organizations are involved in promoting agriculture in Sesheke district. The first among these is the office of the DACO. District Agricultural Coordinator (DACO). The DACO’s office takes care of several departments. The section of interest to FoDiS is that of agriculture headed by the senior agricultural officer (SAO). The office has a few themes that form the regular extension programme. The first among these is the Technology transfer to the communities, which is the standard heading used for the field activities. The limited government budget prevents the extension service from tackling new subjects as the budget is prepared on a “business as usual” mode by other MACO operatives. As it is activity based, it is difficult to depart from the budget. However, outside the department programme, the DACO and his staff have discussed the need for crop diversification. Crop monitoring programme starts in November and ends in May each year and gathers data on how the crop (esp. maize) is doing in the field. The DACO is also involved in training of extension workers, promotion of horticulture and promotion of irrigation. There are enough water bodies in the district. Promotion of Field Crops is yet another theme under the DACO. This theme includes (i) legumes- these are essentially groundnuts and cowpeas. – (ii) the principal cereals promoted by extension are maize, sorghum and pearl millets (especially on sandy soils) and a bit of rice in the north of the district. (iii) Minor crops such as bambara nuts, Cassava and Sweet Food Crop Diversification Support Project for Enhancement of Food Security in Zambia (FoDiS)

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potatoes, The extension service has no specific programme of promoting cassava in the district but has hosted and is aware of promotional activities initiated by other organizations such as the FAO, PAM, CRS and PUSH. The development of sweet potatoes is bright as there is a huge demand for sweet potatoes in Namibia. Currently the market is being supplied by trucks from growers in Southern province and further north in Serenje or elsewhere in North-western province. Sesheke recorded more than 900 mm of rainfall for the first time in 2005/06 season. That may have contributed to the surge in sweet potatoes cultivation besides the high demand from Namibia. Other improved production levels have been recorded in horticulture as indicated by increased investments in assets used for vegetable production. There are now 7 farmers who have bought petrol powered water pumps and several other who have invested in treadle pumps and other water lifting devices. These efforts are supported by the close mentoring by the extension staff and the economic opportunity realizable by the farmers. The Christian Relief Service (CRS) has been distributing cassava and sweetpotaoes in Sesheke for the past three years. The cassava distributed has been characterized by bruising and drying during transportation. The cassava is regularly distributed to the farmers without information on how to manage the crop or follow-up visits to support the growers. New growers could have benefited from sustained technical support. The CRS are in all blocks of Sesheke except Mwandi but the total number of beneficiaries is unknown to the DACO. The CRS programme also includes cereals such as maize and sorghum. Food Security Pack (FSP) of the Programme Against Malnutrition (PAM). The FSP is operated in all but Mwandi block. Mwandi was excluded on account of moles and spring hares. The cassava was sourced from north Sichili and included Nalumino and Kapumba. These were often mixed and indistinguishable until after plants had shot new leaves. The same applies to the materials sourced from Kaoma (Kapumba and Mwakamoya). PAM has been distributing cassava cuttings every year since 2002/03. Farmers often receive far less cuttings than is planned due to high losses during transportation from source to Sesheke. In 2006/07, PAM did not bring materials but got cuttings from one farmer, enough to cater for two households. Peri-Urban Self Help (PUSH). The PUSH has been in the district for two years, on shortterm emergency programme. It is implementing a World Food Programme (WFP) food for assets programme in the 2006/07 season in which cassava nurseries have been planted in 9 wards using food as incentive to reach the target group (the hungry, those nursing the terminally ill and persons taking care of the OVCs). The beneficiaries ought to have a lima or two to grow food. PUSH is in Mwandi, Sesheke central, Lwanja and Kalobolelwa blocks. The year 2006/07 is the first to work with cassava. Each ward has 2 limas, adding up to 18 limas or 4.5 ha in the two constituents of Mwandi and Sesheke Central. The cultivar used is Nalumino (though expert eyes noted some varieties mixed in the plot). The programme has endeavoured to work closely with MACO as that is where the expertise lies. There is no marching of varieties to the requirements of the community. The PUSH bought whatever was available in Namwala, i.e. Nalumino The cassava is new to most of the communities in which the nurseries have been established, and its promotion may present challenges that NGOs not as endowed as PUSH may not overcome. In particular, participation may not be as high as desired.


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The PUSH Programme is organized in several groups each with membership varying from 10 to 20. Two groups manage one nursery, taking care to prepare the land, plant the cuttings, weed the field and keep it safe from stray animals. The reward is the food rations given to each household during the period October to March for the 4 hours a day that each household allocates to the nursery. A total of 3,500 beneficiaries have been reached in the 9 wards. Farmers Perspective on promotional efforts in Sesheke is that the demand for cassava is good but the supply has problems. For instance CRS brought in bundles at the wrong time (November/December 2005) when the preferred time is September. Despite the delays and spoilt cuttings, the communities tried to plant what they could salvage. The cuttings seen by the study team were largely of Bangweulu and some Nalumino varieties. Sprinkling of the other varieties trucked were observed in several fields even where it was stated a particular cultivar was planted. The advice on cultural practices for cassava is that cuttings should be planted in September, so that the plants capture all the possible rainfall in the locality. The area is frost prone in July; therefore, select the seed in May/June. The selected plants should be cut and the sticks stood in a hole and covered with branches and other dry matter to protect the cuttings from the frost. In August/September, at the end of the cold season, the cuttings are retrieved from the storage and planted in a new field. Thus in frost prone areas, it is advisable to select seed and keep it for two months under protection before it is planted. If the frost does not destroy the remaining plants tops, the farmer has more than just what was selected for seed. 5.2.4.3. Shangombo District Cassava is concentrated in the area around Kalongola and along the main road to Sesheke in areas where the soils are deep and termite infestation low. From the river east into Siloana plain, the soils swing to extremes of water logging or very dry. These soils, together with livestock conspire against cassava growing in the Siloana plan. However, as there is an ethnic dimension, we find pockets of cassava even where it is said not to do well. The reported increase in cattle ownership around Nangweshi is associated with the decrease in area under cassava. Efforts by Multiplication and Distribution of Seed and Planting material (MDSP), PAM and CRS have been noted. All have suffered from delivery of cuttings at the “wrong time”. The cropping calendar for Shangombo is as follows: (Cassava), Millets, Maize and Sorghum. Bringing cassava when the farmers are busy with maize/sorghum in January is often unwelcome. The quality of cuttings has been affected by the time taken from the source of the materials to the farmer. Additionally, the handling of the material in the long chain often results in dry and bruised cuttings that are too poor to shoot. Cassava is by far the most widely grown root crop in the district followed by sweetpotatoes, the plain of Siloana experiences occasional flooding and is not suited to growing cassava. In addition, the plains are known for high cattle ownership that has led to destruction of cassava after harvest of the cereal crops. There may be need to sensitize the local induna to pass laws that will protect cassava from livestock. The main ethnic group growing cassava is the Mbunda and Luvale. The pattern changed slightly when PAM began to supply cuttings to all households. The cassava is used for nshima in combination with maize flour. The Mbunda and Luvale may use cassava flour only. It is also eaten as fresh tubers or dried chips during floods or droughts or just before the main cereal harvest. It is thus one of the main fillers of the hunger period, as the cereal harvest rarely sees the households throughout Food Crop Diversification Support Project for Enhancement of Food Security in Zambia (FoDiS)

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the year. The best combination is to have several garden types especially the wetland gardens and the upland garden where the cassava can be planted. Promotional programmes have included PAM, but FSP has only had very low level of activity in the district for the past three seasons. The CRS also supplied a few cuttings and focused on the hard to reach areas of the Siloana plains while PAM concentrated on accessible areas. PAM works through the New Apostolic Church as the lead NGO to distribute the FSP in conjunction with the DACO staff. The Church works through 20 satellite committees at community level. The satellite committees or the Area Food Security Committees, are chaired by the camp officer. In 2006/07 only two committees were supported namely Chibale Community in Nangweshi camp and Kalenge community in Kalenge camp. The total was only 150 households out of the many that required the assistance. The varieties supplied are Nalumino, Nakamoya and a few bundles of Bangweulu. PAM has reached all areas except Sinjembela, Kaunga Mashi and Sipuma. In 2003/04, PAM supplied 5,000 bundles of cassava cuttings. The cuttings were delivered in December at 500 bundles per CBO. Monitoring by the NGO, showed that the plants wilted. The main reason for wilting was because the cuttings were planted too late instead of the August/September period. Follow-up of the materials is required for success. Sweetpotatoes were supplied only once in Sitoti and the site has become an important source for vines. Shangombo Boma has households growing sweetpotatoes also. Generally there was not much emphasis placed on sweetpotatoes by PAM. Sensitization was not done in full and the materials were delivered late. The payback or pass-on is mainly done for cereals and legumes. Groundnuts and cowpeas do very well in Shangombo. CRS has been in Shangombo since 2002/03. They have their own committees different from the ones used by PAM. They are active in Sioma camp, Mutemwa, Mulele, Sinjembela, Kaunga, Sipuma, Shangombo, Mambolomoka, Namuno, Beshe. According to the DACO, CRS have been scaling down their activities and could be pulling out of the district. They are supplying a maximum of 1 lima worth of cassava cuttings per household. The varieties supplied are Nalumino and Mwakamoya sourced from Kaoma. The number of farmers reached has been decreasing from 6,000 households in 2003/04, 4,000 households in 04/05, 1,200 households in 05/06 and 600 households in 06/07. CRS are almost nonexistent now and 06/07 could be their last season in Shangombo. In 02/03, CRS introduced seed fairs which were very successful. The main problem over the years CRS has been working in the area has been the late delivery of planting materials. The farmers require that they plant in September and feel that the sticks distributed in January are too late. This is principally because at this time, the farmer’s priority is on cereals. The district has 9 camps manned out of 16. The camps not manned are Sipuma, Mambolomoka, State Ranch, and Sinjembela. Mambolomoka and State Ranch do not have housing for a camp officer. 4 camps have motorbikes. Delayed supply of cuttings leads to cuttings not surviving the dry season. The anecdotal evidence is that whatever cassava is planted after the rains will not survive the dry season. The district estimates that there 25ha under cassava. The big hurdles to overcome in the promotion of cassava in Shangombo are: a. Cattle that may destroy fields, especially in Nangweshi area. b. Some households are not enthusiastic about cassava c. There is need to demonstrate the importance of cassava. Food Crop Diversification Support Project for Enhancement of Food Security in Zambia (FoDiS)

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5.3.Constraints and Lessons Learnt From Past related activities The promotion is preceded by sensitization and careful appreciation of the nature of the farming systems of the target community. Historical factors such as the colonial history of cassava also need to be appreciated to avoid the NGO being regarded as one in a series of outsiders trying to impose an alien crop. New lessons have been learnt during the promotion and are summarized below and in Table 10 below: 1) Training is required for nursery and for the main field. Training should involve crop management and post harvest issues such as processing and utilization. The experience of Africare is that training in utilization enhanced the adoption of cassava in the southern province. 2) The demand for cuttings has grown in the southern province, clearly demonstrating that access to markets is key aspect of promoting an enterprise such as cassava. 3) Standards of cassava in trade and food safety have not yet been established. There is a lack of institutions and infrastructure to assist the traders at the borders. For example, there are no warehouses that would allow a traders to store their commodities nor are there facilities to exchange money or check the validity of certain notes used in cross border trade. Government should assist establish such infrastructure and services to aid trade. 4) Despite the efforts of MACO, supporting NGOs and other partners, the area under cassava in Siavonga had not changed substantially in the (three) years that such efforts were in place. Among the reasons for the slow progress is that cassava is a new crop and has low social status among the Tonga. The preferred staples are maize, sorghum or millets. NGOs and other actors have distributed cassava cuttings initially under emergency programmes---at the time when farmers were busy with their main staples which would mature in 6 months. At this critical planting time, cassava would not compete with the preferred cereals on two accounts: (a) It is NOT the preferred staple and (b) it matures in 12 to 24 months when the households need the food sooner 5) Cassava distributed during the critical period for cereals was put aside until the cereals were established, at which time the cuttings would have dried 6) Experience from the dry areas cultivating cassava, such as Mongu, point to the need to plant the crop early for two reasons: a. To allow it to shoot before the rains – hence take maximum advantage of the available moisture b. To avoid competition for labour with other crops in the calendar, crops such as maize that have narrow optimal planting period. 7) The cuttings brought to region I were sourced from distant farms and their handling during transit did not take into account the fragility of the skin on the sticks. The skin was often seriously bruised in the journey to the farmers that took too long. 8) Probably due to the contractors not being familiar with cassava, the names of the varieties were not tagged onto the bundles distributed resulting in farmers growing crops they were not sure of. The first step when confronted with a new technology is to give it a name, thus in the absence of official names, farmers’ own creations may prevail and cause confusion over the identity of the varieties distributed. 9) On the whole what the Project is faced with is a long period over which attempts to promote cassava have not been successful. The failures appear to stem from lack of sensitization and continuing support. Training on how to grow the crop and how to use it are relevant. The successes evident from the survey come from: a. Careful sensitization of the households meant to receive the cassava cuttings. Food Crop Diversification Support Project for Enhancement of Food Security in Zambia (FoDiS)

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b. Avoid competition for labour with the preferred staples. It is not purely by accident that cassava is not staple in the target areas. c. Cash earned from cassava is an important motive for adopting the crop. Income may come from sale of cuttings or fresh root. Thus the entry point may not necessarily be substitution of cereals in the diet. Consequently, training of seed inspectors to aid the sale of cuttings from growers will support the promotion of the crop. d. Fencing the cassava field has helped to protect the crop from livestock. More often than not, the target areas have high livestock ownership. For starting purposes, 1 lima is a good size of field because it could be fenced off easily. e. If is preferable to start small and build up slowly from the successful pioneers. Blanket distribution of planting materials will not succeed. 10) Demand for local consumption may be enhanced by sensitising the communities on how to process cassava differently and consume it and 11) Demand from the market outside the community will assist production as outsiders can buy the produce which will not be consumed. Table 10 Issues and Constraints in Promotion of Cassava and Sweetpotatoes

Issues/Constraints Lessons (Responses) Measures Barriers to Being bitter and poisonous is one negative factor In phase 1 of the promotion, use sweet Adoption of associated with cassava. Some believe that the varieties only while familiarity with the crop Cassava cassava gets bitter as it grows! is nurtured. Sensitization that places the crop in the Poor sensitization of beneficiaries has management practices of the farmers should contributed to poor adoption of cassava. be done before the distribution of planting ,material. Introduce cassava outside the rainy season as During the rainy season, cassava is considered an during the rainy season, cassava is considered unwelcome burden to the farmers’ heavy an unwelcome addition the farmers’ workload. workload on preferred annual staples. Cassava planting material should be distributed before the rainy season. Irrigate stations for three weeks after planting. The availability of domestic water would assists in the establishment of cassava near homesteads. Better performance is Poor cassava establishment resulting from observed for cassava planted near the river termites (Valley) including seasonal streams. Termite attack could be a reflection of low organic matter content in the soil. Thus appropriate planting time and provision of organic matter through CF techniques should be considered Introduce cassava outside the rainy season as The custom of the communities is to concentrate during the rainy season, cassava is considered on rain fed cereals such as maize and sorghum. an unwelcome addition to the farmers’ workload Destruction of cassava by livestock and wildlife. To survive in the low rainfall areas of region I, Fencing off fields with materials ranging from live fences to solar powered fences households keep livestock such as goats and Livestock owners should control stock cattle. In addition, in some localities like the Luangwa and Mambwe, wildlife may also destroy movement strictly through the year. crops. Familiarity with the crop is limited, especially Use local experts to promote the crop such as Food Crop Diversification Support Project for Enhancement of Food Security in Zambia (FoDiS)

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Issues/Constraints Lessons (Responses) regarding utilization as substitute or complement to maize. The limited use options lead to poor adoption of the crop.

Measures people from other provinces settled in the area and are familiar with cassava utilization. Increase lessons or demonstrations and utilization. Introduce fencing that has economic benefits beyond protecting perennial crop such as Fields becoming pastures after harvest Cultural Practices cassava. discourages cassava. Introduce local regulations on care of livestock all year round. The organizations promoting cassava should be sensitive to the local practices and deliver material according to local calendar of Late delivery of planting materials, as late as activities. Talk of calendar not season. January, when the preferred time is September. By planting cassava in September, time is created to address other crops such as millets, maize and sorghum. Uncontrolled livestock movements, and some Promote cassava initially on 1 lima as this households not keen to fence off the fields would be easier to fence off. The hilly areas in the Gwembe valley means there Limited Land Other crops such as vegetables and cowpeas is limited land to allocate to exotic crops like may be promoted in combination with cassava. cassava. Cassava may provide a canopy for vegetable Very few farmers accept cassava because of the production. limited land they have at their disposal. Limited The valley in southern and eastern provinces has Use the Valley environment for nurseries to availability of favourable environmental factors for cassava: supply other districts in the region I. The planting material warm temperatures and good soils valley is conducive for rapid production of in region 1 good cassava planting materials. Marketing.

Planting Date modification

Stratifiers Technology Definition

Released improved cassava and sweet potato varieties have not been widely distributed to farming communities.

As camp officers are the main source of promotion of cassava, they all should have a lima of cassava and utilize it regularly so that the households could learn from them.

Need for RTIP to develop wide range of cassava varieties for different food and industrial use The success of Maniopola is due to demand for or show the variety of uses the current fresh cassava in Lusaka. cultivars have. Other uses of cassava may need to be strongly promoted. The demand for cassava in Gwembe and Encourage development of nurseries by Sinazongwe is spurred by the ready market for supporting farmers with training and supply cuttings from emergency organizations of clean planting materials. Study the use of soft growing tips as farmers The preferred planting date for normal cuttings may use these for planting during the rainy is September. Modifications are possible by season, else the preference is September in switching planting materials WP Promote cassava without too much attention to the age of the farmer, as long as they are The age of the farmer is not a factor in the willing. adoption of the cassava crop. Other stratifiers may be capacity, economic activity and gender Sweetpotatoes are sensitive to dry environment, Clearly define the limits of the technology limiting the availability of planting materials being promoted and encourage practices that


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Issues/Constraints

Lessons (Responses)

Measures support it. Establish permanent sources of vines in strategic locations. Lack of cassava/sweet potato information for Plan and conduct training for farmers and cultural practices and pest, disease among extension, and avail information through farmers various channels Loss of identity or names of cassava/sweet Package cassava in bags and label them potato varieties as they are passed from the prominently. Use field days to visit several suppliers to farmers. sites while appreciating the varieties. Define responses to Special problems such as spring hares (e.g could owl stands help control Frost and springhares are threats to cassava. the hares) if owls were predators! Use live fences and traps


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5.4. Possible Implementation Partners and evaluation of viability of districts Viability and suitability vary from one district to the other. There are some districts that are more suitable for handling of the project while some lack a few qualities of suitability. The following section presents the SWOT for the district and the channels through which the cassava cuttings will reach the farmers.

N- DISTRICT

Primary Nurser(ies)

Secondary Site Run by Partner Org.

≤ 2 Yr Emergency

Development

Partner Organization

DACO

Other Dev. Org

CBO

FG

CBO

Farmer

Farmer

Farmer

Ind HH

Farmer

FSP (PAM,NGO)

Other Emergency

CBO

CBO

Farmer

Farmer

Figure 1 Possible Implementation Arrangements at the District level


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5.4.1. Distribution channels for cassava cuttings The Generic structure for implementation is shown in Figure 1 above. Based on this model, variations are specified for each district. In general, the material will reach the district from the primary multiplication sites at Mount Makulu, Simulumbe, Nanga and Msekera. In the district, the cassava will be received by the partner organization contracted to manage the FoDiS activities at the district level. The partner organization will establish the nursery of 3.36ha with assistance from FoDiS. The 3.36ha nursery will supply enough material to cover 200 farmers growing 1 lima each. When planting material is ready, it will go through two main channels. The project will cater for 100 farmers while the other 100 will be catered for by a variety of institutions especially from the emergency operation side. In other situations, the partner organization distributing the cassava is different from the one managing the nursery. There are varied examples of the CBOs in the districts. Some such as the Area Food Security committee of the FSP are geared for attending to the vulnerable in the community. In contrast the Agricultural Sector Committee at village level in Sinazongwe’s WVZ and the associated Community Agricultural Workers (CAWs), or the Parish Development Committee of the Gwembe under Monze Diocese are more oriented to long term development activities and may find it easier to fit the nurseries and associated activities of distribution in their on-going programmes. Following are the specific implementation mechanisms for each district. 5.4.2. Lusaka Province 5.4.2.1. Chongwe District The farmer training centre in Chongwe is not controlled by the district, but rather by the province. The management of the nursery at such a facility may not be assured by the district. Organizations such as the CCF had food security programmes running in the district but have since stopped (Table 11). They have also worked with PAM in implementation of the FSP. The Chongwe District Farmers’ Association (CDFA) is also operative, emphasizing on market linkages for their members. The association has distributed seed to farmers and, therefore may have a network for distribution of cassava cuttings without saying anything about development work. The district staff consider a farm based nurseries as better cared for than one by an institution like the FTI. WCS also have an extension officer in the district. All things considered, we recommend that the nursery be spread among able farmers selected by the district staff. The DACO could over see the nurseries spread across three or four farms to a maximum of 7 farms if each farmer hosts 2lima. Table 11 Implementing Non Government Organizations in Chongwe

Chongwe

Christian Children’s Fund (CCF) PAM Heifer International Land ‘O’ Lake PAVIDA

Poverty reduction Food security Poverty reduction Poverty reduction Poverty reduction

Agriculture, education, Health Financial support, capacity building, social welfare Supplying input packs, capacity building and food processing Supplies beef animals and goats to farmers Supplies dairy animals and breed improvement Animals, poultry, carpentry


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The Chongwe Staff are well supplied with transport and so can reach longer distances in the district. The farmers in Kanakantapa do already have experience with cassava. The DACO’s office will set up nurseries on-farm to ensure the crop is well managed. From the nurseries, the DACO will distribute the cassava to 100 other farmers directly and through the WCS, who have extension worker in Chongwe, while the rest of the material will be distributed in varied ways including possible inclusion in the FSP by PAM Mount Makulu Research Station

DACO Office

On-Farm Nurseries Kanakantapa Scheme

WCS Comm. Nurseries

Extension Officers

Other Dev. NGOs.

FSP (PAM, NGO)

CTC Farmer Groups

Farmer Groups

Farmer Groups

Satellite

CCF

CBO

Individual Farmers

Figure 2 Distribution Channels, Chongwe District.

5.4.2.2. Luangwa District In Luangwa district, WCS is the most active organisation that the project could collaborate with (Table 12). They are currently distributing cassava and sweet potato planting material to communities in the district but do not have good source for healthy materials. The material is sourced from Rufunsa or Lundazi which is infected with CMD and is only one cassava variety (Maniopola) distributed all the time due to limited choice for cassava planting material base. The district has waters from Luangwa River that can be used for irrigation in selected parts of the district (Table 12). The district has a low adoption rate of cassava and sweet potato. Cassava is a new crop in the district and has not been considered as a major food crop in their diet. Although some farmers are getting interested in growing the crop, they have no source of planting material for cassava and sweet potato. They also have a limited number of varieties for both cassava (maniopola) and sweet potato (Kenya/Chingovwa) Food Crop Diversification Support Project for Enhancement of Food Security in Zambia (FoDiS)

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Table 12 Viability and Suitability of Luangwa District District Luangwa

Strengths WCS, Farmer groups Luangwa river

Weakness Low crop adoption Lack of planting material Lack of improved varieties Limited use for the crops Poor market Poor extension services

Opportunities Irrigation schemes (Chafukula, Tiyeseko, Chitope dam Income generation

Threats Wildlife, Goats Drought Floods Pest & diseases

Mount Makulu Research Station

DACO Office

On-Farm Nurseries Chafukula Tiyeseko

WCS Comm. Nurseries

Extension Officers

CTC Farmer Groups

Farmer Groups

Individual Farmers

Figure 3 Distribution Channels for cassava cuttings in Luangwa

The district has opportunities for establishing nurseries at Chafukula, Tiyeseko Irrigation Schemes. Those two sites could off set the problem of planting material for the two crops in the district. The other potential irrigation site is Chitope Dam. Secondary nurseries shall be established at Chafukula and Tiyeseko Irrigation Schemes under the DACO’s office. Other sites could be established with the WCS farmer groups. From the nursery, the bulk of the material for the 100 farms will go through the WCS. Food Crop Diversification Support Project for Enhancement of Food Security in Zambia (FoDiS)

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Wildlife and goats are a threat to these crops. The two crops have to stand in the field after other crops have been harvested during the dry season; making them vulnerable to both wild and domestic animals during that time. Droughts and floods are extremes of the weather. The district experienced a drought not long ago that led to loss of cassava planting material. This season Luangwa district is one of those areas in the country affected by floods. Also the dependence on a limited number of crop varieties (Maniopola and Chingovwa) puts the district at risk when there is an outbreak of pests or diseases. WCS has well organised farmer groups of which FoDiS could make an entry point for a wide coverage. The existence of COMACO within WCS for marketing of their commodities is an incentive for farmers to quickly adopt cassava and sweetpotato and increase production of these crops in the district. Through the DACO’s office, Chafukula and Tiyeseko Irrigation schemes could be used for nurseries to distribute planting materials in the district. Both sites have farmer groups growing crops under irrigation during the dry season. The sites have solar panels, bore holes, submersible pumps, tanks and either drip or flood irrigation that could be used for nurseries. There is enough land for cassava and sweetpotato nurseries as well as expansion if need arises. However, there is need for an irrigation specialist to verify for any changes and expansion. 5.4.3. Eastern Province Generally people have a problem of goats damaging their crops and that is why they prefer to cultivate crops away from home where the animals cannot reach. On the border with Mozambique, the communities have experienced theft of their crop. Even though theft is a threat, it also shows that the crop is highly valuable in the area. CARE recommended introduction of improved utilization and processing methods for cassava and sweet potato in order for the crops to be widely adopted by the communities. Nurseries can be established with some good farmers in Kaponche and Chinika blocks; while the main nursery can be established at Petauke FTC. CARE International is an effective NGO to work with FoDiS, in Petauke not withstanding the need to consult the head office. In Mambwe district, WCS/WFP can be a key partner to work with FoDiS to promote the production of these crops. CARE International and Plan International are also viable and effective in areas of their operation but do not seem to be well established on the ground in these target districts as WCS/WFP. 5.4.3.1. Mambwe District Like in Luangwa, the people consume cassava as a snack or just boil the roots. Mambwe district depends on PAM or WCS for supply of planting material from either Lundazi/Chama or Rufunsa. The roads are impassable during the rain season limiting some NGOs (Plan International) taking their activities to the district. The introduction of COMACO by WCS in the district is going to help the farmers to generate income from cassava and sweet potato when these crops are adopted by the communities. The hectarage as well as production is likely to increase since producers will be assured of a market for their produce.


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Table 13. Viability and Suitability of Mambwe District District Mambwe

Strengths WCS Farmer groups DWA Camps manned

Weakness Impassable roads Limited use of the crop Lack of planting materials

Opportunities Good environment for nursery(Masumba) Income generation

Threats Pest &diseases

Msekera Research Station

DACO Office

Nurseries Masumuba TAS

WCS Comm. Nurseries

Plan International

Extension Officers

FSP (PAM, DWA)

CTC Farmer Groups

Farmer Groups

Farmer Groups

Satelite

Individual Farmers

Figure 4 Distribution Channels, Mambwe District

Mambwe like other valley areas elsewhere, has a good environment for multiplication of cassava planting material. It is expected that the output of planting material from Masumba TAS in a year will accelerate the suppliers of planting material to farmers in the district. However, like in other districts the threat of pests and diseases is inevitable The presence of WCS in the district gives Mambwe an advantage. The district has well organized farmer groups from WCS and also DWA (Table 13). The DWA expressed interest in the FoDiS project based on the high demand for planting material of cassava and sweet potato by the farmers in the district. They have a capacity to handle the nurseries and distribution of planting material. However, they are limited by transport to reach the farmers and monitor field activities. They may also require funds for allowances where long distances covered on duty. Food Crop Diversification Support Project for Enhancement of Food Security in Zambia (FoDiS)

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WCS has already done the cassava and sweet potato promotion in the district. They have well motivated farmer groups in areas of operation. They also have farmer groups for cassava nurseries. Together with WFP, WCS can organize the farmers to prepare land where they have to plant their crop for that season; and in return paid food for asset by WFP.WCS has mobilized many farmers in the district and seems to have a good control of their farmer groups. The main secondary site will be at Masumba TAS, with possibility of WCS and DWA supporting other portions of the district nursery hectares. Masumba TAS could also supply WCS within the district. Other Organizations could get planting material from either Msekera research station or Masumba TAS. Eventually the planting material would reach the farmers as shown in Figure 4above. FoDiS could support WCS with good healthy planting materials for distribution to their farmers by establishing farmer group nurseries in their areas. Both FoDiS and WCS could share the training costs for the farmers in areas of operation. WCS is introducing other crops in their crop diversification pack, similar to what FoDiS is planning to do. Within the same area, Masumba TAS could host the main cassava and sweet potato nursery for distribution in the district. Masumba TAS has a total area of 250 ha and only 10 ha cleared for crops. The station has some irrigation pipes and two bore holes; it borrows tractors and implements for land preparation from other sister offices. It has no permanent labour force. The station is recommended for the nurseries but requires financial support to achieve the goals. 5.4.3.2. Petauke District Petauke district has mixed farming system consisting of a high population of cattle, goats and pigs that are left on free range during the dry season. These animals are a threat to these crops. There was also a report of rampant cassava theft on the Zambia/Mozambique border. Petauke Nutrition Group (PNG) welcomes FoDiS and is looking forward to see the project in the district. PNG proposed that nurseries could be established from some of their selected farmers in the satellites. Both new varieties of cassava and sweetpotato are acceptable. However, utilization and processing will be required as the crop is new to the community. Petauke Farmers Training Centre has a total area of 617 ha with 400 ha arable land and only 18 ha being utilized. The institution collaborates with Msekera for cassava and sweet potato planting material. Some of the RTIP new lines are already being multiplied including Chingovwa and Zambezi (Sweetpotato released variety). However, the Centre would require fencing some of the fields and protecting them from roaming animals, labour force for management of the nurseries and a truck for distribution of planting material. The institution has the capacity to look after the nurseries, demos as well as training of the farmers for the project.


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DACO Office

Nurseries FTC

Petauke Nutrition G.

Care International

Extension Officers

FSP (PAM, PNG)

Sterile Nurseries

Farmer Groups

Farmer Groups

Satellite

Individual Farmers

Figure 5 Distribution Channels, Petauke District Table 14 Viability and Suitability of Petauke District District Petauke

Strengths Farmer groups Petauke Nutrition Group

Weakness Low crop adoption Lack of planting material Lack of improved varieties Limited use for the crops 59% of Agric camps manned

Opportunities Lusowe Irrigation dam Farmer Training Centre

Threats Goats a & pigs Pest &diseases

Mr Michael Banda who is officer –in-charge of the Centre has interest in his job and maintains good relationship with his farmer groups. The institution is highly recommended for establishment of the nurseries in the district. WVZ and CARE International are also in the district although they have reduced their activities on cassava (Table 14). CARE is likely to continue with their crop diversification activities after working on the annual plan. However, Petauke Nutrition Group has well established farmer groups in the district. The FTC gives the district an advantage for nurseries, training facilities and also the farmer groups linked to the institution. Food Crop Diversification Support Project for Enhancement of Food Security in Zambia (FoDiS)

39


Generally the adoption rate of the crops is low, that may be attributed to lack of planting material and limited number of varieties exposed to the communities. The people, like any other part of the province, are still learning the use of cassava in a household food security. About 59% of the Agric Camps are manned by the staff. The main secondary nursery should be at Petauke FTC and other nurseries at Petauke Nutrition Group satellites. Petauke FTC would supply more planting material to PNG nurseries, emergency NGOs and individual households in the district. Other opportunities of the district may rest on Lusowe Irrigation Dam for establishment of cassava and sweetpotato nurseries. 5.4.3.3. Nyimba District The only strength that Nyimba would have is the introduction of COMACO by PAM in the district, (Table 15). Although a few farmers wish to grow cassava and sweet potato in the district, the adoption of these crops is very low attributed to lack of planting material and limited number of improved varieties available to them. The people in the district have no wide use of these crops in their diet other than a snack or boiling as other communities are doing in the province. The roads are bad or impassable especially during the rainy season. Table 15 Viability and Suitability of Tentatively Selected Districts District Nyimba

Strengths COMACO DWA

Weakness Low crop adoption Lack of planting material Lack of improved varieties Limited use for the crops Impassable roads

Opportunities Income generation

Threats Drought Goats Pest &diseases

The presence of COMACO providing a market and cash for these crops in the district is an incentive to increase production of cassava and sweetpotato. This will in turn create high demand for planting material to expand their fields. COMACO and DWA are the receiving or entry point project partners in the district. The two organizations will each establish at least one nursery totalling to the district hectares of 3.36ha. The planting materials will be distributed to the farmer groups and down to the individual farmers as shown in Figure 6 above. Farmers may also access the nurseries directly. Like other districts, Nyimba has also some goats threatening the production of these crops. Other threats to the crop include pests and diseases. FoDiS could start with small plots of nurseries and demos then expand gradually as the crops increase in adoption.


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DACO Office

On-Farm Nurseries? COMACO

COMACO/ PAM

Extension Officers

FSP (PAM, DWA)

Farmer Groups

Farmer Groups

Satellite

Individual Farmers

Figure 6 Distribution Channel, Nymba District

5.4.3.4. Msekera Research Centre Msekera Research Centre is the Primary Site for Eastern Province. The Station has the capacity to handle the crop training requirements in conjunction with the department of agriculture depending on the training needs. It was proposed by the station management that NGOs working with the farmers could identify or mobilize the farmers for the training. The station already has most of the cassava (except Nalumino and Kapumba) and sweet potato varieties that need to be multiplied in the project nurseries, although limited in quantity. They also have most of the implements for land preparation. They will, however, require support for land expansion, bore hole, and allowances. FoDiS could collaborate with the SARRNET project to multiply more planting material at Msekera for distribution to the target districts. Additional cassava varieties could later during the life span of the project is acquired from them since they have new cassava clones being evaluated from IITA/Malawi.


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5.4.4. Southern Province 5.4.4.1. Siavonga District The Harvest Help Zambia offer potential as an implementing partner. They appear to have realized the futility of emergency operations mode for the promotion of a new crop such as cassava. From the interaction with Harvest Help, the study team is convinced of the need for the separation between emergency and development work. The former is quick and impersonal while the later requires patience, sensitisation and long term mutually respectful effort. Some organizations have the development and emergency departments. For example, the cassava nurseries supported by the FAO-RIACSO in 2004/05 entered the World Vision Zambia through the emergency department. The district has 6 camps manned out of the 18. The escarpment has not been touched by the FSP programme, maize is the main crop grown here. Changa and Sianyolo have very poor accessibility and are much further from Siavonga headquarters, consequently these have not been reached by programme activities. Overall, the district offers good environment for the project in respect of (i) The NGO’s objectives and approach to development of cassava, (ii) the physical environment of residual moisture from the lake, humidity and warm temperatures. Reaching the small scale farmers could be through the NGO and community groups where these are strong. A nursery could be established at community level with supervision of HHZ. The location of promotional activities shall also be influenced by the presence of agricultural staff.

Nanga Research Station

DACO Office

On-Farm Nurseries Harvest Help Farmer Groups

Extension Officers

HHZ Farmer Groups

Farmer Groups

FSP (PAM, SNG)

Satellite

Individual Farmers

Figure 7 Distribution channels, Siavonga District. Food Crop Diversification Support Project for Enhancement of Food Security in Zambia (FoDiS)

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Currently 6 of the 18 camps in Siavonga are manned. Other challenges have been to keep livestock from the fields, often accomplished by fencing off the fields. Harvest Help Zambia will host the nurseries through its communities that are organized in Zones. Each zone may host a portion of the total hectares. The farmers in Kabbiobbio and other zones do already have experience with cassava. From the nurseries, the HHZ will distribute the cassava to 100 other farmers directly while the rest of the material will be distributed in varied ways including possible inclusion in the FSP by PAM Harvest Help are potential partners—both in terms of objectives and approach to the task of promoting cassava. The shift in approach from emergency to development is helpful in promotion of cassava. Finding a niche in the off season to establish cassava is also innovative. The network reaching the farmers can be established via the NGOs, who in turn will reach the farmers via the community groups. The major collaborative points with the HHZ are:    

Share lessons on the promotion of cassava in the Siavonga Contribute the scaling up of the programme Provide security for the crop by protecting the cassava from hippos and livestock Support land reclamation, given that the tractor has already been sourced


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5.4.4.2. Gwembe District Land is limited to 3.8ha per household as the district is very hilly. The approach should, therefore, first convince the men to allocate land to cassava, and then teach the women processing and utilization. Access to land owned by women may be done through LADA, hence the women’s group are a good candidate for the programme. Women’s group could “own” the nursery. Such ownership would ensure good results. The World Vision Zambia in Gwembe could be the main partner. Though they do not have cassava promotion as an activity now, the current manager has had experience promoting cassava in Luapula. The other is the Parish of Gwembe through its Parish Development Committee. The committee is in charge of community agricultural workers. The best entry area would be Munyumbe, Chipepo and Bunyete. The PAM has worked with WVZ’s relief department to implement the FSP The approach to promotion of cassava could be    

Exposure visits Use of agricultural committees in each camp Use of women’s’ clubs identifiable through LADA The DACO/SAO could provide moral support through occasional visits and organizing or attending field days


DACO Office

On-Farm Nurseries WVZ Farmer Groups

WVZ Farmer Groups

Extension Officers

FSP (PAM, WVZ)

Farmer Groups

Satellite

Individual Farmers

Figure 8 Distribution Channels, Gwembe District.


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FODIS may contract with WVZ operating in Gwembe from Monze headquarters. The manager has had experience promoting cassava in Luapula province. Some nurseries could also be managed by the DACO’s office through the camp officers who would require some hands on training to appreciate the cassava crop. The Parish Development Committee (PDC) in Gwembe has Community Agricultural Workers linking the committee to the community in the Parish. The PDC may host part of the nursery and use its network to distribute the cassava and oversee its development. The areas with potential in Gwembe, where early adopters are likely, are Munyumbwe, Chipepo and Bunyete. 5.4.4.3. Sinazongwe District Kaluli Development Foundation (KDF) has 3 extension officers, to backstop the CAWs, one of whom is seconded by the MACO. The CAWs number 24, and the foundation owns a tractor a truck and a pickup. The foundation station and Kanchindu has a nursery supplying the sustainable agriculture component. The CAWs could serve as area monitors for the project with Kaluli providing the coordination in the area. WVZ has similar structure in the communities. These NGOs also stress linkage with the DACO’s office in their work. According to WVZ in Sinazongwe, the entry points would be through the headman who will call the village agricultural sector committees. This CBO may host a plot of cassava nursery or channel the cassava cuttings to participants (membership to such committees shall be captured on the listing form). Another channel could be the schools in area. The community could cede some land to the school to facilitate the growing of cassava. Fencing with Jatropha could be used to promote cassava. If these were adopted, planting should start next November. The areas with potential in Sinazongwe, where early adopters are likely, are Mulima, Muzio and Sinakasikili. The main contact partner will be Kaluli Development Foundation, they possess land on which a nursery could be established and have a long running and elaborate agricultural development programme. The DACO will also establish nurseries at the FTC and on farm. The nurseries established by FAO in 2004 suggest farmers may be better hosts. WVZ has village agricultural sector committees which could host a plot for its members. However, WVZ suggested the use of schools as a vehicle for promoting the cassava. The DACO suggested a nursery at the FTC and on farm. The asset for FODIS is the WVZ’s agricultural committees in each village. Since the ADP will be in Sinazongwe longer than the FODIS, they may look for resources to continue the development programme. The project should work with WVZ headquarters to support policy directions on cassava development in the valley. Availing the headquarters with literature on cassava and the physical access to planting material would assist in promoting the crop. The immediate response will be to quickly link up with the CFU to access Jatropha and if possible, plant the fencing this February in the districts. Start by fencing off the millets fields now and then intercrop cassava and millets.


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DACO Office

Nurseries Kaluli Dev. Foundation

Kaluli Farmer Groups

World Vision Zambia

Extension Officers

FSP (PAM, WVZ)

Farmer Groups

Farmer Groups

Satelite

Individual Farmers

Figure 9 Distribution Channels, Sinazongwe District.


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5.4.5. Western Province 5.4.5.1. Sesheke District The DACO’s office at first attempt appears to be able to assist in the implementation of the project. The possible nursery sites are at the Sesheke TAS, FTC and farmer groups. The PUSH can be brought in as partners by hosting some nursery and as sponsors in the capacity building of the district. The farmers have local knowledge and will be valuable partners as their cooperation is critical to the measure of project success. The DACO and his staff will best run the programme. Possible entry points include placing the nursery at or near government institutions such as clinics which are frequented by the community members. School PTAs could also host a nursery. Camp officers from the extension service of MACO would be a good guide as they know the areas well. Mazaba area is reported to the best area for cassava growing. The cuttings planted under PAM in Lusinina were obtained from Mushukula and Manyemwe Simulumba Research Station

DACO Office

Nurseries Sesheke TAS

PUSH

Farmer Groups

Extension Officers

Farmer Groups

FSP (PAM, SNG)

Satellite

Individual Farmers

Figure 10 Distribution Channels, Sesheke District.

PUSH look forward to collaborative partnerships with FoDiS and DACO. Training on the cassava is required by the NGO as agriculture is a new area for them as they are much stronger in physical infrastructure. The field staff in MACO also needs training as they are Food Crop Diversification Support Project for Enhancement of Food Security in Zambia (FoDiS)

47


the main source of information for communities with which PUSH works. The capacity of the extension workers to handle the cassava crop requires to be improved. Literature on cassava should be availed to assist in training. It was suggested such training could be jointly arranged by for example PUSH meeting the cost of hosting the training while FODIS provided the trainers. The PUSH Programme may continue, but is uncertain at the moment. The plan is to go into other constituencies and wards that are far off. However communities that are isolated present prohibitive logistic costs. Development assets in the district include availability of land which would allow farmers to allocate 1 lima or more to cassava without seriously denying land to other crops. Often there is spatial and temporal isolation between crops, which reduces competition for land and labour. Another asset is the good literacy level which would allow easy assimilation of new concepts. The DACO’s office is also committed to agricultural promotion. There are 30 camps in the district of which 19 are manned. Some of the camps not manned do not even have accommodation—making it unlikely that they could be manned in the near future. Other threats to cassava development include the frost and springhares. The frost may occur in July and can destroy the above ground vegetative matter. The practice elsewhere in western province, where July temperatures may reach freezing, is to harvest cuttings in May and preserve them for planting at the end of the cold season. Shortage of cassava cuttings will be overcome by farmers recognizing that the seed for cassava may need to be preserved if new plantings are planned. The demand for tubers is very high as fresh cassava sells within a short time. This demand is not certain as we are not sure whether it comes from the general populace or the few that wish to taste fresh cassava again. Nevertheless, the development of vegetable production in the district has demonstrated the critical role that a market outlet plays in the promotion of a commodity. Cassava is no exception. The main partner in Sesheke will be the DACO. The Sesheke TAS no longer has ZARI staff, but DACO has two members resident at the TAS. The DACO suggests the TAS is better than the FTC because it has lighter soils. The other planting material may find its way to the farmers through programmes such as PUSH if the organization will still be in the district. The farmers are the most important partner in the implementation of the project. There are basically two types of farmers the project will encounter. Firstly there are farmers who have had no experience growing cassava. These would learn the new cultural practices as presented by FoDiS. The second group is farmers who are cultural acquainted with the cassava for who the project will introduce new varieties and cultural practices some of which may conflict with their current practices. For western province, cultural practices for cassava involve planting cuttings in September, so that the plants capture all the possible rainfall in the locality. The area is frost prone; therefore, select the seed in May/June. The selected plants are cut and the sticks stood in a hole and covered with branches and other dry matter to protect the cuttings from the frost. In August/September, at the end of the cold season, the cuttings are retrieved from the storage and planted in a new field. Thus in frost prone areas, it is advisable to select seed and keep it for two months under protection before it is planted. If the frost does not destroy the remaining plants tops, the farmer has more than just what was selected for seed.


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5.4.5.2. Shangombo District The DACO will be the main partner in Shangombo. The Nursery will be set at the FTC and a few good farms. The DACO will be responsible for preparing the planting material and arranging its distribution to the farmers. The FTC has cattle that could supply manure to boost plant growth and consequently cuttings per plant. The FTC is also on the Zambezi River and could use irrigation to support the nursery. The district has 11 of the 16 camps manned. Of these only four have motorbikes which we found to be under repair/service. The materials from PAM were conveyed through the lead NGOs to CBOs who eventually gave to the households. Early maturing and high yielding varieties will offer quick access to food and prove to be more acceptable.

Simulumba Research Station

DACO Office

Nurseries Shangombo FTC

Extension Officers

Farmer Groups

FSP (PAM, Church)

CRS

Satelite

Farmer Groups

Individual Farmers

Figure 11 Distribution Channels, Shangombo District.


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5.5. Priority Districts for Project Implementation Given the scrutiny of the districts given above, the sum total of all things considered suggest that the districts may be ranked in order of priority for implementation of the project. Mambwe and Siavonga have strong partners with long term development programmes. Such capacities would fit well with FoDiS aspirations are suggested for priority implementation while Shangombo has problems of access and very low NGO penetration. Table 16 Priority Districts for Project Implementation District

Siavonga Mambwe Petauke Chongwe Luangwa Sinazongwe Sesheke Gwembe Shangombo Nyimba

Total Population 58,864 54,778 195,474 137,461 18,948 78,169 34,133 70,049 67,050

Households Producing Cassava 152 2,367 7,346 4,158 259 247 2,319 205 979 2,565

GRZ Site No Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes No Yes No

Farm Site Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Accessibility NGO Outreach 9 7 10 10 8 8 10 8 2 9


Rank Priority 9 10 7 7 5 6 5 4 1 4

1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 10

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5.6. Estimated Quantity of Planting Materials Required by Districts 5.6.1. Determination of the proportion of daily energy requirements of a household of size equal to 6 members. The average household in Zambia has a composition as shown in Table 17 below. The daily energy requirement is unending debate among nutritionists and development specialists. The Zambia Vulnerability Assessment Committee (ZVAC) uses 2100kcalories per day as the minimum a person needs to attain in order to be classed as food secure. Other workers argue for a higher figure for rural households as their activity levels are often higher than for urban residents. Thus Saith (2005) suggest a norm of 2,400kcal per person per day for rural India. From the Food and Nutrition Technical Assistance (FANTA) project manual of July 2001, this report has taken the figure of daily requirements used in the Table 17 below. The manual suggests the kcal needs for individual members of the household based on their age and activity level or health status. For females an allowance is made for pregnant or lactating mothers. We took the figures for an active male, lactating female, children and inactive elderly female giving a total energy requirement of 14,706kcal per day or 2,451 kcal per person per day on average, column 4, Table 17. Table 17 Composition of a household and energy requirements of members Category of HH Member Count in HH Kcal Requirements (1) (2) (3) Male - Working Age Adults (15 - 59) 1.00 2,920 Female - Working Age Adults (15 - 59) 1.00 2,900 Children < 5 Years 1.04 1,500 Children (5 - 14 Years) 1.90 2,360 Working Age Adults (15 - 59) 0.76 2,920 Elders (60 and above) 0.30 2,070 TOTAL 6.00 Average household kcal/person/day

Total Required (4) 2,920 2,900 1,557 4,489 2,219 621 14,706 2,451

The kcalorie content of cassava is estimated at 1,098kcal per kg fresh weight at that of maize at 3500kcal per kg dry weight. The composition of the household is derived from demographic surveys conducted in Zambia recently including the 2000 census. Our present interest is to establish to what extent the proposed 1 lima of cassava per household would replace the needs of a typical household’s daily energy requirements. Large sample surveys, the post harvest survey by CSO and the FSRP in particular, indicate the average yield of cassava to be 4.4 tons per hectare varying from 1.3tons in region 1 to 5.2tons in region 3. At the same time, on station trials using improved materials give yields of up to 30tons per ha (Barratt et al, 2006). It is evident that depending on rainfall, temperature and soil fertility, there is bound to be considerable variation in the yield of cassava. The management level given the crop such as timing of weeding and pest control would also reflect on the level of yield. Given that the daily kcal from cassava and maize for a household is 10,236kcal per day out of a total of 14,706kcal/day, we are to estimate how much of this proportion we replace by providing 1 lima per household if the material we distribute yields 1ton, 2tons etc up to 30 tons per ha, (Table 18). Food Crop Diversification Support Project for Enhancement of Food Security in Zambia (FoDiS)

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From Table 18 Columns 2 to 4 are total production from 0.5lima, 0.7lima and 1 lima respectively from cassava cultivar and management combination of yield level shown in column 1. Given that a family of 6 requires 14,706kcal, 70% of which comes from maize and cassava, we calculate the kcals to be replaced by cassava to be 10236kcals per day per household. The production obtained from one lima yields the kcal listed in column 7, these kcals satisfy the 10,236kcal required by the household to the extent shown in column 10. We may thus say we are able to meet 50% of the average household energy requirements if we planted 1 lima of cassava and were able to ensure at least 7 tons per ha from a combination of variety choice and crop husbandry practices. Table 18 The proportion of household daily energy requirements catered for by 1 lima. Fresh cassava (kg) kcalories/household/day Proportion of needed kcal Tons per Ha 0.5Lima 0.7Lima 1.0Lima 0.5Lima 0.7Lima 1.0Lima 0.5Lima 0.7Lima 1.0Lima (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) 1 125 174 250 2 250 348 500 3 375 522 750 4 500 696 1,000 5 625 870 1,250 6 750 1,044 1,500 7 875 1,218 1,750 8 1,000 1,392 2,000 9 1,125 1,566 2,250 10 1,250 1,740 2,500 11 1,375 1,914 2,750 12 1,500 2,088 3,000 13 1,625 2,262 3,250 14 1,750 2,436 3,500 15 1,875 2,610 3,750 20 2,500 3,481 5,000 30 3,750 5,221 7,500 Total Kcal required by a household of 6 = Total Kcal met by cassava and maize (69.61%) =

376 752 1,128 1,504 1,880 2,256 2,632 3,008 3,384 3,760 4,136 4,512 4,888 5,264 5,640 7,521 11,281 14,706 10,236

524 752 4% 5% 1,047 1,504 7% 10% 1,571 2,256 11% 15% 2,094 3,008 15% 20% 2,618 3,760 18% 26% 3,141 4,512 22% 31% 3,665 5,264 26% 36% 4,188 6,016 29% 41% 4,712 6,768 33% 46% 5,235 7,521 37% 51% 5,759 8,273 40% 56% 6,282 9,025 44% 61% 6,806 9,777 48% 66% 7,329 10,529 51% 72% 7,853 11,281 55% 77% 10,470 15,041 73% 102% 15,705 22,562 110% 153% Kcal per kg fresh weight cassava Kgs of Cassava Containing 1.0 kcalorie Source: Authors using parameters from Barrat, et al, and FANTA

7% 15% 22% 29% 37% 44% 51% 59% 66% 73% 81% 88% 96% 103% 110% 147% 220% 1,098 0.00091

Having established the level of yield that will satisfy 51% of the household energy requirements, we now proceed to establish the required area under cassava at foundation, primary and secondary multiplication sites that will supply planting materials to 200 farmers in each of the 10 districts. Table 19 shows that the secondary sites will each have 13.5 limas in order to have enough 30cm sticks to plant 1 lima each on 200 farms. This amount of cuttings comes from total area of primary sites of only 2.24 ha (Table 20). Similarly the area of the foundation site is calculated to be 0.15ha. Hence we need 0.15ha to be planted with the 5 varieties meant to be promoted. This area is possible because the multiplication rate is 5 1m sticks (or 15 planting sticks) from one 30cm planting stick. Each time a stick is planted, 5 1metre sticks are produced, in turn these are cut into three to produce (3x5=15) planting sticks (Table 19 to Table 21) below.


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Table 19 Amount of planting Material from Primary Sites. Nursery Options

Contigency2 1.008 Multiplication ratio 5

100

200 300 400 500

Area per Farmer Cuttings Total cuttings/ district 1 m sticks

0.25 2500 2,520,000 840,000

0.25 2500 5,040,000 1,680,000

0.25 2500 7,560,000 2,520,000

0.25 2500 10,080,000 3,360,000

Multiplication ratio Sticks in Nursery

5 168,000

5 336,000

5 504,000

5 672,000

16.80 1.68

33.60 3.36

50.40 5.04

67.20 6.72

6.72

13.44

20.16

26.88

Area in Ha Size of Nursery per District (ha) Size of Nursery per District (Lima)

0.25 2500 12,600,000 4,200,000 From secondary nursery 5 840,000 In Secondary from Primary 84.00 8.40 33.60

Table 20 Amount of planting Material from Primary Sites Nursery Options

Multiplication ratio

5

100

200 300 400 500

Area per Farmer Cuttings Total cuttings/ district 1 m sticks

0.25 2500 168,000 56,000

0.25 2500 336,000 112,000

0.25 2500 504,000 168,000

0.25 2500 672,000 224,000

Multiplication ratio Sticks in Nursery

5 11,200

5 22,400

5 33,600

5 44,800

1.12 0.37

2.24 0.75

3.36 1.12

4.48 1.49

1.49

2.99

4.48

5.97

Area in Ha Size of Nursery per Primary Site (ha) Size of Nursery per Primary Site (Lima)

0.25 2500 840,000 280,000 From Primary Nursery 5 56,000 In Primary from Foundation 5.60 1.87 7.47

Table 21 Amount of planting material at Foundation site Nursery Options

Multiplication ratio

5

Area per Farmer Cuttings Total cuttings/ district 1 m sticks Multiplication ratio Sticks in Nursery Area in Ha Size of Nursery per Foundation Site (ha) Size of Nursery per F Site (Lima)

300 400 500

100

200

0.25 2500 11,200 3,733 5 747 0.07 0.04

0.25 2500 22,400 7,467 5 1,493 0.15 0.07

0.25 2500 33,600 11,200 5 2,240 0.22 0.11

0.25 2500 44,800 14,933 5 2,987 0.30 0.15

0.25 2500 56,000 18,667 5 3,733 0.37 0.19

0.15

0.30

0.45

0.60

0.75


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5.7. Detailed Action Plans and Implementation Channels in Each District. 5.7.1. Action Plans - Project Description The Food Crop Diversification Support Project is funded from the Japanese Government through JICA who have into an agreement with MACO to implement the project. The project intends to carry out various activities related to the promotion of cassava and sweet potatoes in regions I and II. The baseline study will contribute to the justification and formulation of FoDiS’s long-term aspirations to establish a more efficient and cost effective multiplication and distribution system for root and tuber crops planting materials. The new material distribution system is required because of the great difficulties and inefficiencies faced in the past by organizations promoting cassava and sweetpotaoes in the drought prone regions I and II. This section details the component of FoDiS related to the establishment and operation of the planting materials nurseries and the subsequent distribution to the farmers. At formulation of this action plan, the foundation site is already planted with six varieties. At a multiplication rate of 5 1m sticks for every 30cm stick planted, the material currently in the foundation site should be able to plant all the secondary sites next season (October 2007). However, the project will follow the planned sequence and establish the primary nurseries this October with possibility of establishing some secondary sites concurrently if the development of the material in the foundation nursery goes as expected. The material at the nursery is enough to cater for 200 farmers while the project will target 100 farmers per district.

Objective 1. To establish the multiplication and distribution system for improved varieties of cassava and sweet potato planting material. Output 1.1 Primary Nurseries established at Msekera, Mt Makulu, Simulumbe, and Nanga research stations. Activity 1.1.1 Write/contact the partners and firm the choice of sites Activity 1.1.2 Visit the stations to locate the primary sites and mark out 0.6ha or 2.4lima per primary site. Activity 1.1.3 Determine what improvements could be made to the sites to achieve capacity to look after the nurseries. Activity 1.1.4 Organize soil fertility and other improvements that are needed for sites Activity 1.1.5 Prepare site for the nursery (Land clearing, Manure, Ploughing) Activity 1.1.6 Secure the primary nursery sites where necessary Output 1.2 Supervision of Nurseries Accomplished at Primary Site Activity 1.2.1 Develop and complete the protocol on nursery management (including pest control) Activity 1.2.2 Firm the designation of MACO staff (ZARI etc) to be responsible for the primary site Activity 1.2.3 Source the cassava cuttings from Mansa and Mutanda Activity 1.2.4 Planting of nurseries Activity 1.2.5 Record keeping and crop maintenance (weeding, drainage rouging out diseased or off type plants from nurseries etc) Activity 1.2.6 Crop inspections for pests and diseases by a pathologist/entomologist 3 and 6 months after planting. Food Crop Diversification Support Project for Enhancement of Food Security in Zambia (FoDiS)

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Output 1.3. Planting materials prepared for distribution to Secondary sites Activity 1.3.1 Secure the requirements for harvest (sharp machetes/knives, twine, bags, cool tree shade) Activity 1.3.2 Hire a truck for transportation of planting materials Activity 1.3.3 Hire casual labour Activity 1.3.4 Have a pathologist/entomologist carryout crop inspections for pests and diseases 1 month before harvest of sticks. Activity 1.3.5 Ratoon an area or quantity of planting material equivalent to the total area of secondary sites ready to avoid wastage. Activity 1.3.6 Prepare the cuttings into planting size of 30cm length (as part of the role of the demo is to impart appropriate practices) Activity 1.3.7 Pack Planting sticks in bags of size 50kg Activity 1.3.8 Transport planting materials to designated secondary site contractor(s) Output 1.4 Supervision of Nurseries Accomplished at Secondary Site Activity 1.4.1 Develop and complete the protocol on secondary nursery management (including pest control) Activity 1.4.2 Write/contact the partners and firm the choice of sites Activity 1.4.3 Visit the districts to locate the secondary sites and mark out 3.36ha or 13.5lima per secondary site. The 13.5 limas may be located at different sites in the district Activity 1.4.4 Firm the designation of NGO, PAM or DACO to be responsible for the secondary sites and farm level production and distribution Output 1.5. Secondary Multiplication Sites ready to receive planting materials. Activity 1.5.1 Determine what improvements could be made to the sites to achieve capacity to look after the secondary nurseries. Activity 1.5.2 Organize soil fertility and other improvements that are needed for sites Activity 1.5.3 Prepare site for the nursery (Land clearing, Manure, Ploughing) Activity 1.5.4 Secure the primary nursery sites where necessary Activity 1.5.5 Source the cassava cuttings from designated primary site Activity 1.5.6 Plant nurseries at selected sites in the district Activity 1.5.7 Record keeping and crop maintenance (weeding, rouging out diseased or off type plants from nurseries etc) Activity 1.5.8 Crop inspections for pests and diseases by a pathologist/entomologist 3 and 6 months after planting. Output 1.6. Households ready to receive cassava planting materials. Activity 1.6.1 Prepare listing form (to determine the households most likely to succeed). Activity 1.6.2 Announce the activities of the project (on community radio, pamphlets) Activity 1.6.3 List all the farmers in the selected camps Activities 1.6.4 Purposively select farmers to be given planting material. Activity 1.6.5 Visit at the farmers selected and determine what improvements could be made to the farms and to document the factors that would affect the performance of the cassava. Activity 1.6.6 Agree on the time to deliver the cuttings, (not later than October) Activity 1.6.7 Hold training for the farmers at appropriate federation level (CBO/FG or District) Activity 1.6.8 Ensure that the farmers have identified a piece of land that will be planted to 1lima cassava. Food Crop Diversification Support Project for Enhancement of Food Security in Zambia (FoDiS)

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Output 1.7. Planting materials prepared for distribution to farmers Activity 1.7.1 Secure the requirements for harvest (sharp machetes/knives, twine, bags, cool tree shade) Activity 1.7.2 Hire a truck for transportation of planting materials Activity 1.7.3 Hire casual labour Activity 1.7.4 Have a pathologist/entomologist carryout crop inspections for pests and diseases 1 month before harvest of sticks. Activity 1.7.5 Ratoon an area or quantity of planting material equivalent to the total area of farm sites ready to plant to avoid wastage. Activity 1.7.6 Pack the sticks into bundles of 52 sticks (30cm long), each farmer to receive 48 bundles Output 1.8 Planting materials Distributed to 200 farmers per district Activity 1.8.1 Planting material should be kept under shade and avoid bruising them Activity 1.8.2 Distribute planting materials to selected household(s) within 50 km radius of the nursery and 15km radius of the selected camp. Farmers from distant locations will pick the cuttings at own cost. Activity 1.8.3 The planting material should reach their destination and be planted within a week after they are cut from the field. Activity 1.8.4 Plant test fields at selected sites in the farms Activity 1.8.5 Record keeping and crop maintenance (weeding, rouging out diseased or off type plants from nurseries etc) Activity 1.8.6 Crop inspections for pests and diseases by a pathologist/entomologist 3 and 6 months after planting.


56


5.7.1.1.Methods The Foundation sites have already been established at Mansa and Mutanda and under the care of the FoDiS and ZARI. The project will also establish the primary sites at provincial research stations (Msekera, Mt Makulu, Nanga and Simulumbe) beginning of 2007/08 season. The management of the primary sites will be the responsibility of ZARI with the regular input of FoDiS. The level of management will be high at the foundation and other nurseries in order to ensure the rapid multiplication of cuttings. Management of the District Nurseries Each district will be awarded to a contractor to run the secondary nurseries and distribute the cuttings to the farmers in the district; the contractor will fall in one of the following categories: 1. NGO. This refers to the independent NGOs able to establish and monitor nurseries on their own. They have their own network at community level which asset will be used in the sensitization and distribution of cassava cuttings. 2. PAM: this category groups various NGOs that depend on PAM and for the purpose of this project, be considered as extensions of PAM. However, the shortcoming of PAM has been the absence of staff at ground level that is in direct control of PAM. This may lead to implementation problems. 3. DACO. The other districts do not have evidence of strong non-government capacities to handle the project. In such cases, the lead partner will be the DACO, other partners will be incorporated for specific input. A total of 3.36ha will be required per secondary site totalling 33.6ha for the whole project. This area will yield 1,680,000 1metre sticks which when cut into 30cm pieces, will yield 5,040,000 planting sticks as shown in Table 19. The choice of the site will be done in consultation with other stakeholders in the district, especially the DACO and key NGOs. Where necessary, such as at Sesheke TAS Shangombo FTC, manure or inorganic fertilizers will be applied to enhance vegetative growth. Whenever possible, the FTC and other government institutions will be used to host the nurseries. In some districts, the nursery shall be spread over more than one site because (i) the nursery is split between principal implanting partners and (ii) there is no institutional land or the management at such would not be ideal and preference is for farmers to host the nursery. In this case, several farmers shall host a lima or more to add to the 13.5lima required for the district nursery. Preparation of Planting Material for Distribution. At the end of 12 month, the nurseries would have yielded sufficient sticks to be ratooned and distributed to farmers. The budget for each district implementing partner shall include the purchase of tools and sundries to assist in the harvesting, and hire of casual labour and transport to distribute the materials. Because of the high cost of transportation, the distance of coverage from the central nursery should be within a radius of 60km and a radius of 20km from the camp office. Households beyond these radii will obtain the cuttings at own cost. The cuttings will be packed in bags to easy handling. The sticks are cut to 30cm to encourage the perception that seed does not necessarily have to be the whole 1m stick. A month prior to harvesting another inspection by the pathologist and entomologist will be conducted to ensure the material is pest and virus free. Where scales or mealy bugs are noted, the offending plants shall be removed if there is no serious reduction in cuttings as a Food Crop Diversification Support Project for Enhancement of Food Security in Zambia (FoDiS)

57


result. However, the nursery will have the option to spray the cassava with pesticides. The plants infected by virus will be removed and destroyed. 5.7.1.2.Staffing The NGOs will have own staff and the indicative budget below will vary somewhat between districts. The DACO has recently received fresh graduates employed as senior agricultural officers. With the correct motivation, such personnel may be assigned to the project. The districts also have some good camp officers who can be configured to monitor the performance of the cassava on-farm. The farmers hosting a nursery could be motivated in many ways but the cash reward is likely to be more effective. To promote good management, the farmer is allowed to keep the material above the required number of 1m sticks. If a farmer were to produce two meter high sticks, he will get to keep the 1 metre and surrender the 1 metre to he project. Similarly if each cutting planted produced more than 5 sticks, he gets to keep the sticks above the required 5. The farmer may then sell the productivity gain to anyone including FoDiS. As the DACO will be central in choosing the farmers to host a nursery, he may have other ways to motivate the farmers.


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Table 22 Detailed Workplan OUTPUTS, ACTIVITIES

Objective 1. To establish the multiplication and distribution system for improved varieties of cassava and sweet potato planting material.

6 7 8 9 10 11 12 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 1 2 3 4 5 Respon Ma Apr Ma Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Ma Apr Ma Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb sible r y r y e 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

Output 1.2 Supervision of Nurseries Accomplished at Primary Site

Activity 1.2.1 Develop and complete the protocol on nursery management (including pest control) Activity 1.2.2 Firm the designation of MACO staff (ZARI etc) to be responsible for the primary site. Train them using the protocol on nurseries Activity 1.2.3 Source the cassava cuttings from Mansa and Mutanda Activity 1.2.4 Planting of nurseries

Output 1.1 Primary Nurseries established at Msekera, Mt Makulu, Simulumbe, and Nanga research stations. Activity 1.1.1 Write/contact the partners and firm the choice of sites Activity 1.1.2 Visit the stations to locate the primary sites and mark out 0.6ha or 2.4lima per primary site. Activity 1.1.3 Determine what improvements could be made to the sites to achieve capacity to look after the nurseries. Activity 1.1.4 Organize soil fertility and other improvements that are needed for sites Activity 1.1.5 Prepare site for the nursery (Land clearing, Manure, Ploughing) Activity 1.1.6 Secure the primary nursery sites where necessary


59


Activity 1.2.5 Record keeping and crop maintenance (weeding, rouging out diseased or off type plants from nurseries etc) Activity 1.2.6 Crop inspections for pests and diseases by a pathologist/entomologist 3 and 6 months after planting. Output 1.3. Planting materials prepared for distribution to Secondary sites Activity 1.3.1 Secure the requirements for harvest (sharp machetes/knives, twine, bags, cool tree shade) Activity 1.3.2 Hire a truck for transportation of planting materials Activity 1.3.3 Hire casual labour Activity 1.3.4 Have a pathologist/entomologist carryout crop inspections for pests and diseases 1 month before harvest of sticks. Activity 1.3.5 Ratoon an area or quantity of planting material equivalent to the total area of secondary sites ready to avoid wastage. Activity 1.3.6 Prepare the cuttings into planting size of 30cm length (as part of the role of the demo is to impart appropriate practices) Activity 1.3.7 Pack Planting sticks in bags of size 50kg Activity 1.3.8 Transport planting materials to designated secondary site contractor(s) Output 1.4 Supervision of Nurseries Accomplished at Secondary Site Activity 1.4.1 Develop and complete the protocol on secondary nursery management (including pest control) Activity 1.4.2 Write/contact the partners and firm the choice of sites Activity 1.4.3 Visit the districts to locate the secondary sites and mark out 3.36ha or 13.5lima per secondary site.

6

7

8

9 10

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8


11 12

1

2

3

4

5

60

9 10

11 12


Activity 1.4.4 Firm the designation of NGO, PAM or DACO to be responsible for the secondary sites and farm level production and distribution. Provide training Output 1.5. Secondary Multiplication Sites ready to receive planting materials. Activity 1.5.1 Determine what improvements could be made to the sites to achieve capacity to look after the secondary nurseries. Activity 1.5.2 Organize soil fertility and other improvements that are needed for sites Activity 1.5.3 Prepare site for the nursery (Land clearing, Manure, Ploughing) Activity 1.5.4 Secure the secondary nursery sites where necessary

6

7

8

9 10

11 12

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9 10

11 12

1

2

3

4

5

Activity 1.5.5 Source the cassava cuttings from designated primary site Activity 1.5.6 Plant nurseries at selected sites in the district

Activity 1.5.7 Record keeping and crop maintenance (weeding, rouging out diseased or off type plants from nurseries etc) Activity 1.5.8 Crop inspections for pests and diseases by a pathologist/entomologist 3 and 6 months after planting.

Output 1.6. Households ready to receive cassava planting materials. Activity 1.6.1 Prepare listing form (to determine the households most likely to succeed). Activity 1.6.2 Announce the activities of the project (on community radio, pamphlets) Activity 1.6.3 List all the farmers in the selected camps (enter data) Activity 1.6.4 Purposively select farmers to be given planting material. Activity 1.6.5 Visit all the farmers selected to document the factors that would affect the performance of the cassava.

8


61


Activity 1.6.6 Agree on the time to deliver the cuttings, (not later than October) Activity 1.6.7 Hold training for the farmers at appropriate federation level (CBO/FG or District) Activity 1.6.8 Ensure that the farmers have identified a piece of land that will be planted to 1lima cassava. Output 1.7. Planting materials prepared for distribution to farmers Activity 1.7.1 Secure the requirements for harvest (sharp machetes/knives, twine, bags, cool tree shade) Activity 1.7.2 Hire a truck for transportation of planting materials Activity 1.7.3 Hire casual labour Activity 1.7.4 Have a pathologist/entomologist carryout crop inspections for pests and diseases 1 month before harvest of sticks. Activity 1.7.5 Ratoon an area or quantity of planting material equivalent to the total area of farm sites ready to plant to avoid wastage. Activity 1.7.6 Pack the sticks into bundles of 52 sticks (30cm long), each farmer to receive 48 bundles Output 1.8 Planting materials Distributed to 200 farmers per district Activity 1.8.1 Planting material should be kept under shade and avoid bruising them Activity 1.8.2 Distribute planting materials to selected household(s) within 50 km radius of the nursery and 15km radius of the selected camp. Farmers from distant locations will pick the cuttings at own cost. Activity 1.8.3 The planting material should reach their destination and be planted within a week after they are cut from the field. Activity 1.8.4 Plant test fields at selected sites in the farms

6

7

8

9 10

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8


11 12

1

2

3

4

5

62

9 10

11 12


6

7

8

9 10

11 12

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9 10

11 12

1

2

3

4

5

Activity 1.8.5 Record keeping and crop maintenance (weeding, rouging out diseased or off type plants from nurseries etc) Activity 1.8.6 Crop inspections for pests and diseases by a pathologist/entomologist 3 and 6 months after planting. Activity 1.8.7 Questionnaire design for baseline survey

Activity 1.8.7 Enumerator Training & Sample selection

Activity 1.8.7 Carryout the sample design baseline survey

Season

Year 1 October 2006 September 2007





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5.7.2. Estimation of Budget Table 23 First Estimation of Budget ZMK 154,770,133 ZMK 12,079,000

Budget TOTAL PRIMARY SITES Transport of Cuttings From Foundation to Primary Sites Mansa to Lusaka Mutanda to Lusaka Lusaka to Msekera Lusaka to Nanga Lusaka to Simulumbe

km 900 700 500 200 600

Equipment Machete Knives Bags Shade structure GPS Unit for measuring land area

each each each each each

Labour Costs Primary Site Nursery Supervisor General workers Protective Clothing

Unit Days Days Days

Quantity

Nursery Establishment Land Clearing Manuring Ploughing

Unit Days Days lima

Quantity

Supporting Services Virology Entomology Soil Services

Unit Days Days Days

Quantity

Monitoring and Evaluation Visits by FoDiS Recording of Impact Variables

Days Days

SECONDARY SITES Transport of Cuttings From Primary to Secondary Sites Msekera to Mambwe Msekera to Petauke Msekera to Nyimba Mt Makulu to Luangwa Mt Makulu to Chongwe Mt Makulu to Siavonga Nanga to Gwembe Nanga to Sinazongwe Simulumbe to Sesheke Simulumbe to Shangombo Equipment

Quantity

Ton Cost 1 1 1 1 1

450 450 450 450 450

1,305,000 405,000 315,000 225,000 90,000 270,000

2 5 24 1 1

Units 1 1 300 1 1

Cost 50,000 25,000 300 250,000 2,500,000

5,135,000 100,000 125,000 2,160,000 250,000 2,500,000

1 5 5

Units 12 6 1

Cost 50,000 10,000 50,000

1,150,000 600,000 300,000 250,000

3 326 14

Units 1 1 1

Cost 50,000 9,000 30,000

3,489,000 150,000 2,934,000 405,000

1 1 1

Units 4 4 4

Cost 50,000 50,000 50,000

600,000 200,000 200,000 200,000

1 1

4 4

50,000 50,000

400,000 200,000 200,000 ZMK 64,716,460

km 150 217 396 387 60 250 300 300 350 250 Quantity

Ton 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 Units

Cost 450 450 450 450 450 450 450 450 450 450 Cost


598,500 33,750 48,825 89,100 87,075 13,500 56,250 67,500 67,500 78,750 56,250 5,135,000 64


Machete Knives Bags Shade structure GPS Unit for measuring land area

each each each each each

2 5 24 1 1

1 1 300 1 1

50,000 25,000 300 250,000 2,500,000

100,000 125,000 2,160,000 250,000 2,500,000

Unit Days Days

Quantity 1 5

Units 12 6

Cost 50,000 10,000

900,000 600,000 300,000

Supporting Services Unit Quantity Training of senior district staff (2 officers including the crops officer) 2

Units

Cost

15,900,000

5

150000

1,500,000

1 1

4 4

50,000 50,000

200,000 200,000

20 666.7

2 2

150,000 6,000

6,000,000 8,000,000

Quantity

Units

Cost

28,000,000

Nights Litres

20 666.7

2 2

150,000 6,000

6,000,000 8,000,000

Nights Litres

20 666.7

2 2

150,000 6,000

6,000,000 8,000,000

Quantity

Units

Cost

12,312,960

week

1

48

100,000

4,800,000

month month

12 12

250,000 150,000 Cost 80 80 80

3,000,000 1,800,000

5 10 20 3 2 4 1 1

1 1 Units 12 4 1 80 80 1 1 1

500,000 450,000 250,000

4,800 3,200 1,600 720 960 2,000,000 450,000 250,000

5

Units 3.4

Cost 110,000

1,870,000 1,870,000

Cost

Ton

ZMK 37,057,000 225,000

Labour Secondary sites Nursery Supervisor General workers

Virology Entomology Travel costs ZARI (Vi&Ent) To all 10 sites, DSA Fuel costs, litres Monitoring and Evaluation Visits by Primary Nursery Supervisor To all 10 sites, DSA Fuel costs, litres FODIS To all 10 sites, DSA Fuel costs, litres Office Support Communication costs/disttrict Cell Phone costs Email Landline ISP Stationery Monthly report Quarterly Reports Annual Reports Contracts Letters Printer Cartdriges Flash disks Cellphone Agricultural Inputs Fertilizers Insectcides mitecides Raingauges

FARM SITES Transport of Cuttings

Days Days Nights Litres Unit

Unit

Quantity sheets sheets sheets sheets sheets each each

Quantity

km


65


From secondary to 100 farmers Supporting Services Land reclamation costs

1,000

Unit Hact

Quantity 4

0.5

450

225,000

Units 1

Cost 400,000

21,472,000 1,600,000

Training for Farmers Unit Quantity Units 100 farmers per district, grouped in 10s = 10 groups 2 groups per day DSA for trainer @ 150000 per day for 2 days 2 1 Lunch for trainees 20 persons @ 50,000 20 1 Cost of venue 1 1 Transport 50 1 Training of Camp officers 10 camp officers, for 5 days at 150,000 per 10 5 officer Fencing Costs Quantities 1 ha = 400mts perimeter, at 5 Jatropha plants per metre = 2,000 plants 1 ha = 400mts perimeter, at 1 Sisal plants per metre = 400 plants Cost of seedlings Jatropha @ 1500 per plant Sisal @ 200 Monitoring and follow-ups 1 visit per week for 1 year = 4 x 12 = 48 trips per year The 2 x 80 km per visit = 48 x 160 = 7680km Consumption @ 6km per litre Total litres = (7680/6) = 1280 litres Fuel cost = 6000 per litre Total Cost on transport per district (7,680,000)

Recoveries and Pass-on costs

Quantity Units 2000 400

3.4 3.4

Quantity Units

Cost

150,000 50,000 300,000 6,000

0 0 300,000 1,000,000 300,000 300,000

150,000

7,500,000

0

Cost 1,500 200

10,200,000 272,000

Cost

15,360,000

1280

1

6,000

7,680,000

1280

1

6,000

7,680,000

113,396,980 Implementing partners Costs 5% of the total cost of contract

ZMK 5,669,849

IMPLEMENTATION OF QUANTITATIVE BASELINE SURVEY Sampling Frame Development Listing of households Quantity Units Design listing form and produce Days 5.0 sample design Develop enumerator manual Days 5.0 Listing of Households Days 5.0 Car Hire Daily Rate Days 5.0 Travel During Listing - driver Days 5 costs Petrol During Listing litres 400.0 Training of Enumerators Local Transportation (At cost lump ZMK??,??? per person per day)

Quantity

ZMK 35,922,500

1.0

Cost 266,000

11,710,000 1,330,000

1.0 5.0 1.0 1.0

266,000 150,000 430,000 150,000

1,330,000 3,750,000 2,150,000 750,000

1.0

6,000

2,400,000

5.0

Cost 80,000

5,662,500 400,000

Units 1.0


66


Per diem (At cost ZMK??,??? per person per day) Training venue Paper carriers Conduct of Baseline Survey Car Hire Daily Rate Petrol During Survey-Team 1 Field survey of 400 Farmers Data input of 400 farmer data

Days

5.0

5.0

150,000

3,750,000

Days Unit

5.0 1.0

1.0 5.0

300,000 2,500

1,500,000 12,500

Quantity Units 5 400 80

1 1 5

Cost 430,000 6,000 20,000

18,550,000 2,150,000 2,400,000 8,000,000

80

5

15,000

6,000,000

Days litres Household s Questionna ires

Notes

The estimates are for each district, multiply relevant to obtain total ZMK 1,438,990,330.


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5.8. Training 5.8.1. Training Facilities Farmer Training Centres are usual training facilities in the districts. Other are the provincial research stations. For example Msekera Station has the capacity to handle the crop training requirements in conjunction with the Agriculture extension depending on the training needs of the target group. The NGOs or the DACO working with the farmers could identify or mobilize the farmers for the training. 5.8.2. Training Effort in by Organizations in the Target Districts The most enduring training facility in the districts is the farmer training center or similar locally based facility for training of community members. Most of the training courses done by NGOs, are conducted at the Farmers’ Training Centres using the agriculture extension staff as resource persons. The fact that agricultural extension staff are often called upon as resource persons strongly suggests that they be a clear target for training by the project. As most of the staff in the target districts have not dealt with cassava, training on what the crop is and its cultural practices will be required. For a start, the varietal descriptors need to be given to the districts to help them appreciate what the varieties are and be able to identify them clearly in the field. This training will be assisted by laying out several demonstrations in the districts which when visited during the field days will provide hands on training and visual presentation of the cultivars in contrasting environments. The capacity of the extension workers to handle the cassava crop can also be improved through literature on cassava being availed to them. Such training could be jointly arranged by for example by NGOs meeting the cost of hosting the training while FODIS provided the trainers. The training of extension staff will allow some nurseries to be managed by the DACO’s office through the camp officers. Training is also required by other organizations promoting cassava as some are strong in backgrounds other than agriculture. In current programmes such as FSP, the beneficiaries receive 1-2 day training which gives information on pests and disease management. 5.8.3. Training Products PAM has conducted training courses for utilisation and processing of cassava and other traded crops in all the districts it has operated. Cassava is a new crop to most of the communities in all the target districts, and people do not yet have knowledge to process it. As a result; only sweet cassava varieties are preferred to avert the risk of HCN toxicity from bitter varieties. Additional training is required in processing the bitter varieties so that farmers have a choice to eat the sweet types while they make and sell flour for income generation from the bitter varieties. Harvest Help is working with 10 groups to promote maniopola variety and other varieties distributed by PAM. The programme for the groups involves promotion of cowpeas, sorghum, maize, and cassava. The groups are multipurpose as they are not only used for training farmers, but also function as a marketing group through which members could sell their products.. The training for farmers should also include how the cassava cuttings will be distributed from farmer to farmer by pass-on gift. Food Crop Diversification Support Project for Enhancement of Food Security in Zambia (FoDiS)

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Another product from current training efforts by potential partner organizations is the Community Agricultural Workers (CAW). Several organizations have set up CBOs or committees at the village level. The committees are facilitated by CAW or similar volunteers. The KDF runs community based extension in which KDF chooses persons for training as CAW on criteria such as ability to work as a volunteer. This training has allowed the KDF improve extension coverage in their operation area. The Foundation also trains CAW for other NGOs or projects on request. 5.8.4. Required Training in the Districts The preference for households not familiar with cassava is for sweet varieties as the norm is to boil and use the fresh cassava as substitute for bread when taking tea. The cassava leaves are widely eaten by the population. Training is required in processing and utilization to widen the use of cassava. To improve production, training in the agronomy of cassava and the management practices needed to maintain a disease and pest free field should be given before the farmers receive the cuttings for planting and there after followed with visits onfarm. A few farmers have been given processing skills and in turn have trained their group partners upon return to their communities. Training is required for the management of multiplication nursery and for the main field once planted on the farm. Training should cover crop management and post harvest issues such as processing and utilization. Experience of Africare is that training in utilization enhanced the adoption of cassava in the southern province. Before the training the interest in Cassava among the communities was very low and the Africare project was at the verge of collapse. However, once sensitization was carried out and training in post harvest handling and use completed, the interest in the target group was increased. Access to markets is key aspect of promoting an enterprise such as cassava. Training farmers in market or business orientation will be needed. The SHEMP has trainers who could organize the training for various levels from the agricultural staff to the households. The demand for cuttings has grown in the southern province partly because of the profits possible from the sale of cuttings. The other training method is the active promotion of the growing and use of cassava by demonstration. The extension staff in the field should be the lead in the promotion of cassava. The camp officers should grow cassava and consume it as nshima to demonstrate its utility. The camp officers should be encouraged to maintain a lima of cassava within their cropping regime. Extension workers should also be targeted for utilization training as they are in daily contact with the farmers and can best promote cassava if they are confident about the crop and how to use it themselves. Each district should train at least a pair of seed inspectors. The inspectors should be drawn from the office of the DACO. The will assist in keeping the farmer’s crop clean and acceptable as seed for distribution to other farmers. The training for extension staff should stress the understanding of the farming system into which cassava is to fit. The suggestion from the farmers on where the roots and tubers fit should be taken into account and studied to establish the rationale behind them. For example the promotion of cassava should avoid competition for labour with the preferred staples. It is not purely by accident that cassava is not staple in the target areas. Food Crop Diversification Support Project for Enhancement of Food Security in Zambia (FoDiS)

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TRAINING

Household

Camp Officer

Household SAO Household

Camp Officer

Household

Household

Camp Officer

Household SAO Household

Camp Officer

Household

Training Venue

LUSAKA/Primary Nursery

Participants

DACO/NGO/ZARI

Instructors

ZARI

Bussiness Trng

District/

Camp/CBO

FoDiS Camps,

Participant Households

Training of Trainers

Training

Training

Training Needs

Seed Inspection

Crop Production

Processing and Utilization

MAIN ROLE

SECONDARY NURSERY

SENSITIZATION DISTRIBUTION

PASS-ON EVALUATION

Figure 12 Training of Farmers in the FoDiS Network


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5.9. Proposed Indicators and Monitoring System The monitoring should be observed in the project area and in areas where the project has no activities. The initial listing and the resultant stratification of the households is critically important as FoDiS cannot hope to have an area where no other intervention has been carried out or where there are no current programmes running. The listing will identify the critical controlling variables which will be used to isolate effects of interventions other than FoDiS. The listing will be carried out in project and non-project areas, and cover both the participants and non-participants in the project areas. There is need to have good records of the project activities. A database of the households that are regularly monitored should be maintained. The database should include stratification variables such as the length of period the household has been growing cassava (i.e. zero to life time). The FoDiS ought to understand what other projects are active in the communities. The following are suggested as possible indicators for the project and could be variables in the project database:

Table 244 Indicators for FoDiS Monitoring and Evaluation Indicator Age of farmer The frequency of cassava consumption The proportion of daily energy needs covered by cassava The length of hunger period Area under cassava cultivation in each year the project is running. Covering both treatment and non-treatment areas. Number of farmers growing cassava Proportion of Area under cultivation of Crop Cassava Cowpeas Finger Millet Groundnuts Maize Millet Sorghum Sweet potatoes Area under Cassava cultivation Area under sweetpotato cultivation Number of farmers growing Cassava Number of farmers growing Sweetpotatoes Quantities of sweetpotato on the market Quantities of cassava on the market Number of sweetpotato improved varieties adopted in a district Number of cassava improved varieties adopted in a district Area under improved cassava varieties Area under improved sweetpotato varieties Changes in form of processing and utilization Foundation sites operating Area under cassava and sweet potatoes at

Statistic

Available Statistic 49.6 1.3%5 6months

1%

Desired Target 200

6.9% 0.4% 0.5% 11.7% 65.1% 4.5% 3.7% 7.3% 1128 (max, 6yrs 2755 (Max, 6yrs 315 (PHS) 1,751 (PHS)

504ha 2 6ha

5

Haggblade and Nyembe 2007 Food Crop Diversification Support Project for Enhancement of Food Security in Zambia (FoDiS)

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Indicator foundation sites Area under cassava and sweet potatoes at primary sites Area under cassava and sweet potatoes at secondary sites Area under cassava and sweet potatoes at household farms The smallest size of cassava field Area in maintenance planting. The multiplication rate is 1 to 15. Thus we expect a farmer who has 1 lima to be able to plant 15lima the following season. It is realistic to expect that at the minimum, the farmer will plant 1lima in maintenance planting. Number of cuttings (1m) sold, passed-on Number of farmers who have accessed the cassava from the nurseries, Cassava Commercialization % growing households who sale Sales as % of cassava harvested Area cultivated for each target crop Yield of each target crop Total production for each target crop, per household Number of households planting improved cultivars of target crops Number of households consuming target food crops Quantity of target food crops consumed by farmers and industry Quantity of planting materials produced and distributed from the Foundation Site Quantity of planting materials produced and distributed from the Primary Sites Quantity of planting materials produced and distributed from the Secondary Sites Quantity of planting materials produced and distributed from the farms of Primary Beneficiaries.

Statistic

Available Statistic

Desired Target 2.24ha at least 33.6ha at least 504ha = 1lima 1 Lima

200 75% 29%6

Up Up

7,467 112,000 1,680,000

Number and Type of training conducted for farmers Number and Type of training conducted for Camp officers Number and Type of training conducted for District officers Number and Type of training conducted for ZARI staff supporting the project. Manuals on production of cassava and sweetpotatoes Manuals on production of drought tolerant cereals Number of Extension workers trained Number of farmers workers trained

6

Haggbale and Nyembe, 2007 Food Crop Diversification Support Project for Enhancement of Food Security in Zambia (FoDiS)

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Indicator Hunger Experience in the last three years*7 Often Sometimes Rarely None Number of meals per day8 1 meal 2 meals 3 meals Physical Assets bicycle radio tv beds plough axes hoe Drinking Water Borehole Protected well Unprotected well Stream Dam/Weir Borehole/stream Access to electric power Amount of savings per household Amount of debts per household Income per Household Rich Medium Poor Roof type Thatch Slate Iron sheets Asbestos House Type Reed Adobe Wood Brick Concrete Block Sanitation VIP Toilets Pit Latrine None

Statistic

Available Statistic

Desired Target

36% 46% 10% 8%

Down Down Up Up

4% 61% 35%

Down Down Up

45% 62% 20% 76% 26% 93% 98%

Up Up Up Up Up

21% 10% 34% 30% 3% 2% 1.66% 72,000 110,665 2,816,500 1,529,250 821,718

Up Up Down Down Down Down Up Up Down Up Up Up

72.0% 0.7% 23.9% 3.4%

Down

1.7% 39.9% 7.8% 47.1% 3.4%

Down Down Down Up Up

7% 67% 27%

Up Down Down

Up Up

7

From survey by PAVIDIA in Chongwe district From survey by PAVIDIA in Chongwe district Food Crop Diversification Support Project for Enhancement of Food Security in Zambia (FoDiS) 8

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6. Conclusion/Recommendations 1. Given that the project has 2ha of cassava at Mansa and that only Kapumba is missing, we recommend that: (1) The project advances one year by planting secondary nurseries this October. Two (2) ha is sufficient to plant 3.36 ha per district nursery enough to supply planting material to 200 farmers per district. (2) The required Kapumba should be sourced from Kaoma and Senanga and treated for pests after careful inspection in the fields. The FODIS should do the sourcing instead of contracting a trucker. (3) Between now and October, the secondary nursery sites should be selected and those at GRZ institutions should be given irrigation capacity. 2. Regarding the monitoring and evaluation aspect of the project (1) The project should proceed to list the farmers starting July 2008 at the latest. The listing should include areas in the district not covered by the project. (2) The listing should be useful in stratifying the households receiving project services. (3) Fodis should commission the baseline survey to establish the quantitative levels of the variables meant to be improved by end of project, e.g. the proportion of cassava in the diets of households in target districts. 3. Mistakes committed by the suppliers of cassava were: (1) Timing. The farmers in Sesheke prefer that the cuttings are planted in September so that come October when the new leaves shoot in the forest, the cassava would be shooting too, as it is a tree like any other. (2) The supply chain is not smooth. The cuttings spend too long a time at the local warehouse before they are distributed. The farmers estimated that ¾ of sticks supplied by CRS were too dry. Those that were planted, the farmers were not sure they would survive. (3) To be successful, FoDiS should pay attention to: i) Time of planting—should be at the time when trees are planted. There are two planting dates depending on the age of the cuttings 

ii) iii) iv) v)

August/September. This is the preferred date for planting by farmers. The reason given is that during October when the forest shoots new leaves, the cassava would also be shooting. Planting as late as March evidently leads to the sticks drying up in the long dry season and risk being eaten by termites. Planting in September assures that the cassava plant has the maximum use of the short rainy season  Rainy season, up to January. During this period, the tender growing tips (Temu or Ndelumuna) may be planted. The Temu may be obtained from the fresh shootings from the cuttings planted in September. The two planting periods suggest that the first is also used to provide seed The programmes should distribute the cuttings on time—i.e. September The advantage of cassava in an environment were rainfall is low should be emphasized With time, there are going to be many households that will provide the demonstration effect. The capacity of the extension workers to handle the cassava crop requires to be improved. Literature on cassava should be availed to assist in training.


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vi) The development of vegetable production in Sesheke has demonstrated the

critical role that a market outlet plays in the promotion of a commodity. Cassava is no exception and will benefit from activities. vii) Cassava should be actively promoted, beyond the apparent leap service it has received hitherto. The extension staff in the field should be the lead in the promotion effort. To this end, the camp officers should be motivated to grow cassava and consume it as nshima to demonstrate its utility. 4. Standards of cassava in trade and food safety have not yet been established. There is a lack of institutions and infrastructure to assist the traders at the borders. For example, there are no warehouses that would allow traders to store their commodities nor are there facilities to exchange money or check the validity of certain notes used in cross border trade. Government should assist establish such infrastructure and services to aid trade.


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7. References 1. AFRICARE, (May 2005). Improvement of Household Food Security Through Expansion of Improved Cassava in Southern Province: A closeout Report of a Project funded by the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO). AFRICARE, FAO. 2. Agricultural Marketing Advisory Group (AMAG), (2003). Survey on the Current Status of Crop Diversification and Donors’ Activities for Enhancement of Food Security in Drought-Prone Areas of Zambia. JICA, AMAG. 3. Barrat et al (March 2006). Cassava as Drought Insurance: Food Security Implications of Cassava Trials in Central Zambia. Agrekon, Vol 45, No. 1. 4. Bede N. Okigbo. Nutritional implications of projects giving high priority to the production of staples of low nutritive quality: The Case for Cassava (Manihot esculenta, Crantz) in the Humid Tropics of West Africa. International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Ibadan, Nigeria. 5. FANTA (July 2001). HIV/AIDS: A Guide for Nutrition, Care and Support. Food and Nutrition Assistance Project, Academy for Educational Development Washington DC. 6. FAO Zambia, (July 2005). Commercialization of Cassava for Increased Food Security. FAO. 7. FAO Zambia, (May 2005). Improving Food Security in Vulnerable SADC Countries: Summary Final Report. FAO. 8. Haggblade, Steven and Misheck Nyembe (February 2007) Preliminary Draft: Zambia Cassava Markets. Food Security Research Project. Acceleration of Cassava Utilization (ACU) Task Force, ACF. 9. Langmead & Baker Ltd, (July 2003). Cassava - A Market Research Study. The Small Holders Enterprise and Marketing Programme (SHEMP). 10. Moses Simwambana (PhD), (2005). A Study on Cassava Promotion in Zambia. Prepared for The Task Force on Accelerated Cassava Utilization, ACF and ASP. 11. RuralNet Associates Ltd, (2003). Applying a Sub-Sector Analysis Approach to Studying the Marketing of Cassava and Sweet Potato in Southern Africa: The Case of Zambia. Southern Africa Root Crops Research Network (SARRNET), RuralNet. 12. Saith, Ashwani (October 2005). Poverty Lines Versus the Poor: Method Versus Meaning. Economic and Political Weekly.


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