Chitedze

Historical Background

Baka sub-station was established in 1930 by Mr. Frank Barker who began some experimental work at the site when he was District Agricultural Officer. The name Baka is derived from his name. Work was mainly on rice and was done on a small scale. Intensified research work was embarked on in 1969 under the administrative umbrella of Lunyangwa Research Station in Mzuzu.

Location

Baka substation was originally 2 km west of Karonga boma. In 1990 the sub-station was moved further away (3 km) to the Veterinary Offices (090 54' S 330 56' E). It is 460 m above sea level, and It has a total of 117 ha of land.

Climate

Baka sub-station has a mean annual rainfall of 1070 mm, 80% of which falls from December to March. The mean annual temperature is 25⁰C. The rainfall confidence limit for 9 out of 10 years is from 650 mm to 1515 mm.

Research Activities

Baka sub-station conducts research on rice, maize, agroforestry, cotton. legumes, tropical fruits and spices, and root and tuber crops. The activities are carried out in collaboration with other stations.

Research facilities

The sub-station has storage rooms for handling research materials and adequate land.

Human Resources

Baka sub-station is headed by a Chief Technical Officer supported by technical as well as administrative staff as shown below:-

MANAGEMENT/DIRECTORATE

Name	Qualification	Designation
Mumba L.S.M.	Diploma in Agriculture	Officer-In-charge, Chief Tech. Officer.
Mwalwanda F.J.		Senior Clerical Officer
Guza M.D.		Senior Clerical Officer
Mwazembe B.C		Accounts Assistant
Banda P.M.	Certificate in Agriculture	Assistant Farm Manager
CEREALS Maize
Phiri C.G.L.	Certificate in Agriculture	Technical Officer
Banda P.N.	Certificate in Agriculture	Technical Officer
SOILS & AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING Agroforestry
Kathumba F.B	Certificate in Agriculture	Technical Officer
Cotton
Kaponda P.R	Certificate in Agriculture	Technical Officer
GRAIN LEGUMES, OILSEEDS & FIBRES Other Grain Legumes
Sakala W.J.	Certificate in Agriculture	Technical Officer
HOTICULTURE Tropical Fruits and Spices
Nkhoma L. D. K.	Certificate in Agriculture	Technical Officer
Roots and Tubers
Gondwe E.A.N.	Certificate in Agriculture	Technical Officer