Chitedze

Historical background
Mkondezi sub-station was established in 1978 as a site for root and tuber Crops. The sub-station has since then operated under Lunyangwa Research Station.

Location
Mkondezi sub-station is situated 41 km south-east of the city of Mzuzu and 8km west of Nkhata bay district. It is 2.5 km off the Mzuzu-Nkhata bay road (110 36' S 340 15' E). It is at an altitude of 538m above sea level. The substation has a total of 85 ha of land.

Climate
The mean annual temperature at Mkondezi is 24-25⁰c. (Maximum of 39⁰c and minimum of 10⁰c). The substation has a mean annual rainfall of 1500 mm most of which falls during the period November/December to March/April.

Research Activities
Mkondezi sub-station conducts research on root and tuber crops, tropical fruits, spices and cereals.

Research facilities
The sub-station has store rooms, a cold room and a modest library. In addition to these facilities, the sub-station has a warehouse and sheds for handling research materials. A screen house is under construction. The station also has a large area that is suitable for flood irrigation.

Human Resources
The substation is headed by a principal scientist who is supported by professional as well as administrative personnel as shown below:

MANAGEMENT/DIRECTORATE

Name	Qualification	Designation
Phiri N.A.	MSc (Plant Protection) Officer-In-Charge	Principal Scientist

Chiheni R.N.M.	-	Clerical Officer
Kachali V.V.	Certificate in Agriculture	Farm Manager
Mbeya M.B.	-	Accounts Assistant
Lwesya T.M.	-	Accounts Assistant

HORTICULTURE Tropical Fruits and Spices
Mwenebanda B.M.L.	B.Sc.	Agricultural Scientist
Maganga S.J.	Certificate in Agriculture	Technical Officer
Mwamlima L.H.	Certificate in Agriculture	Technical Officer
Thundu L.G.C.	Certificate in Agriculture	Technical Officer
Kachali V.V.	Certificate in Agriculture	Technical Officer
CEREALS Root and Tuber Crops
Salipira K.L.	Certificate in Agriculture	Technical Officer
Nkhoma O.D.K.T.	Certificate in Agriculture	Technical Officer
Rice
Banda H.V.	Certificate in Agriculture	Technical Officer
Kanyimbo H.S.	Certificate in Agriculture	Technical Officer
Other Grain Legumes
Mwamlima L.H	Certificate in Agriculture	Technical Officer