The Chitemene System of Agriculture

Discover the Chitemene system, a traditional farming method used by the Bemba people in Northern Zambia, which involves selective tree clearing and the use of ash to enrich soil. This post explores how this ancient practice manages to support agriculture in nutrient-poor soils and discusses modern adaptations aimed at enhancing its sustainability. Join us to learn how integrating traditional knowledge with contemporary techniques can offer solutions for sustainable agriculture.

Meaning and Benefits of Chitemene System

The Chitemene system is a farming technique that showcases human ingenuity in adapting to challenging environments.

But what exactly is Chitemene, and why is it significant?” “Chitemene, derived from the Bemba word ‘kutema,’ meaning to cut, involves the selective clearing of trees in a forest.

• This system of agriculture is practiced among the Bemba peaking ethnic group of Northern and Luapula Province.
• It is also practiced in various forms in Central, North-Western, Western and Copperbelt Provinces.
• In North-Western Province it is called ‘Ntena’

Farmers cut down branches and small trees, leaving the main trunks intact. These branches are then arranged in a circular pattern and burned to create a nutrient-rich ash.

The ash from the burned vegetation is rich in potassium, which is crucial for crop growth. This method primarily supports the cultivation of crops like maize, which is a staple in the region.

Significance of Chitemene Agriculture

But why burn the vegetation instead of using it directly as mulch? The answer lies in the soil. The soils in Northern Zambia are predominantly sandy and low in nutrients.

The ash provides a temporary boost in fertility, making agriculture possible in this challenging terrain.”

“Farmers spread the ash over a small area, usually about a quarter of a hectare, and then plant their crops in this enriched soil.

How Chitemene is done

• Between May and August, small trees and branches of large trees are chopped down by men and boys
• Smaller trees are chopped about a meter above the ground.
• In September/October, women carry branches and pile them up in circular stacks (heaps) within the cleared area.
• Around October/November, at the onset of the rains, the stacks are burnt to produce an ash bed.
• The ash-covered patch is then cultivated
• Sowing/planting is done in November/December.
• After using the piece of land for 3-4 years, it is abandoned and then the farmer shifts to a new piece of land (normally virgin) as the old one has lost fertility (hence the name shifting cultivation).

Crops grown include;

Millet, maize, cassava, pumpkins, myungu, cowpeas, sweet potatoes, sorghum, groundnuts e.t.c

Factors favouring (encouraging) Chitemene system

Physical factors

• High rainfall of about 1000-1600mm makes the soil leached and acidic.
• Burning it turns to neutralizes the acidic soil to make it fertile
• Poor, infertile soils
• Presence of heavy rainfall which encourage the growth of trees.

Social factors

• Bembas are not traditional cattle-keepers
• Low population densities in places where Chitemene is practiced

Economic factors

• The farmers are poor and cannot afford to buy farming inputs e.g. pesticides, inorganic fertilizers e.t.c

Advantages of Chitemene

• Cheap labour (family members provide labour)
• It is not time consuming as it avoids stumping which is time consuming (slow)
• Makes constant weeding unnecessary as most weeds are burnt
• No need to buy fertilizers (ash acts as fertilizers)
• Soil is not disturbed by deep ploughing

Disadvantages of Chitemene

One major drawback is the need for large areas of forest to sustain the practice.

Each Chitemene field can only be used for a few years before the soil’s fertility declines, requiring the farmer to clear a new area of forest.

• Although a large area is cleared and so much labour invested, production is low
• Encouragessoil erosionby cutting down trees and burning the surrounding grassland.
• It is very wasteful of trees and encourages deforestation
• Nitrogen is lost in the atmosphere by burning
• The Eco-system is disturbed.
• Thehabitat(homes for living things) is destroyed.
• Useful soil bacteria’s are destroyed by heat from the fire

Reason for the decline of Chitemene System

• The government is educating people on the importance of trees and the dangers of deforestation.
• There is decline in the amount of woodland or forests
• There is population pressure due to an increase in the number of people in the areas where Chitemene system is practiced.
• Transport network to the market has been improved.

Possible Alternatives to Chitemene System

Modern adaptations of Chitemene system are being explored to make it more sustainable. These include agroforestry techniques, where farmers integrate trees that improve soil fertility naturally, reducing the need for frequent clearing.”

“By learning from traditional practices like Chitemene, communities are finding ways to blend ancient wisdom with modern environmental needs, aiming for sustainability in agriculture that respects both the land and its people.

Summary

To summarize, the Chitemene system is a traditional agricultural practice that involves the selective clearing of forest, burning of vegetation to enrich the soil, and intensive cropping.

While it faces challenges like deforestation and soil degradation, adaptations are being made to ensure its sustainability.”

Thank you for joining us as we explored Chitemene agriculture. Understanding these traditional methods provides valuable insights into sustainable farming practices that could help shape the future of agriculture.