In 2003 I, Gerrit Holtland, created CTRT: Consultancy and Training for Rural Transformation. I had worked in rural development for 15 years and in this period I had learned what I could contribute to the transformation of rural areas (and what not). My greatest joy in my work was - and is - to inspire people to think differently so that they can transform their own reality. As the CTRT logos says. I am dedicated to make a difference and to be able to focus fully on this mission, I felt time had come to start my own company.
Yes, the lives of resource poor farmers can be transformed. Two examples from my own experience. In drought-prone central Tanzania hundreds of (female headed) families keep some 1500 crossbred cows on zero grazing; something nobody could have imagined 15 years ago! In south Kyrgyzstan 200 small farmers (organised in a coop) annually produce nearly 1.000 ton of high quality seed potatoes. Their seeds are better then those of branches of Dutch potato companies; but even 5 years ago nobody would believe that this is possible.
New directions can be found if solid knowledge is combined with bold creativity. Yet, this requires an independent attitude, perseverance and system thinking and these characteristics are not easily found in large organisations. So, although I have been an enthusiastic team player in the organisations I used to work for, in 2003 I realised that I could better serve my personal aims as an independent consultant, dedicated to make a difference.