Ihemi - CVP Report May 11-2010

2010 CVP
Companion Village Project
Visit Report
5th Visit Year One
May 10, 2010


Village Bomalang’ombe Lutheran
Pastor Lutango Tewele and Ass. Pastor Reuben Ndendya
Companion Prince of Peace, Roseville
Attendees 19
Weather for the past month Rainy
Reporters Ibrahim , Gabriel and Lunodzo

Purpose of the visit
• Explain and demonstrate how to take yield measurement.
• Deliver two containers (20 liters and 1 liter size) and a 10 m string.
Topics
1. Greetings
Pastor Lunodzo gave greetings on behalf of the DIRA, Prince of Peace, Saint Paul Area Synod and US Ag Advisory Committee for volunteering to provide fund and to implement of Ag program training
2. Went through the handouts
o 5th Visit handout
o Yield recording sheet
o Rain record sheets to know the amount of rain received during this season
3. Demonstrations
We demonstrated how to measure the 10 m row (in three different locations within the demonstration plot) for the yield determination, this was demonstrated by using a 10 m string, how to measure, count the number of plants for both beans and corn (they should also count number of ears for corn). After shelling they are supposed to measure the amount of grain by using a one liter container that was given to them by the institute of Ag.
These measurements are done to both corn and beans.

Plots information
Beans plot looks better, even though they are at flowering stage. They have long rain season so hopefully beans will make it to harvesting stage. They are interested with bean variety introduced to them. Beans are still in the field, not yet harvested.

Corn looks better as well, matured and dry but needs to dry more before harvesting done.



Comments
 They appreciate the fact that we gave them training in each stage of plant growth.
 He delayed planting his crops this year, but he learned a better lesson for the next year. He will make sure he plants at a proper time and follow all the instructions we are giving them.

Questions from audience and answers

 They wanted to know about the black bugs found on the corn field when the corn just starts to dry.
We told them mostly this kind of bugs normally attack stored corn, and this is due to poor storage. To control this kind of problem we insisted on proper storage of corn. This will be taught on our 6th Visit next time.

 How can they select seeds from the current crops in order to use in the following season?
We highly recommend to buy new seeds rather than re using the same seeds (from previous crop)
They identified the yellowish strips problem in their corn fields (not in a demonstration plot). What is cause of this kind of problem?
We told them mainly this kind of problem is cause by the Sulfur deficiency and can be solved by the use of SA (Sulfate of Ammonia)
 Why sometimes when you plant seeds using fertilizers will cause seeds damage?
Method of application is a major source of damage, so we are recommending them to apply 5 cm away from the planted seed.


Conclusions/Recommendations
We congratulated them for good job they have been doing, however we reminded them they still have two more years to learn. Effective use of the training will give them opportunity to learn a lot of things.