Kidugala(Njombe) - Emmanuel, Iowa; CVP Report for Oct 29-2010

2010 CVP
Companion Village Project
1st Visit, Year One
Oct 25-2010

Village Kidugala (Njombe)
Pastors Wallence Lupenza
Companion Emmanuel, Iowa
Attendees 31
Weather Dry
Reporters Gabriel,Phil and Nafeti

Purpose of the visit
• Measuring the demonstration plots
• Delivering rain gauge, seeds and fertilizers
• Demonstrating corn planting and fertilizer applications

We drove for almost 3 ½ hours to get to this congregation. Pastor sent an evangelist to come and meet us at Ilembula so as he may show us the road to here. We met the congregation members waiting for us.
Greetings
Before we began the demonstration, Phil delivered greetings from St. Paul Area Synod and US Institute of Ag advisory committee
Review of the handouts
Together with them we went through the handouts
o Instructions’ handouts
o Plot Management FAQs
o Fertilizer needs template
Demonstrations
o Rain gauge
We told them we need to know the annual rainfall and rainfall pattern of their place. We instructed them how to record rain using a rain gauge. One set of rain gauge was handed to the pastor.
o Plots
After the meeting in the church we went outside to the area where the demonstration plot has planned to be. Together we measured the 1acre plot using miter tape. We measured two ½ acres plots, one for corn and another one for beans.

o Planting and fertilizer applications
We demonstrated on how to place seeds (Both corn and beans) and how to apply fertilizers. We insisted that they should not place seeds and fertilizers together. There should be at least 5cm from each other.
o Soil
The soil analysis of this place showed that the soil pH is low. We told them that we will recommend fertilizers which do not lower further the soil pH. In the demonstration plot we will use NPK for the first application and CAN for the second application.
o Seeds and fertilizers
We delivered 2 bags of NPK and 4bags of seeds
Crop Seeds Fertilizer
Varieties Amount Type Amount
Corn H614 8kg NPK 100kg (2 bags)

Questions/comments from the audience
 How many times they should apply fertilizers in corn
We recommend 2 times applications, first application at the planting and second application of nitrogenous fertilizers when the plants are at knee high.
 They sometimes experience drying of their crops (corn & beans) that starts from the roots
Tthe disease probably is caused by the nematodes which eat plants’ roots. The disease can be controlled in two ways
I. Using pesticides (nematicides)
II. Crop rotation
III. Planting certified improved variety seeds
 They asked whether they should use cow manure together with industrial fertilizers or not?
We encouraged the use of animal manure too. Animal manure will add soil nutrients, soil organic matter and help the soil to retain moisture.
 How can someone can be able to identify identified fake or expired seeds and
It is difficult and sometimes impossible to identify fake seeds and fertilizers. They should be buying seeds and fertilizers from the authorized dealers. Always one should read expire dates on the bag before buying to avoid buying expired agricultural inputs.
 What is the appropriate way of applying fertilizers?
It is recommended to do side dressing and cover the fertilizers. Uncovered applied fertilizer loses N which is volatile. The fertilizers should be put at least 5 cm from the seed or the plant
 Since they live far from the town and sometimes they have to buy fertilizers earlier in advance and put in their houses, what is the appropriate method of store fertilizers
Fertilizers should be stored in the dry place, a place with no direct sunlight and within their original bags. The bags should not be open if the fertilizers are not going to be used soon.
 How to use pesticides?
Use them as per instructions. All pesticides come with the instructions either on the bottle or in the box. Make sure you have read the instructions before use. If the instructions are in English, seek interpretation help from the shopkeeper.
 How about applying fertilizers called SA for the second application?
Their soil is acidic already. We are not recommending SA because it has characteristic of lowering the soil pH

Conclusion
Congregation members were very happy with today’s demonstration. We told them we will be making visits to demonstrate and look at the plot. The next visit will be in January. We left late in the afternoon to Iringa.