Ilambo-Prince of Peace, Burnsville-CVP Visit Mar 14-2011

2011 CVP
Companion Village Project
1st Visit, Year One
March 14, 2011


Village Ilambo
Pastor Mkeng’e Exaudi
Companion Prince of Peace, Fairview
Attendees Male 13 Female 5
Elevation 1924m
Distance from Iringa town 84km
Ag Institute Staff Roger, Gabriel, Nafeti and Rev. Mang’ulisa

We drove on a piece of very rough road and through steep hills. This road will not be passable during the heavy rainy season. In this visit we were with the field officers of the Pyrethrum Company of Tanzania (PCT) and a pyrethrum breeder Dr. Kiwovele who works for the Uyole Research Institute. As the Institute of agriculture is exploring a possible partnership with PCT, this was an opportunities for these guys to learn what we are doing in the demonstration days

Purpose of the visit
• Introducing the CV project to the congregation
• Taking the soil samples for soil analysis
• Delivering punching machine, box file and a hand hoe
Topics
1. Introduction
Rev. Lunodzo Mang’ulisa introduced the project. Roger delivered greetings from St.Paul Area Synod and from Prince of Peace. He also talked about the farming practices which will be taught and their benefits.
2. Handouts
After an introduction, the handouts were distributed to all then together with the participants we went through them
• CVP Plot record of events
• DIRA – Institute of agriculture agreement
• Chronological Plot Management of Crops Planted in Nov/Dec 2011
• CVP Instruction – 1st Visit
3. Background information of this village
This village has population of 1,500 people and 359 Families. It is surrounded with mountains in all directions. Farmers here grow corn, beans, sunflower, potatoes, wheat, coffee and banana. All of these crops are grown in small scale. Average yield for corn is 5-7 bags/acre and beans is 4 bags/acre which are not good. Weather is good; they said they get enough rainfall in the rainy season.
4. Soil sampling
After the meeting in the church we went outside. Together with the members of congregation we took soil samples from 4 points around the church. Two types of samples were taken, from 6 inches depth and 12 inches depth. The samples will be taken to the laboratory for soil analysis
Comments/questions from audience
 How are you going to assist us in using the appropriate spacing during the time of planting and replanting?
Before the planting season start we will come and instruct you the appropriate spacing. We will use the demonstration plot to do that.
 If we do not have enough land close to the church, will it be possible to establish demonstration plots in two different areas ie. Half an acre close to the church and another one away from the church?
Purpose of the demonstration plots is to be used as learning tools. We encourage the plots to be located near by the church for easy visibility and management. However if the church does not have enough land close to the church, the other plot can be located somewhere else close to the road where people can see it while passing by.
 What kind of seeds are going to be used in the demonstration plot?
Seeds which are going to be used are improved varieties’ seeds
 If we don’t burn the crop residues and we leave them on top to the soil, there will be termites problem
Crop residues will increase soil fertility of your soil, increase moisture retention and reduce soil erosion. The advantages of leaving crop residues are more than the damage or cost of controlling termites.
Conclusions
We told them we will be back in August to measure the plots and giving further instructions. On our way out of the village we had to push the car of the guys from Pyrethrum Company (PCT) up the steep slopes and very rough and dusty roads.