Kitasengwa-Raquet Family Foundation; CVP Report Mar 14-2011

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


Village Kitasengwa
Pastor Aloyce Mwagogo
Companion Raquet Family Foundation
Attendees Male 6 Female 10
Elevation 1713m
Ag Institute Staff Roger, Gabriel, Nafeti and Rev. Mang’ulisa


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 by encouraging attendees to participate in the project. Roger delivered greetings from St.Paul Area Synod and from Raquet Family Foundation. He also talked about the farming practices which will be taught. He gave testimonies of the places which have benefited from the demonstration program.
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 3,800 people and 572 Families. They grow corn, beans, sunflower, onions, lettuce, cabbage and tomatoes. Some of them use improved varieties; Corn – H628 and H614. All of these crops are grown in small scale. Average yield for corn is 5 bags/acre and beans are 2 bags/acre which. They experience good weather expect this year when they had long dry period in the middle of 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
 In previous years we tried to farm pyrethrum, but the company responsible did not buy therefore the pyrethrum stayed in the farm and we got huge loss!
We do not expect that situation to happen again. Now the company is owned by new investors who have experience of more than 80 years of pyrethrum business. The pyrethrum demand is higher and the price is good. You will enter into contract with the company, in case of failure to buy your crop the company’s guarantor will pay you.
 Where are we going to establish the demonstration plot in irrigated or non-irrigated plot?
We would like to see the plot in the area where many people farm. Since in your village many people farm in non-irrigated land, we recommend the plots to be in non-irrigated land.
 Why should we not establish the demonstration plot in irrigated land because of the reliability of water?
We want everybody to learn from the demo plots. Since many people here farm in non-irrigated land, it is good to have the plot in this land. However, there will be not be enough land along the water stream where you do irrigation, if all people decide to move there.
 Are you going to teach us about growing vegetables too?
We will be answering questions about vegetables, however the demonstration plots will consists of corn, beans and if possible pyrethrum.
 Is there going to be further agricultural training for the Pastors and evangelists’ (seminars, short courses etc.)?
We hope so, however currently we ask them to participate in every meeting and supervise the demo plot so that they can be more competent and teach others
 Will you training us about avocado growing?
Yes, we will be answering questions about avocado growing too.
Conclusions
We told them we will be back in August to measure the plots and giving further instructions. We told them to prepare the land for the demonstration plots. We want the land preparation to start earlier in August.