Wasa-Fish Lake Luth-CVP Report Mar 28-2011

2011 CVP
Companion Village Project
1st Visit, Year One
March 28, 2011


Village Wasa
Pastor Juhudi Mkung’e
Companion Fish Lake Lutheran, Harris MN
Attendees 13
Elevation 1720m
Distance from Iringa town 78km
Ag Institute Staff Gabriel, Nafeti and Rev. Mang’ulisa

The parish is located in a corn farming area. As we drove to the village we came across about three big trucks carry fresh corn to the market. There were piles of fresh corn along the road that had just been picked and were waiting to be picked up In this visit we were accompanied by the District Pastor of this area Rev. Askali Mgeyekwa. The demonstration meeting was held in the house of the Pastor.
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 the St. Paul Area Synod. He also talked about the farming practices which will be taught.
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
The village has population of 1,200 people and 500 Families. Crops grown here are corn, beans, potatoes, peas and sunflower. Corn improved varieties grown are H614, H628 and H625. Average yield for corn is 7 – 9 bags/acre and beans is 1 bag/acre. They experience good weather; enough and well distributed rainfall during 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
 We do farm beans here. However the varieties we farm do not have good market in town. Can you help us by introducing a different variety?
We will be testing number of varieties in the demonstration plot. By doing so you will have a chance to adopt the variety you like and has a good market and grow it in your farms.
 What time do you recommend for the bean planting? we have been planting in April and the harvest have never been good
Bean planting time depends on the weather condition of your village. However if April planting time has not been good, we will test different planting time in the demonstration plot and check the results

Conclusions
People in this village seem to be more experts in farming than other villages. They use improved seeds and fertilizers. We told them that together we are going to have additional farming experience through demonstration plot.