Nyanzwa - Easter Lutheran; CVP Report Jan 23-2012

Companion Village Project
4th Visit 4
January, 23.2012

Village Nyanzwa
Pastor Luhwano Mwafute
Companion Easter Lutheran
Attendees 09
Weather for the past month Hot & Dry
Reporters Venance, Rev. Mang’ulisa, and Edman

Upon arrival, we were welcomed by the parish pastor, 5 other church members, 2 primary school teachers and the extension worker of the village. This area is among areas which suffer from drought; therefore part of its corn field is grown with sorghum; plants around looked wilting. After introductions, we went through the guideline as follows;

Purpose of the visit
1. Review of the handouts, 4th visit instructions
• Discussion about germination, Replanting and Pest control
• Monthly weeding before planting
• Monthly weeding after tasseling
2. Demonstration on second fertilizer application on corn. Demonstration on planting and fertilization of beans on rows 30cm apart and 10cm between plants.
3. Insecticide Application. We instructed them on how to apply the insecticide on both corn and beans and the recommended rates to apply.
4. Delivery.
We delivered been seeds, fertilizers and one liter of Thionex 35 EC insecticide.

Item Beans Fertilizers for Corn Fertilizers for beans
Variety Macia and wanja Urea NPK
Amount 1 Bag 2 bags

Members had some questions which needed answers. They asked about the pre - harvest period for bean leaves to be used as a vegetable after insecticide application and the answer came from manufacturer’s instruction that for beans the pre – harvest period is 2 – 4 days.
Also they had a comment about the mode of applying N fertilizer on corn. They thought applying in a complete circle would be more appropriate. My answer was applying N fertilizer in a complete circle is the most appropriate only that it is laborious, if farmers can do it, it is OK.
NB. Bean seeds to be sent before March.
Conclusion
Members were reminded to follow correct spacing, do monthly weeding and apply correct amount of insecticide at the right time.
When asked about whether they apply the agricultural practices taught in the demo plot in their personal plots, 4/9 present (44%) said they have started to apply the practices though their major limitation is inability to purchase fertilizers. But generally their major limitation is drought condition which is prevalent in their area.