Kitasengwa CVP Visit Report - May 1, 2012

2011CVP Companion Village Project 5th Visit, Year One May 01, 2012 Village Kitasengwa Pastor Aloyce Mwagogo Companion Raquet Family Foundation Attendees 10 Weather for the past month Dry Reporters Gabriel, Don and Karen Purpose of the visit • Demonstrating on how to take yield measurements Topics 1. Greetings Don delivered greetings on behalf of Raquet Family Foundation, Saint Paul Area Synod and US Ag Advisory Committee 2. Review of the handouts o 5th Visit handout o Yield recording sheet 3. Demonstrations It was demonstrated on how to measure the 10 m row (in three different locations within the demonstration plot and neighbors farm), this was demonstrated by using a 10 m string. Farmers were instructed to count the number of corn plants and ears. Yield recording sheets were provided. Plots information • The corn plot is close to Eucalyptus trees (though not too close). These trees have tendency of having extensive roots systems, high consumptions of water and I assume high consumption of nutrients. This seems to be the problem because the plants close to these trees were very thin with stunted growth. Generally all plants are not looking good, those which are far from the trees are looking better than those close to the trees, but not as good as they are supposed to be. After discussed with Prof. Michael Schmitt of the U of M, we suspected a allopathic situation where by (Eucalyptus) plant's root, or the exudates from decomposing leaves/bark, release chemicals in the soil that are toxic to other plants. We advise them to move the plot far from these types of trees. • The beans have not been affected much by the above situation. This is because Bean plot has been divided into two. ¼ acres is located close to the church and another ¼ acres is located distance from the church; in the valley. However that which has been located close to the church has been damaged by rabbits. Moreover there is nematodes problem that has killed some plants. The one located distant from the church is doing well. There are no rabbits’ damages. Questions/ comments from audience  Our soil is very hard especially when it has not been rained for long time. Beneath there is hard pan. Should we practice minimum tillage? In the places with hard pan beneath the soil, it is not advised to practice minimum tillage. Tillage has to be done to break the hard layer beneath the soil to allow plant roots to penetrate deeper. Conclusion We also conduct training through local radio in Iringa. We advised them to listen to our radio program for further farming instructions and advises. We advised them not to be discouraged with the situation they have experience this year. They promised to move the plot and provide the same management they provided to the plots this growing season.