Irindi - CVP Visit Report - Aug 14-2012

2011 CVP Companion Village Project 6th Visit, Year One August 14, 2012 Village Irindi Pastor Alex Kikoti Companion St. Timothy Lutheran, St.Paul Attendees Weather 07 Dry Ag Institute Stuff Gabriel, Msigala and Pongolani Purposes of the visit: • Discussion for the coming season Topics: 1. Last farming season In the previous reports it was reported that drought has affected this area. The village is located in a place where rainfall is a problem. This year the corn and beans yields have not been good. A combination of rainfall shortage and sandy soils has led into crops’ failure. 2. New crops We discussed with the farmers about the crops they suggested for the coming growing season in the previous meeting. They suggested sesame and rice; • Sesame Sesame is an oil seeds very drought resistant crop. Farmers they somehow have an experience with the crop and they hope it will tolerate the drought usually experienced by this area. • Rice This is not drought resistant crop; The village has an access of irrigated water from a small river passing close to the village about 5 km from the church. Many villagers are growing rice in this area. 3. The plots The parish will hire the irrigated plot about 5km from the church, in the irrigated farmland. The plot will be used for rice. The rice nursery will be planted in November. Farmers have suggested the improved variety called “Silo 5”. Sesame will be planted in the other plot, not in irrigated farmland. The crop will be planted in January. Farmers have suggested “Naliendele” variety. 2. Plan for the coming season we agreed with the villagers. We told them that the decision has been made for the coming season in accordance with their suggestions; sesame and rice crops will be planted in the demonstration plots. We will buy and introduce new improved varieties of rice and sesame. Together we will work on determine the suitable agronomic practices of the crops Conclusion We told them to prepare the land for the rice and sesame. We hope the program will be successful next year. Pastor and parish members have shown commitment and promised to manage well the plots.