Mwatasi-CVP Visit Report Nov 7-2012

2012 Companion Village Project Extension Program, 5th Year 1st Visit November 07, 2012 Village Mwatasi Pastor/Evangelist Elias Kadinda Companion Trinity Lutheran Church Attendees 09 Weather for the past month Dry Reporters Fred, Pongolan, and Venance We went to Mwatasi to conduct an extension class accompanied by Fred from Minnesota. Upon arrival, we met 09 members of the church waiting to begin the discussion. We made introductions; Fred conveyed greetings from Trinity Lutheran Church and the Advisory Committee in US to the people of Mwatasi. He gave a brief explanation on the evolution of extension education and its purpose. After the introductions, we invited the attendees to actively participate in the discussion on the fertilizers and seed topics which they were all familiar to. It was very interesting to hear them contribute ideas of their understanding about the topics. Purpose of the visit • To introduce extension program and share ideas about the topics to be taught. Topics covered • To explain fertilizer details and answer FAQ’s about fertilizers • To explain seed details and answer FAQ’s about seeds The details about fertilizers and seeds were covered through discussion involving them/participatory method whereby my role was to lead, provoke them by asking questions and let participants explain and ask questions too. Some important issues covered on fertilizers included:  types of fertilizers locally available, when to apply them, pros and cons of each type  clarification on the myth that “fertilizers are poisonous” to the soil and hence to the consumers of fertilized crops  fertilizer application frequencies and its side effects  simple ways of detecting nutrient deficiencies in the field without necessarily taking the soil to the lab for analysis  effect of excessive fertilization in the field  differences between CAN and Urea fertilizers in terms of functions  How best can one integrate the use of manures and industrial fertilizers?  Other methods besides fertilization that can be used to improve soil fertility in Iringa region Some important issues covered on seeds included:  Good quality seed as the foundation for high expected yield  Hybrid seeds productivity decrease in successive years  The importance of using high quality seed in order to maximize expected crop yield The attendees showed a great interest on the discussion and posed some questions/issues of concern. They suggested for livestock husbandry to be taught in the next extension network. Conclusion The extension program being conducted for the first time was perceived as interesting and educative to the farmers. The members were thankful to the supporting congregations for having a vision to continue providing them with the useful knowledge.