Ihemi CVP Visit Report - Jan 9-2013

2008 CVP Companion Village Project 4th Visit Year Five January 09, 2013 Village Ihemi Pastor Anania Kadege Companion Christiania Lutheran, Lakeville and Yara Fertilizer company Attendees 19 Weather for the past month Rainy Ag Institute staff Location GPS read. Ibrahim and Venance 08001.039S 035029.634E 1832m asl Introduction The parishioners were having a meeting in the church when we arrived at Ihemi and it was raining heavily. There was a big audience of nineteen members. Purpose of the visit • To deliver the second application fertilizer and insecticide for insect pest control on the corn and beans plot Topics 1. Review of the handouts,  4th visit instructions • Discussion about germination, Replanting and Pest control • Weeding after planting • Monthly weeding after tasseling 2. Demonstration on second fertilizer application on corn We could not demonstrate because it was raining heavily outside but instead we discussed about planting and fertilization of beans on rows 30cm apart and 10cm between plants. Also there was a discussion on how to do second application of fertilizer in corn. The members were knowledgeable of what was spoken because they have been practicing the farming methods for the past four years now. 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 two bags of NPK cereal and one litre of thionex insecticide. Corn and bean Plots discussion We looked at the corn from far. It seemed doing well. We could not take any pictures. The parishioners said they would plant beans sometimes in February. Questions/Comments from Audience The attendees asked the following questions 1. What is the importance of covering fertilizers after application? Answer: Covering the fertilizer after application reduces the possible nutrient loss by evaporation or surface removal and hence improves its use by plants. 2. What is wrong with intercropping? Answer: Intercropping increases plant competition for resources and lowers yield of either crop. It is important to plant only one crop in order to maximize yield of whatever intended crop. 3. How can we solve the bean seed availability challenge? Answer: It’s high time you begin multiplying the seed from Uyole that we give you to plant in the plot so that you can use it in the next season. We are not guaranteed of getting the bean seed from Uyole forever. They had a comment on what they want to be taught in the coming extension visit. They want to be taught about ‘types of fertilizers and how they function’. Conclusion This parish has been doing well on the corn and bean plot. The Pyrethrum suffers from draught in summer. When asked how many adopted the modern farming techniques that we teach them, many raised their hands up.