March 11, 2009
Village: Mkimbize
Pastor: Ambrose Mwakikoti
Associate Pastor: Martin Haulle
Companion: Immanuel Lutheran Church, St. Paul
Elevation: 1610 meters
This morning we drove to Mkimbizi, an urban parish in Iringa not far from Tumaini. We were told that most of the members from Mkimbize work in offices in Iringa and would not be available for the meeting. A thought for future meetings with urban parishes is whether the meetings should be held on Saturday. Even though they work in town, many parishioners have small farms where they grow crops to supplement their income and provide food for their families. The people in this parish don’t rely only on farming for their income and food, but there was still interest in learning new farming techniques.
After tea we started the meeting in the church. People arrived throughout the meeting, but by the time we were done there were 15 attendees. After a brief introduction, Ibrahim went through the handouts:
1. DIRA – Institute of Agriculture Village Plot Agreement
2. Plot Management
3. Chronological Plot Management of Crops Planted in December of 2009
4. Frequently Asked Questions
5. Record of Events
Comments and questions were:
· Pastor Ambrose Mwakikoti said that he was thankful for the CVP program. He said that usually the parish is asking members to give of their resources to support the church; this program is a chance for the church to give back to its members.
· The average yield in the area is between 5 to 7 bags of corn per acre with a maximum of 10 bags per acre. They were excited to learn that using the techniques from the CVP program at Mgongo we were able to harvest over 15 bags per acre. Because they have better soil and more moisture than Mgongo they can expect to get even better yields.
· They asked us about using fertilizer; their experience is that fertilizer is detrimental to the soil and the plants. Ibrahim responded that just like medicine, if one took all the pills they received from a doctor at once they would likely get sick and could kill themselves. But if you took the medicine as prescribed one would get well. If you use the wrong fertilizer, if you use the wrong amount, or if you wrongly apply the fertilizer it can give bad results, but if properly applied fertilizer will increase yields.
· Other fertilizer questions:
o They asked about the kind of fertilizer we were recommending and when to apply it
o We said that we needed to wait until the results of the soil test were done
o They know about NPK and Urea
o We said we would likely recommend NPK at planting and Urea or CAN at the knee high stage of corn. This us usually 50 to 60 days after planting.
· Questions about soil samples:
o They asked why we took soil samples at two depths. One foot is as deep as the roots go. The shorter rooted plants such as beans have roots that go about six inches deep, while corn has roots that go about 12 inches deep.
o They asked if the soil samples taken at the parish church would apply to the preaching points also. We told them that based on last year’s soil analysis, soils in the general area (Mgongo area or Dabaga area) were similar.
· They wondered why we were coming in March when they don’t usually plant till December. After the presentation he said he understood why we came now to take soil samples and to teach the improved techniques so that everything would be ready when it came time to plant in December. He said usually when it comes time to plant people are scurrying around trying to figure out what to do, with this program you are teaching us how to plan ahead.
· There were questions about using manure.
o We said that they may still need to use fertilizer that it would depend on the quality of the manure.
o Manure is usually high in nitrogen (N), but low in phosphorus (P) and potassium (K).
o They asked how much should be applied. We said that unless you use a truck to haul the manure, you should put as much as you can.
· They asked what kind of seed will be used in the CVP plot. We said Pioneer, and they were glad because they were familiar with that seed.
· There were questions about plant spacing:
o Will the spacing recommendations be the same for long and short corn? We answered yes.
o They have been planting in rows that are 80 t0 90 cm apart.
o We said we wanted residue put in rows 60 cm apart so that corn could then be planted between the residue rows that are 60 cm apart.
· They asked questions about why we recommend crop rotation. We said we wanted to switch between a legume (beans) and a non legume (corn). The legumes fix nitrogen in the soil that is a help for the corn the next year. The beans and corn have different length of roots, beans are shorter than corn. This way they use different layers of the soil.
· Question about if we don’t burn will diseases and pest be present in the crop. Not burning allows organic matter to build up in the soil which helps hold moisture and nutrients. We said that growing corn every year will allow diseases and pests to flourish. Crop rotation helps break the cycle of pests and disease.
· There were questions about intercropping:
o We recommend growing only one crop at a time
o They agreed that the plot would be easier to weed
o They have experienced higher yields when growing only one crop at a time
· They have been planting two seeds per hill to keep the rodents from eating all the seed. We asked if they were able to train the rodents to eat just one seed from each hill they dug up (laughter). We said that instead of planting two seeds per hill they should replant areas where the seeds were eaten or did not germinate. That is another reason why it is important to keep good records so that seven days after planting one can check emergence and replant where the seeds didn’t come up.
The plot is located at one of the preaching points (Kihesa-Kilolo) located a little ways north of Mkimbize just west of the main road to Nduli. The church at this preaching point is under construction, but from the looks of it, it will be a pretty big church. The pastors said that parishioners from this preaching point spend more time farming than those from the other two preaching points.
Photo link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/21557421@N08/sets/72157615073666921/detail/
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Mlafu - 1st Visit
March 10, 2009
Village: Mlafu
Pastor: Daison Mpesa
Companion: Our Saviors, Stillwater
Elevation: 1353 meters
Attendance: 17
This morning Ibrahim, Godwin, Alfred and Roger left at 7:00 for Mlafu. It is about 45 minutes south of Illulu, for a total of about one hour and forty five minutes from Iringa. We left that early because we were afraid of bad roads, especially in the case of rain. The roads were actually quite good, and needless to say we got their early. The pastor Daison Mpesa started there in October of 2008. He is a graduate of Tumaini University, and was ordained on January 2009 at Kihesa.
After a breakfast of mandazis and tea we started the meeting in the church. People arrived throughout the meeting, and by the time we were done there were 17 attendees. After a brief introduction, Ibrahim went through the handouts:
1. DIRA – Institute of Agriculture Village Plot Agreement
2. Plot Management
3. Chronological Plot Management of Crops Planted in December of 2009
4. Frequently Asked Questions
5. Record of Events
Questions and comments were:
o Pastor Mpesa said that they appreciate the opportunity to have a CVP plot at their parish. People in the parish don’t produce enough food for their families to eat. He hopes that this program will teach his parishioners how to grow more food.
o They asked about organic farming, and why we were recommending using fertilizer and chemicals. We said that if organic farming doesn’t produce enough to feed yourself, how will you get enough to eat?
o They agreed that they are not growing enough to eat.
o Minimum tillage incorporates organic matter just like organic farming
o The average yield in the area is between 2 to 3 bags of corn per acre with a maximum of 5 bags per acre. They were excited to learn that using the techniques from the CVP program at Mgongo we were able to harvest over 15 bags per acre.
o They asked out using fertilizer; their experience is that fertilizer is detrimental to the soil and the plants. Ibrahim responded that just like medicine, if one took all the pills they received from a doctor at once they would likely get sick and could kill themselves. But if you took the medicine as prescribed one would get well. If you use the wrong fertilizer, the wrong amount or wrongly apply the fertilizer it can give bad results, but if properly applied fertilizer will increase yields.
o Other fertilizer questions
o They asked about the kind of fertilizer we were recommending and when to apply it
o We said that we needed to wait until the results of the soil test were done.
o We said we would likely recommend NPK at planting and Urea and CAN at the knee high stage of corn
o They asked if the soil samples taken at the parish church would apply to the preaching points also. We told them that based on last year’s soil analysis, soils in a similar area (Mgongo area or Dabaga area) were similar, and that they should use the recommendations from the parish church at the preaching points.
o They asked what kind of seed will be used in the CVP plot. We said H 628, and they were glad because they were familiar with that seed.
o There were questions about plant spacing:
o They thought our recommendation of 60 cm rows with plants 20 cm apart within a row for corn was too close. We told them that applying fertilizer to seeds and plants close together will increase yields.
o They asked about our recommended spacing for beans. Even though not part of this program they are not planting beans in their own fields.
o We suggested that because they would not be using fertilizer, they plant the beans in rows 50 cm apart and 14 cm apart within the row.
o They asked questions about why we recommend crop rotation. We said we wanted to switch between a legume (beans) and a non legume (corn). The legumes fix nitrogen in the soil that is used by the corn the next year. The beans and corn have different depth of roots, beans are shorter than corn. This way they use different layers of the soil. Crop rotation also helps break the cycle of pests and disease.
o They heard that chemicals used in farming can be harmful to people’s health. We responded that if used at the recommended concentrations there is little chance that they would be harmful to health.
o They asked about using improved varieties of beans. We said yes, that they can and should be using improved varieties of beans. But, they need to plan ahead and get prepared to be sure you have the desired seed when it is time to plant. We also said that is why we are here now, a long time ahead of planting to take soil samples and help them get ready.
o They are looking forward to trying minimum tillage to see how it will work to plant without plowing with oxen.
We adjourned outside for more questions and a demonstration of collecting soil samples. The plot is located right at the church and the soils look to be very good.
Photo link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/21557421@N08/sets/72157615035371375/detail/
Village: Mlafu
Pastor: Daison Mpesa
Companion: Our Saviors, Stillwater
Elevation: 1353 meters
Attendance: 17
This morning Ibrahim, Godwin, Alfred and Roger left at 7:00 for Mlafu. It is about 45 minutes south of Illulu, for a total of about one hour and forty five minutes from Iringa. We left that early because we were afraid of bad roads, especially in the case of rain. The roads were actually quite good, and needless to say we got their early. The pastor Daison Mpesa started there in October of 2008. He is a graduate of Tumaini University, and was ordained on January 2009 at Kihesa.
After a breakfast of mandazis and tea we started the meeting in the church. People arrived throughout the meeting, and by the time we were done there were 17 attendees. After a brief introduction, Ibrahim went through the handouts:
1. DIRA – Institute of Agriculture Village Plot Agreement
2. Plot Management
3. Chronological Plot Management of Crops Planted in December of 2009
4. Frequently Asked Questions
5. Record of Events
Questions and comments were:
o Pastor Mpesa said that they appreciate the opportunity to have a CVP plot at their parish. People in the parish don’t produce enough food for their families to eat. He hopes that this program will teach his parishioners how to grow more food.
o They asked about organic farming, and why we were recommending using fertilizer and chemicals. We said that if organic farming doesn’t produce enough to feed yourself, how will you get enough to eat?
o They agreed that they are not growing enough to eat.
o Minimum tillage incorporates organic matter just like organic farming
o The average yield in the area is between 2 to 3 bags of corn per acre with a maximum of 5 bags per acre. They were excited to learn that using the techniques from the CVP program at Mgongo we were able to harvest over 15 bags per acre.
o They asked out using fertilizer; their experience is that fertilizer is detrimental to the soil and the plants. Ibrahim responded that just like medicine, if one took all the pills they received from a doctor at once they would likely get sick and could kill themselves. But if you took the medicine as prescribed one would get well. If you use the wrong fertilizer, the wrong amount or wrongly apply the fertilizer it can give bad results, but if properly applied fertilizer will increase yields.
o Other fertilizer questions
o They asked about the kind of fertilizer we were recommending and when to apply it
o We said that we needed to wait until the results of the soil test were done.
o We said we would likely recommend NPK at planting and Urea and CAN at the knee high stage of corn
o They asked if the soil samples taken at the parish church would apply to the preaching points also. We told them that based on last year’s soil analysis, soils in a similar area (Mgongo area or Dabaga area) were similar, and that they should use the recommendations from the parish church at the preaching points.
o They asked what kind of seed will be used in the CVP plot. We said H 628, and they were glad because they were familiar with that seed.
o There were questions about plant spacing:
o They thought our recommendation of 60 cm rows with plants 20 cm apart within a row for corn was too close. We told them that applying fertilizer to seeds and plants close together will increase yields.
o They asked about our recommended spacing for beans. Even though not part of this program they are not planting beans in their own fields.
o We suggested that because they would not be using fertilizer, they plant the beans in rows 50 cm apart and 14 cm apart within the row.
o They asked questions about why we recommend crop rotation. We said we wanted to switch between a legume (beans) and a non legume (corn). The legumes fix nitrogen in the soil that is used by the corn the next year. The beans and corn have different depth of roots, beans are shorter than corn. This way they use different layers of the soil. Crop rotation also helps break the cycle of pests and disease.
o They heard that chemicals used in farming can be harmful to people’s health. We responded that if used at the recommended concentrations there is little chance that they would be harmful to health.
o They asked about using improved varieties of beans. We said yes, that they can and should be using improved varieties of beans. But, they need to plan ahead and get prepared to be sure you have the desired seed when it is time to plant. We also said that is why we are here now, a long time ahead of planting to take soil samples and help them get ready.
o They are looking forward to trying minimum tillage to see how it will work to plant without plowing with oxen.
We adjourned outside for more questions and a demonstration of collecting soil samples. The plot is located right at the church and the soils look to be very good.
Photo link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/21557421@N08/sets/72157615035371375/detail/
Monday, March 9, 2009
Mlowa - 1st Visit
March 9, 2009
Village: Mlowa
Pastor: Lonugelo Mbwila
Companion: Christus Victor, Apple Valley
Attendance: 70
This morning the four of us (Ibrahim, Godwin, Alfred, and Roger) drove to Mlowa, about one and a half hours west of Iringa on the road to Ruaha. The area around the main church is pretty dry. We arrived about 9:340 and since we weren’t expected till about 11:00 we went out to the plot to take soil samples. Once we left the “main road” we had to cross two creeks, one river and drive with one wheel in a creek for a period of time. The plot is about 2km by walking trail from the main church, but about 10 km via drivable (?) road. The plot is located in a low area that is irrigated. There are a number of other farms adjacent to the plot. The next field is planted in rice and was being irrigated while we were there.
We took soil samples from 6 inches and 12 inches at three locations in the plot. Four parishioners rode with us in the truck, and about another six walked from the church.
When we got back we had our meeting in the church. By the time everyone signed up there were 70 attendees. This was the largest attendance we have had so far. After a brief introduction, Ibrahim went through the handouts:
1. DIRA – Institute of Agriculture Village Plot Agreement
2. Plot Management
3. Chronological Plot Management of Crops Planted in December of 2009
4. Frequently Asked Questions
5. Record of Events
The group was very interested and asked a lot of questions. According to the pastor people moved to this area from the Njombe area in the mid 60s because of the potential for agriculture. The pastor also said that the people in his parish loved to farm. Based on the attendance and the interest shown, he was correct. There were a number of Massii, probably close to 20% of the group. The pastor also said that they were in discussion and planning to start a SACCOS. I told them that a SACCOS would be very complementary to the CVF program and could be a way for farmers to be able to purchase seed and fertilizer for their own farms.
The average yield in the area is between 3 to 5 bags of corn per acre. They were excited when we told them that using the techniques from the CVP program at Mgongo we were able to harvest over 15 bags per acre.
Questions and comments were:
· Pastor Lunogelo Mbwilo said he was thankful that the Mlowa parish could be part of this program and have a CVP plot. He was thankful that their companion congregation Christus Victor was willing to support this project for them. His parishioners like to farm, but there is a shortage of food in the community. He hopes this program will help farmers produce more.
· Pastor is excited about the CVP program. He had heard about the program in other parishes, but was afraid that they wouldn’t be able to get a plot in their parish.
· One man said that 3 to 5 bags per acre does not provide enough food to feed themselves. If he can get 15 bags per acre he doesn’t need to farm 10 acres, and can pay closer attention to fewer acres. On the other hand he could grow 10 acres he could see what is lover from feeding his family.
· Most people take care of 10 acres, but get low yields even with irrigation. Hopefully these techniques you are teaching us will help us get better yields.
· They were happy to hear that there is a CVP plot at Tungamalenga because they are at a similar elevation and have similar weather.
· You are talking about using fertilizer; our experience is that fertilizer is detrimental to the soil and the plans. If you use fertilizer for a few years and then quit, you won’t be able to grow anything on that ground the next year. Ibrahim responded that just like medicine, if one took all the pills they received from a doctor at once they would likely get sick and could kill themselves. But if you took the medicine as prescribed one would get well. Fertilizer if wrongly applied can give bad results, but if properly applied will increase yields.
· Other fertilizer questions
· They asked about the kind of fertilizer we were recommending and when to apply it
· We said that we needed to wait until the results of the soil test were done
· They know about NPK and Urea
· We said we would likely recommend NPK at planting and Urea or CAN at the knee high stage of corn
· One man didn’t know that you could test soil and develop fertilizer recommendations from that test. He was happy to learn about soil testing.
· They asked what kind of seed will be used in the CVP plot. We said Pioneer, and they were glad because they were familiar with that seed.
· Questions were raised about minimum tillage:
o If you don’t burn how will you control pests and disease? Crop rotation will help control pests and disease.
o What is one cuts the residue and feeds it to his cattle? That’s fine, but if you can apply the manure to the plot.
o If they have cattle, can they use oxen to plow the field? Yes, but they should plow earlier and then make rows for planting.
o Can they use oxen to plant? We recommend that they not plant in the plow furrow because the seed gets buried too deep and might not germinate. They should plow early and then make rows on top of the plowed furrow.
o They said they get better yields if they don’t plant in the plow furrow.
· They said they are experiencing diseases in their corn. Crop rotation will help break the cycle of pests and disease.
· There were questions about plant spacing:
o They thought our recommendation of 60 cm rows with plants 20 cm apart within a row was too close.
o They usually plant in 90 cm rows with seeds 50 cm apart, but they plant two seeds per hill.
o They use about 10 kg seed/acre with 90 by 50 spacing planting two seeds per hill. We said they would probably use 14 kg seed/acre with the 60 by pacing with one seed per hill.
· There were questions about intercropping:
o We recommend growing only one crop at a time
o They agreed that the plot would be easier to weed
o They have experienced higher yields when growing only one crop at a time
· The people in the parish believe that it is possible to become successful as a result of farming. They cited an example of a family in their village who got started farming then expanded into busses. Family members still live in a really nice house, the best in the village and farm.
After meeting in the church for an hour and a half the group adjourned outside and kept asking questions for another half hour.
Photo link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/21557421@N08/sets/72157615106630376/detail/
Village: Mlowa
Pastor: Lonugelo Mbwila
Companion: Christus Victor, Apple Valley
Attendance: 70
This morning the four of us (Ibrahim, Godwin, Alfred, and Roger) drove to Mlowa, about one and a half hours west of Iringa on the road to Ruaha. The area around the main church is pretty dry. We arrived about 9:340 and since we weren’t expected till about 11:00 we went out to the plot to take soil samples. Once we left the “main road” we had to cross two creeks, one river and drive with one wheel in a creek for a period of time. The plot is about 2km by walking trail from the main church, but about 10 km via drivable (?) road. The plot is located in a low area that is irrigated. There are a number of other farms adjacent to the plot. The next field is planted in rice and was being irrigated while we were there.
We took soil samples from 6 inches and 12 inches at three locations in the plot. Four parishioners rode with us in the truck, and about another six walked from the church.
When we got back we had our meeting in the church. By the time everyone signed up there were 70 attendees. This was the largest attendance we have had so far. After a brief introduction, Ibrahim went through the handouts:
1. DIRA – Institute of Agriculture Village Plot Agreement
2. Plot Management
3. Chronological Plot Management of Crops Planted in December of 2009
4. Frequently Asked Questions
5. Record of Events
The group was very interested and asked a lot of questions. According to the pastor people moved to this area from the Njombe area in the mid 60s because of the potential for agriculture. The pastor also said that the people in his parish loved to farm. Based on the attendance and the interest shown, he was correct. There were a number of Massii, probably close to 20% of the group. The pastor also said that they were in discussion and planning to start a SACCOS. I told them that a SACCOS would be very complementary to the CVF program and could be a way for farmers to be able to purchase seed and fertilizer for their own farms.
The average yield in the area is between 3 to 5 bags of corn per acre. They were excited when we told them that using the techniques from the CVP program at Mgongo we were able to harvest over 15 bags per acre.
Questions and comments were:
· Pastor Lunogelo Mbwilo said he was thankful that the Mlowa parish could be part of this program and have a CVP plot. He was thankful that their companion congregation Christus Victor was willing to support this project for them. His parishioners like to farm, but there is a shortage of food in the community. He hopes this program will help farmers produce more.
· Pastor is excited about the CVP program. He had heard about the program in other parishes, but was afraid that they wouldn’t be able to get a plot in their parish.
· One man said that 3 to 5 bags per acre does not provide enough food to feed themselves. If he can get 15 bags per acre he doesn’t need to farm 10 acres, and can pay closer attention to fewer acres. On the other hand he could grow 10 acres he could see what is lover from feeding his family.
· Most people take care of 10 acres, but get low yields even with irrigation. Hopefully these techniques you are teaching us will help us get better yields.
· They were happy to hear that there is a CVP plot at Tungamalenga because they are at a similar elevation and have similar weather.
· You are talking about using fertilizer; our experience is that fertilizer is detrimental to the soil and the plans. If you use fertilizer for a few years and then quit, you won’t be able to grow anything on that ground the next year. Ibrahim responded that just like medicine, if one took all the pills they received from a doctor at once they would likely get sick and could kill themselves. But if you took the medicine as prescribed one would get well. Fertilizer if wrongly applied can give bad results, but if properly applied will increase yields.
· Other fertilizer questions
· They asked about the kind of fertilizer we were recommending and when to apply it
· We said that we needed to wait until the results of the soil test were done
· They know about NPK and Urea
· We said we would likely recommend NPK at planting and Urea or CAN at the knee high stage of corn
· One man didn’t know that you could test soil and develop fertilizer recommendations from that test. He was happy to learn about soil testing.
· They asked what kind of seed will be used in the CVP plot. We said Pioneer, and they were glad because they were familiar with that seed.
· Questions were raised about minimum tillage:
o If you don’t burn how will you control pests and disease? Crop rotation will help control pests and disease.
o What is one cuts the residue and feeds it to his cattle? That’s fine, but if you can apply the manure to the plot.
o If they have cattle, can they use oxen to plow the field? Yes, but they should plow earlier and then make rows for planting.
o Can they use oxen to plant? We recommend that they not plant in the plow furrow because the seed gets buried too deep and might not germinate. They should plow early and then make rows on top of the plowed furrow.
o They said they get better yields if they don’t plant in the plow furrow.
· They said they are experiencing diseases in their corn. Crop rotation will help break the cycle of pests and disease.
· There were questions about plant spacing:
o They thought our recommendation of 60 cm rows with plants 20 cm apart within a row was too close.
o They usually plant in 90 cm rows with seeds 50 cm apart, but they plant two seeds per hill.
o They use about 10 kg seed/acre with 90 by 50 spacing planting two seeds per hill. We said they would probably use 14 kg seed/acre with the 60 by pacing with one seed per hill.
· There were questions about intercropping:
o We recommend growing only one crop at a time
o They agreed that the plot would be easier to weed
o They have experienced higher yields when growing only one crop at a time
· The people in the parish believe that it is possible to become successful as a result of farming. They cited an example of a family in their village who got started farming then expanded into busses. Family members still live in a really nice house, the best in the village and farm.
After meeting in the church for an hour and a half the group adjourned outside and kept asking questions for another half hour.
Photo link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/21557421@N08/sets/72157615106630376/detail/
Friday, March 6, 2009
Magulilwa - 1st Visit
March 6, 2009
Village: Magulilwa
Pastor: Lunyiliko Muhile
Companion: Amazing Grace Lutheran Church
Elevation: 1750 meters
Attendees: 24
This morning the four of us (Roger, Ibrahim, Alfred and Godwin) along with Barton Wickedzi, an uncle of Ibrahim’s, who is the Associate Pastor at Magulilwa left for the parish. In the small village just before the river and gate to enter the Kilolo District, you turn south and drive for about 7 km. That doesn’t sound like very far, but it took us a half hour. The area around Magulilwa looks like a good farming area. There are lots of large fields and the crops seemed to be doing well. Ibrahim said that this village was one of those formed during the Agricultural Revolution of the mid 1970s when people were moved into villages to facilitate the delivery of social services. After breakfast in Pastor Lunyiliko Muhile’s house we had our meeting in the church.
There were 24 attendees. I’m struck by the fact that the attendance at the first meeting of the 2009 group of CVP sites is about 2 ½ times what attendance was for the first meeting of the 2008 group of CVP sites. I would attribute the larger attendance to the fact that the word has gotten out about this project and more people are interested.
After a brief introduction, Ibrahim went through the handouts:
1. DIRA – Institute of Agriculture Village Plot Agreement
2. Plot Management
3. Chronological Plot Management of Crops Planted in December of 2009
4. Frequently Asked Questions
5. Record of Events
There were many good comments and questions including:
· Pastor Muhile expressed appreciation for this program and thanks to Amazing Grace for sponsoring it. He said that a lot of people in the parish make their living from farming and this program will help them harvest more. They can produce more to feed their family and others helping to relieve hunger in their community.
· Pastor Wickedzi wondered why we were coming in March when they don’t usually plant till December. After the presentation he said he understood why we came now to take soil samples and to teach the improved techniques so that everything would be ready when it came time to plant in December. He said usually when it comes time to plant people are scurrying around trying to figure out what to do, with this program you are teaching us how to plan ahead.
· Attendees said they usually get between 7 to 12 bags per acre. This is a good yield and is probably due to the fact that the soil is good and the parishioners are experienced farmers. When we told them that our yields at Mgongo were over 15 bags per acre, they were excited and said that they would probably get more than 15 bags since they had better soil and more rain.
· There were questions about plant spacing. They have been using 90 cm rows with seeds 30 cm apart in a row. They plant one or two seeds per hole. We talked about how the closer spacing helps control weeds by forming a canopy sooner. We also said that using fertilizer with the higher plant populations would maximize yields.
· There were questions about fertilization. Attendees cited examples of the wrong use of fertilizer. Ibrahim discussed types of fertilizer and the need to match fertilizer with the results of the soil test.
· There were questions about intercropping, particularly with corn and beans, and statements that it provided diversity. Ibrahim encouraged them to accomplish diversity by planting the different crops separately. This reduces competition and makes it easier to weed and care for the crop.
· Ibrahim asked if they would rather be given corn or taught how to grow corn. They all answered that they would rather be taught how to grow corn.
Photo link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/21557421@N08/sets/72157615035410235/detail/
Village: Magulilwa
Pastor: Lunyiliko Muhile
Companion: Amazing Grace Lutheran Church
Elevation: 1750 meters
Attendees: 24
This morning the four of us (Roger, Ibrahim, Alfred and Godwin) along with Barton Wickedzi, an uncle of Ibrahim’s, who is the Associate Pastor at Magulilwa left for the parish. In the small village just before the river and gate to enter the Kilolo District, you turn south and drive for about 7 km. That doesn’t sound like very far, but it took us a half hour. The area around Magulilwa looks like a good farming area. There are lots of large fields and the crops seemed to be doing well. Ibrahim said that this village was one of those formed during the Agricultural Revolution of the mid 1970s when people were moved into villages to facilitate the delivery of social services. After breakfast in Pastor Lunyiliko Muhile’s house we had our meeting in the church.
There were 24 attendees. I’m struck by the fact that the attendance at the first meeting of the 2009 group of CVP sites is about 2 ½ times what attendance was for the first meeting of the 2008 group of CVP sites. I would attribute the larger attendance to the fact that the word has gotten out about this project and more people are interested.
After a brief introduction, Ibrahim went through the handouts:
1. DIRA – Institute of Agriculture Village Plot Agreement
2. Plot Management
3. Chronological Plot Management of Crops Planted in December of 2009
4. Frequently Asked Questions
5. Record of Events
There were many good comments and questions including:
· Pastor Muhile expressed appreciation for this program and thanks to Amazing Grace for sponsoring it. He said that a lot of people in the parish make their living from farming and this program will help them harvest more. They can produce more to feed their family and others helping to relieve hunger in their community.
· Pastor Wickedzi wondered why we were coming in March when they don’t usually plant till December. After the presentation he said he understood why we came now to take soil samples and to teach the improved techniques so that everything would be ready when it came time to plant in December. He said usually when it comes time to plant people are scurrying around trying to figure out what to do, with this program you are teaching us how to plan ahead.
· Attendees said they usually get between 7 to 12 bags per acre. This is a good yield and is probably due to the fact that the soil is good and the parishioners are experienced farmers. When we told them that our yields at Mgongo were over 15 bags per acre, they were excited and said that they would probably get more than 15 bags since they had better soil and more rain.
· There were questions about plant spacing. They have been using 90 cm rows with seeds 30 cm apart in a row. They plant one or two seeds per hole. We talked about how the closer spacing helps control weeds by forming a canopy sooner. We also said that using fertilizer with the higher plant populations would maximize yields.
· There were questions about fertilization. Attendees cited examples of the wrong use of fertilizer. Ibrahim discussed types of fertilizer and the need to match fertilizer with the results of the soil test.
· There were questions about intercropping, particularly with corn and beans, and statements that it provided diversity. Ibrahim encouraged them to accomplish diversity by planting the different crops separately. This reduces competition and makes it easier to weed and care for the crop.
· Ibrahim asked if they would rather be given corn or taught how to grow corn. They all answered that they would rather be taught how to grow corn.
Photo link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/21557421@N08/sets/72157615035410235/detail/
Magulilwa - 1st visit
March 6, 2009
Village: Magulilwa
Pastor: Lunyiliko Muhile
Companion: Amazing Grace Lutheran Church
Elevation: 1750 meters
Attendees: 24
This morning the four of us (Roger, Ibrahim, Alfred and Godwin) along with Barton Wickedzi, an uncle of Ibrahim’s, who is the Associate Pastor at Magulilwa left for the parish. In the small village just before the river and gate to enter the Kilolo District, you turn south and drive for about 7 km. That doesn’t sound like very far, but it took us a half hour. The area around Magulilwa looks like a good farming area. There are lots of large fields and the crops seemed to be doing well. Ibrahim said that this village was one of those formed during the Agricultural Revolution of the mid 1970s when people were moved into villages to facilitate the delivery of social services. After breakfast in Pastor Lunyiliko Muhile’s house we had our meeting in the church.
There were 24 attendees. I’m struck by the fact that the attendance at the first meeting of the 2009 group of CVP sites is about 2 ½ times what attendance was for the first meeting of the 2008 group of CVP sites. I would attribute the larger attendance to the fact that the word has gotten out about this project and more people are interested.
After a brief introduction, Ibrahim went through the handouts:
1. DIRA – Institute of Agriculture Village Plot Agreement
2. Plot Management
3. Chronological Plot Management of Crops Planted in December of 2009
4. Frequently Asked Questions
5. Record of Events
There were many good comments and questions including:
· Pastor Muhile expressed appreciation for this program and thanks to Amazing Grace for sponsoring it. He said that a lot of people in the parish make their living from farming and this program will help them harvest more. They can produce more to feed their family and others helping to relieve hunger in their community.
· Pastor Wickedzi wondered why we were coming in March when they don’t usually plant till December. After the presentation he said he understood why we came now to take soil samples and to teach the improved techniques so that everything would be ready when it came time to plant in December. He said usually when it comes time to plant people are scurrying around trying to figure out what to do, with this program you are teaching us how to plan ahead.
· Attendees said they usually get between 7 to 12 bags per acre. This is a good yield and is probably due to the fact that the soil is good and the parishioners are experienced farmers. When we told them that our yields at Mgongo were over 15 bags per acre, they were excited and said that they would probably get more than 15 bags since they had better soil and more rain.
· There were questions about plant spacing. They have been using 90 cm rows with seeds 30 cm apart in a row. They plant one or two seeds per hole. We talked about how the closer spacing helps control weeds by forming a canopy sooner. We also said that using fertilizer with the higher plant populations would maximize yields.
· There were questions about fertilization. Attendees cited examples of the wrong use of fertilizer. Ibrahim discussed types of fertilizer and the need to match fertilizer with the results of the soil test.
· There were questions about intercropping, particularly with corn and beans, and statements that it provided diversity. Ibrahim encouraged them to accomplish diversity by planting the different crops separately. This reduces competition and makes it easier to weed and care for the crop.
· Ibrahim asked if they would rather be given corn or taught how to grow corn. They all answered that they would rather be taught how to grow corn.
Village: Magulilwa
Pastor: Lunyiliko Muhile
Companion: Amazing Grace Lutheran Church
Elevation: 1750 meters
Attendees: 24
This morning the four of us (Roger, Ibrahim, Alfred and Godwin) along with Barton Wickedzi, an uncle of Ibrahim’s, who is the Associate Pastor at Magulilwa left for the parish. In the small village just before the river and gate to enter the Kilolo District, you turn south and drive for about 7 km. That doesn’t sound like very far, but it took us a half hour. The area around Magulilwa looks like a good farming area. There are lots of large fields and the crops seemed to be doing well. Ibrahim said that this village was one of those formed during the Agricultural Revolution of the mid 1970s when people were moved into villages to facilitate the delivery of social services. After breakfast in Pastor Lunyiliko Muhile’s house we had our meeting in the church.
There were 24 attendees. I’m struck by the fact that the attendance at the first meeting of the 2009 group of CVP sites is about 2 ½ times what attendance was for the first meeting of the 2008 group of CVP sites. I would attribute the larger attendance to the fact that the word has gotten out about this project and more people are interested.
After a brief introduction, Ibrahim went through the handouts:
1. DIRA – Institute of Agriculture Village Plot Agreement
2. Plot Management
3. Chronological Plot Management of Crops Planted in December of 2009
4. Frequently Asked Questions
5. Record of Events
There were many good comments and questions including:
· Pastor Muhile expressed appreciation for this program and thanks to Amazing Grace for sponsoring it. He said that a lot of people in the parish make their living from farming and this program will help them harvest more. They can produce more to feed their family and others helping to relieve hunger in their community.
· Pastor Wickedzi wondered why we were coming in March when they don’t usually plant till December. After the presentation he said he understood why we came now to take soil samples and to teach the improved techniques so that everything would be ready when it came time to plant in December. He said usually when it comes time to plant people are scurrying around trying to figure out what to do, with this program you are teaching us how to plan ahead.
· Attendees said they usually get between 7 to 12 bags per acre. This is a good yield and is probably due to the fact that the soil is good and the parishioners are experienced farmers. When we told them that our yields at Mgongo were over 15 bags per acre, they were excited and said that they would probably get more than 15 bags since they had better soil and more rain.
· There were questions about plant spacing. They have been using 90 cm rows with seeds 30 cm apart in a row. They plant one or two seeds per hole. We talked about how the closer spacing helps control weeds by forming a canopy sooner. We also said that using fertilizer with the higher plant populations would maximize yields.
· There were questions about fertilization. Attendees cited examples of the wrong use of fertilizer. Ibrahim discussed types of fertilizer and the need to match fertilizer with the results of the soil test.
· There were questions about intercropping, particularly with corn and beans, and statements that it provided diversity. Ibrahim encouraged them to accomplish diversity by planting the different crops separately. This reduces competition and makes it easier to weed and care for the crop.
· Ibrahim asked if they would rather be given corn or taught how to grow corn. They all answered that they would rather be taught how to grow corn.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Mbuyuni - 1st Visit
March 4, 2009
Village: Mbuyuni
Pastor: Elia Konga
Companion: Holy Trinity, New Prague
Elevation: 543 meters
Attendees: 16
Mbuyuni is located below the escarpment about two and a quarter hours east of Iringa on the road toward Dar. The church is located a little to the north of the main highway on top a rocky hill. Not a good place for a plot, but the view was great. During lunch in the pastor’s home before the meeting we met Dr. Jayros Mapepele, father of George and David Mapepele and a friend of Arne and Mary Blomquist. David was ordained in January and is an evangelist at one of the preaching points in Kilolo.
There were 16 attendees at the meeting, and the pastor apologized for the low turn-out and said it was because of the late notice of the meeting. He said that he had been able to send out a notice only yesterday, March 3 the day before the meeting. Actually that was a pretty good turnout for such a late notice.
After a brief introduction Ibrahim went through the handouts:
1. DIRA – Institute of Agriculture Village Plot Agreement
2. Plot Management
3. Chronological Plot Management of Crops Planted in December of 2009
4. Frequently Asked Questions
5. Record of Events
The plot is located some distance west of the church and village south of the main highway near the Ruaha River. They plan to irrigate this plot because it is located close to the river and they do not get enough rain in this area to grow good crops. Because the plot will be irrigated they will pick the time of year to plant when they the most available water.
There were some interesting comments from attendees:
· Pastor Elia Konga wanted to express his appreciation on behalf of the parish for this project and to their companion congregation, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church.
· They are eager to learn new things and hope that they are too late. This program should have been available ten years ago, but it is not too late now, they can still learn.
· They are pleased that we will meet with them often and that the program is for three years. In the past people came through and talked to them, and then never came back. They were real pleased that we gave them phone numbers to call if they had questions.
· There were questions about the Institute’s ability to help with crops other than corn and beans. We said we were starting with two crops so that we did not overwhelm them, but that if they had questions about other crops we would try to provide answers.
· We talked about the advantages of leaving crop residue in between the rows of corn and beans. We said that the residue would increase organic matter in the soil, retain moisture and prevent leaching of fertilizer.
· There was a question about the applicability of soil samples taken at the church site, which may be far away from parishioner’s farms. Ibrahim explained the similarity of soil sample results from within the Mgongo Area and the Dabaga Area.
· Questions were raised about fertilizer, that it could have detrimental effects. Ibrahim responded that just like medicine, if one took all the pills they received from a doctor at once they would likely get sick and could kill themselves. But if you took the medicine as prescribed one would get well. Fertilizer if wrongly applied can give bad results, but if properly applied will increase yields.
· Ibrahim asked a question would they rather be given a bag of corn or taught how to grow 10 bags of corn, they responded they would rather be taught. He then said would they rather be given a bag of corn or be taught to grow a bag of corn, and they responded that they would rather be taught. Better to train them than to give them corn. This reinforces their hunger to learn new and better ways to do things.
Photo link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/21557421@N08/sets/72157615106868836/detail/
Village: Mbuyuni
Pastor: Elia Konga
Companion: Holy Trinity, New Prague
Elevation: 543 meters
Attendees: 16
Mbuyuni is located below the escarpment about two and a quarter hours east of Iringa on the road toward Dar. The church is located a little to the north of the main highway on top a rocky hill. Not a good place for a plot, but the view was great. During lunch in the pastor’s home before the meeting we met Dr. Jayros Mapepele, father of George and David Mapepele and a friend of Arne and Mary Blomquist. David was ordained in January and is an evangelist at one of the preaching points in Kilolo.
There were 16 attendees at the meeting, and the pastor apologized for the low turn-out and said it was because of the late notice of the meeting. He said that he had been able to send out a notice only yesterday, March 3 the day before the meeting. Actually that was a pretty good turnout for such a late notice.
After a brief introduction Ibrahim went through the handouts:
1. DIRA – Institute of Agriculture Village Plot Agreement
2. Plot Management
3. Chronological Plot Management of Crops Planted in December of 2009
4. Frequently Asked Questions
5. Record of Events
The plot is located some distance west of the church and village south of the main highway near the Ruaha River. They plan to irrigate this plot because it is located close to the river and they do not get enough rain in this area to grow good crops. Because the plot will be irrigated they will pick the time of year to plant when they the most available water.
There were some interesting comments from attendees:
· Pastor Elia Konga wanted to express his appreciation on behalf of the parish for this project and to their companion congregation, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church.
· They are eager to learn new things and hope that they are too late. This program should have been available ten years ago, but it is not too late now, they can still learn.
· They are pleased that we will meet with them often and that the program is for three years. In the past people came through and talked to them, and then never came back. They were real pleased that we gave them phone numbers to call if they had questions.
· There were questions about the Institute’s ability to help with crops other than corn and beans. We said we were starting with two crops so that we did not overwhelm them, but that if they had questions about other crops we would try to provide answers.
· We talked about the advantages of leaving crop residue in between the rows of corn and beans. We said that the residue would increase organic matter in the soil, retain moisture and prevent leaching of fertilizer.
· There was a question about the applicability of soil samples taken at the church site, which may be far away from parishioner’s farms. Ibrahim explained the similarity of soil sample results from within the Mgongo Area and the Dabaga Area.
· Questions were raised about fertilizer, that it could have detrimental effects. Ibrahim responded that just like medicine, if one took all the pills they received from a doctor at once they would likely get sick and could kill themselves. But if you took the medicine as prescribed one would get well. Fertilizer if wrongly applied can give bad results, but if properly applied will increase yields.
· Ibrahim asked a question would they rather be given a bag of corn or taught how to grow 10 bags of corn, they responded they would rather be taught. He then said would they rather be given a bag of corn or be taught to grow a bag of corn, and they responded that they would rather be taught. Better to train them than to give them corn. This reinforces their hunger to learn new and better ways to do things.
Photo link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/21557421@N08/sets/72157615106868836/detail/
Nyanzwa - 1st Visit
March 4, 2009
Village: Nyanzwa
Pastor: Luhwano Mwafute
Companion: Easter, Eagan
Elevation: 582 meters
Attendees: 21
Nyanzwa is located east of Iringa below the escarpment on the road to Dar. Once below the escarpment Nyanzwa is 42 km, or an hour’s drive, north. This area is experiencing severe drought. There was no water in any potholes and the streams were dry. This village is one of the most primitive that I’ve seen. None of the windows had glass; just wire mesh, the kind with 3/8” or so diagonals. Few of the homes or buildings were made of brick; most were made of packed mud. Ibrahim explained the social barrier to economic development, where people are afraid that if they are successful, and build a nice home or business, someone will either steal or destroy what they have built. Bishop Mdegella describes this phenomenon as crabology where in a box full of crabs when one climbs to the top, all the others attack it and try to pull that one down.
I asked Ibrahim why he pointed out this social barrier at Nyanzwa, and he said that this was one of the most striking examples that he has seen. This was his second visit to Nyanzwa. Because of the irrigation there is a real opportunity in this area to produce crops during any season. But, they are not taking advantage of this opportunity. Production during the off season results in the highest price. I asked why people were afraid to take advantage of this opportunity, and he said it was fear. Fear of someone stealing you assets whether that was a farm or crops. If you have a nice house or other things of value, they are afraid of violence. Few people own much land, most own a little and rent additional land to grow crops. If one rents land to grow crops, and the crops are nice you probably won’t be able to rent that same land the next year because the owner will want to farm that land. Ibrahim gave me an example that happened to him.
He (Ibrahim) rented one acre to grow rice. It was upland, higher elevation, and not expected to produce much rice. However, that year it rained a lot washing out the fields in the lower elevations and providing enough moisture for Ibrahim’s field to produce well. At the end of the year the land owner told Ibrahim that he would not be able to rent that field again the next year. Ibrahim’s hope is that people who own a little land and rent more will produce good crops and in the future be able to purchase more land.
This area is known for its onion production, which they irrigate. They have diversion ditches from a nearby stream. They told us that the CVP plots would be irrigated. Since with irrigation they can grow crops at any time of the year, they will plant the corn and beans when there is the greatest availability of water. The plot is near a primary school and while we were taking soil samples a large group of kids came to watch.
After a brief introduction Ibrahim went through the handouts:
1. DIRA – Institute of Agriculture Village Plot Agreement
2. Plot Management
3. Chronological Plot Management of Crops Planted in December of 2009
4. Frequently Asked Questions
5. Record of Events
The current yields of corn in the area are around 4 to 5 bags per acre, with a maximum of 7 bags per acre. When asked, almost everyone said that they thought that fertilizer was detrimental to the soil and the seeds that were planted. Ibrahim responded that just like medicine, if one took all the pills they received from a doctor at once they would likely get sick and could kill themselves. But if you took the medicine as prescribed one would get well. Fertilizer if wrongly applied can give bad results, but if properly applied will increase yields.
There were some interesting comments from the attendees:
· Pastor Luhwano said he was happy with the CVP program, and that he was thankful that their companion congregation Easter Lutheran was supporting this project. He felt that this project would be very helpful to his community.
· An older gentleman said that minimum tillage had been used successfully in the old ways of farming. This was before the 1970s when the population was low and farmers moved from field to field leaving some fields fallow for a period of time. However in the 1970s the “Agricultural Revolution” where the government moved people into villages in order to facilitate the delivery of social services such as schools.
· Another man was thankful for the program and said that by helping them produce more they may be able to negotiate longer leases on their land, maybe up to 5 years or to purchase more land.
· Another appreciated the discussion of the importance of timely agricultural practices. He thinks they have been getting diseases in their crops by not planting at the right time.
· There were questions about the Institute’s ability to help with crops other than corn and beans. We said we were starting with two crops so that we did not overwhelm them, but that if they had questions about other crops we would try to provide answers.
o One man asked a question about disease in his tomato crop. After some clarification, Ibrahim suggested that by using his own seed he may be subject to seed borne diseases, and that he should try planting with new seed.
· One person expressed appreciation for the CVP program, and said that they had learned a lot in a short time, and hopes to learn even more from subsequent visits.
Photo link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/21557421@N08/sets/72157615035456151/detail/
Village: Nyanzwa
Pastor: Luhwano Mwafute
Companion: Easter, Eagan
Elevation: 582 meters
Attendees: 21
Nyanzwa is located east of Iringa below the escarpment on the road to Dar. Once below the escarpment Nyanzwa is 42 km, or an hour’s drive, north. This area is experiencing severe drought. There was no water in any potholes and the streams were dry. This village is one of the most primitive that I’ve seen. None of the windows had glass; just wire mesh, the kind with 3/8” or so diagonals. Few of the homes or buildings were made of brick; most were made of packed mud. Ibrahim explained the social barrier to economic development, where people are afraid that if they are successful, and build a nice home or business, someone will either steal or destroy what they have built. Bishop Mdegella describes this phenomenon as crabology where in a box full of crabs when one climbs to the top, all the others attack it and try to pull that one down.
I asked Ibrahim why he pointed out this social barrier at Nyanzwa, and he said that this was one of the most striking examples that he has seen. This was his second visit to Nyanzwa. Because of the irrigation there is a real opportunity in this area to produce crops during any season. But, they are not taking advantage of this opportunity. Production during the off season results in the highest price. I asked why people were afraid to take advantage of this opportunity, and he said it was fear. Fear of someone stealing you assets whether that was a farm or crops. If you have a nice house or other things of value, they are afraid of violence. Few people own much land, most own a little and rent additional land to grow crops. If one rents land to grow crops, and the crops are nice you probably won’t be able to rent that same land the next year because the owner will want to farm that land. Ibrahim gave me an example that happened to him.
He (Ibrahim) rented one acre to grow rice. It was upland, higher elevation, and not expected to produce much rice. However, that year it rained a lot washing out the fields in the lower elevations and providing enough moisture for Ibrahim’s field to produce well. At the end of the year the land owner told Ibrahim that he would not be able to rent that field again the next year. Ibrahim’s hope is that people who own a little land and rent more will produce good crops and in the future be able to purchase more land.
This area is known for its onion production, which they irrigate. They have diversion ditches from a nearby stream. They told us that the CVP plots would be irrigated. Since with irrigation they can grow crops at any time of the year, they will plant the corn and beans when there is the greatest availability of water. The plot is near a primary school and while we were taking soil samples a large group of kids came to watch.
After a brief introduction Ibrahim went through the handouts:
1. DIRA – Institute of Agriculture Village Plot Agreement
2. Plot Management
3. Chronological Plot Management of Crops Planted in December of 2009
4. Frequently Asked Questions
5. Record of Events
The current yields of corn in the area are around 4 to 5 bags per acre, with a maximum of 7 bags per acre. When asked, almost everyone said that they thought that fertilizer was detrimental to the soil and the seeds that were planted. Ibrahim responded that just like medicine, if one took all the pills they received from a doctor at once they would likely get sick and could kill themselves. But if you took the medicine as prescribed one would get well. Fertilizer if wrongly applied can give bad results, but if properly applied will increase yields.
There were some interesting comments from the attendees:
· Pastor Luhwano said he was happy with the CVP program, and that he was thankful that their companion congregation Easter Lutheran was supporting this project. He felt that this project would be very helpful to his community.
· An older gentleman said that minimum tillage had been used successfully in the old ways of farming. This was before the 1970s when the population was low and farmers moved from field to field leaving some fields fallow for a period of time. However in the 1970s the “Agricultural Revolution” where the government moved people into villages in order to facilitate the delivery of social services such as schools.
· Another man was thankful for the program and said that by helping them produce more they may be able to negotiate longer leases on their land, maybe up to 5 years or to purchase more land.
· Another appreciated the discussion of the importance of timely agricultural practices. He thinks they have been getting diseases in their crops by not planting at the right time.
· There were questions about the Institute’s ability to help with crops other than corn and beans. We said we were starting with two crops so that we did not overwhelm them, but that if they had questions about other crops we would try to provide answers.
o One man asked a question about disease in his tomato crop. After some clarification, Ibrahim suggested that by using his own seed he may be subject to seed borne diseases, and that he should try planting with new seed.
· One person expressed appreciation for the CVP program, and said that they had learned a lot in a short time, and hopes to learn even more from subsequent visits.
Photo link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/21557421@N08/sets/72157615035456151/detail/
Monday, March 2, 2009
Bomalang’ombe Secondary School - 1st Visit
March 2, 2009
Village: Bomalang’ombe Secondary School
Pastor: Michael Mkenywa - Headmaster
Companion: Trinity, Stillwater
Elevation: ~1,800 meters
Attendees: Teachers
Ibrahim, Godwin, Alfred and I left at 7:00 AM for Bomalang’ombe. It took about 3 hours to get there. Our first stop was the secondary school. Even though they had an “unofficial” plot in 2008, they will be considered as part of the 2009 group. The headmaster, Pastor Michael Mkinywa, was not there, but we went through the material with a few of the teachers. Lugene Gilbert the Self Reliance Teacher seemed to be in charge of this project.
Shortly after we got there it started to rain, so we had to walk to the plot under umbrellas to take the soil samples. The corn that had been planted in 2008 looked pretty good, although the plants were spaced too far apart. The second application of fertilizer to the corn had been made. They had not planted the beans yet, and were waiting until later in March, which is common for that area.
We reviewed the handouts:
1. DIRA – Institute of Agriculture Village Plot Agreement
2. Plot Management
3. Chronological Plot Management of Crops Planted in December of 2009
4. Frequently Asked Questions
5. Record of Events
Driving to town from the secondary school was the first time I’ve seen where one had to use four wheel drive to do downhill. There are some steep hills on the edge of steep hills that require careful manipulation.
Photo links: http://www.flickr.com/photos/21557421@N08/sets/72157615035756445/detail/
Village: Bomalang’ombe Secondary School
Pastor: Michael Mkenywa - Headmaster
Companion: Trinity, Stillwater
Elevation: ~1,800 meters
Attendees: Teachers
Ibrahim, Godwin, Alfred and I left at 7:00 AM for Bomalang’ombe. It took about 3 hours to get there. Our first stop was the secondary school. Even though they had an “unofficial” plot in 2008, they will be considered as part of the 2009 group. The headmaster, Pastor Michael Mkinywa, was not there, but we went through the material with a few of the teachers. Lugene Gilbert the Self Reliance Teacher seemed to be in charge of this project.
Shortly after we got there it started to rain, so we had to walk to the plot under umbrellas to take the soil samples. The corn that had been planted in 2008 looked pretty good, although the plants were spaced too far apart. The second application of fertilizer to the corn had been made. They had not planted the beans yet, and were waiting until later in March, which is common for that area.
We reviewed the handouts:
1. DIRA – Institute of Agriculture Village Plot Agreement
2. Plot Management
3. Chronological Plot Management of Crops Planted in December of 2009
4. Frequently Asked Questions
5. Record of Events
Driving to town from the secondary school was the first time I’ve seen where one had to use four wheel drive to do downhill. There are some steep hills on the edge of steep hills that require careful manipulation.
Photo links: http://www.flickr.com/photos/21557421@N08/sets/72157615035756445/detail/
Bomalang’ombe - 1st Visit
March 2, 2009
Village: Bomalang’ombe
Pastor: Lutango Tewele
Companion: Prince of Peace, Roseville
Elevation: ~1,800 meters
Attendees: 37
It took about 3 hours to get from Iringa to Bomalang’ombe. There are some steep hills on the edge of steep hills that require careful manipulation.
The meeting was held in the church during a steady rain. There was a large audience. Roger gave a brief introduction to the CVP program and then Ibrahim went through the five handouts:
1. DIRA – Institute of Agriculture Village Plot Agreement
2. Plot Management
3. Chronological Plot Management of Crops Planted in December of 2009
4. Frequently Asked Questions
5. Record of Events
People were attentive and asked questions. They expressed thanks for bringing this program to their village. Some interesting observations from these first visits to parishes that are going to part of the 2009 group of parishes in the CVP program. These visits were different than the fourth visits we made to the 2008 group of CVP sites. At the Bomalang’ombe Parish:
· Pastor Lutango Tewele said: “He was thankful for the CVP Program and that their companion congregation Prince of Peace was supporting this project. He encouraged his parishioners to accept the program and participate so that they can learn more.”
· There was a question about the impact of rodents and termites if the crop residue is not burned.
· There were questions about the use of fertilizer, which Ibriham said would be discussed in greater detail at a later visit.
· There was a question about the applicability of soil samples taken at the church site, which may be far away from parishioner’s farms. Ibrahim explained the similarity of soil sample results from within the Mgongo Area and the Dabaga Area.
· There was a question about the kind of seed, and we said they would be using hybrid seed H 628.
· There was a further question about how if one doesn’t burn to kill disease how can you control them? Crop rotation will also control diseases.
After the meeting we went outside and under umbrellas collected soil samples. Because the ground was so wet we couldn’t use the sampling probe, and had to resort to Plan B which was to dig a hole with a hoe and then use a machete to slice a section of soil and take a sample. We collected samples at three locations at depths of six and twelve inches. We then had lunch and were on our way to Ng’ang’ange Parish.
Photo link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/21557421@N08/sets/72157615107103874/detail/
Village: Bomalang’ombe
Pastor: Lutango Tewele
Companion: Prince of Peace, Roseville
Elevation: ~1,800 meters
Attendees: 37
It took about 3 hours to get from Iringa to Bomalang’ombe. There are some steep hills on the edge of steep hills that require careful manipulation.
The meeting was held in the church during a steady rain. There was a large audience. Roger gave a brief introduction to the CVP program and then Ibrahim went through the five handouts:
1. DIRA – Institute of Agriculture Village Plot Agreement
2. Plot Management
3. Chronological Plot Management of Crops Planted in December of 2009
4. Frequently Asked Questions
5. Record of Events
People were attentive and asked questions. They expressed thanks for bringing this program to their village. Some interesting observations from these first visits to parishes that are going to part of the 2009 group of parishes in the CVP program. These visits were different than the fourth visits we made to the 2008 group of CVP sites. At the Bomalang’ombe Parish:
· Pastor Lutango Tewele said: “He was thankful for the CVP Program and that their companion congregation Prince of Peace was supporting this project. He encouraged his parishioners to accept the program and participate so that they can learn more.”
· There was a question about the impact of rodents and termites if the crop residue is not burned.
· There were questions about the use of fertilizer, which Ibriham said would be discussed in greater detail at a later visit.
· There was a question about the applicability of soil samples taken at the church site, which may be far away from parishioner’s farms. Ibrahim explained the similarity of soil sample results from within the Mgongo Area and the Dabaga Area.
· There was a question about the kind of seed, and we said they would be using hybrid seed H 628.
· There was a further question about how if one doesn’t burn to kill disease how can you control them? Crop rotation will also control diseases.
After the meeting we went outside and under umbrellas collected soil samples. Because the ground was so wet we couldn’t use the sampling probe, and had to resort to Plan B which was to dig a hole with a hoe and then use a machete to slice a section of soil and take a sample. We collected samples at three locations at depths of six and twelve inches. We then had lunch and were on our way to Ng’ang’ange Parish.
Photo link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/21557421@N08/sets/72157615107103874/detail/
Ng’ang’ange - 1st Visit
March 2, 2009
Village: Ng’ang’ange
Pastor: Simon Msula
Companion: Roseville Lutheran Church, Roseville
Elevation: ~1,800 meters
Attendees: 29
When we arrived at Ng’ang’ange we had tea with Pastor Simon Msula in his home. As we walked from the church to his home he rang the bell, a tire rim suspended from a scaffold, with an iron bar. I’m sure this was a warning to his parishioners that the guests had arrived. Over tea he told us some amazing stories about himself and what he used to do. After being an evangelist at a preaching point, he worked construction in Kenya, on the Dar to Zambia highway and on the hydroelectric dam. He said that he was driving a bulldozer at the dam project when it rolled over the side. They had to dig him out from under the dirt and the dozer. He said that was when he dedicated his life to being a pastor. He told of days when he had been a hard drinker, the homemade liquor, and fights in bars. He told how they would test the homemade alcohol to see if it was ethanol or methanol. They would dip their finger in the liquid and then light it, if it burned it was ethanol and if it didn’t it was methanol.
After tea we went to the church where he rang the bell for a second time, and people started to appear. There were 29 people in attendance at the meeting. After a greeting and an introduction Ibrahim went through the five handouts.
1. DIRA – Institute of Agriculture Village Plot Agreement
2. Plot Management
3. Chronological Plot Management of Crops Planted in December of 2009
4. Frequently Asked Questions
5. Record of Events
The meeting lasted an hour and fifteen minutes. The audience was attentive and asked questions. The pastor commented that; "he was extremely thankful that this program was coming to his village, because he sees that members of his congregation are not always able to grow enough food to feed their family, and he hopes that this program will teach them how to grow more food for themselves.” He was especially thankful to Roseville Lutheran Church for supporting the CVP at Ng’ang’ange.
By now it had stopped raining and we went out to collect soil samples. The site of the plot was an area just outside the church that was now growing in grass and brush. We told them that they should start preparing the plot soon so that they can kill the grass and brush and prepare the soil. The soil did have quite a bit of organic matter, so we will see if that makes any difference. We collected samples at two depths from three locations in the plot.
At Ng’ang’ange comments were:
· Pastor Simon Msula said: “He was thankful for the CVP Program, and thankful that his people won’t have a problem of no food. It is like getting a new morning.”
· One gentleman said: “he was thankful for the program, and felt they would learn a lot to help them get out of poverty. He hoped there would be no more hunger in his home.” He is currently farming three acres, but he has to buy food for his family because he can’t raise enough on his land. He is trying to buy more land to grow crops. He was surprised when told about the 15 bags per acre yield at Mgongo, and hoped that could be accomplished at his farm.
· When we talked about intercropping and our recommendation that they only grow one crop at a time, one villager described that he planted four seeds of corn, a couple seeds of beans and some pumpkin seeds all in the same hole. We explained why intercropping results in more competition and actually reduces yield. His response was: "maybe that was why he wasn't getting very good yields from his fields."
o An additional comment was that it is harder to weed when many crops are grown in the same field.
· An older woman said that people are still farming using the same old ways she learned as a child. She didn’t see success from the old ways. This program will help her to learn new ways to farm.
· When asked about the average yield of corn in the area, the parishioners said that it was two to three bags per acre. They were surprised to hear that Mgongo produced 15 bags of corn per acre.
· Questions were raised about fertilizer, that it could have detrimental effects. Ibrahim responded that just like medicine, if one took all the pills they received from a doctor at once they would likely get sick and could kill themselves. But if you took the medicine as prescribed one would get well. Fertilizer if wrongly applied can give bad results, but if properly applied will increase yields.
· Ibrahim asked a question would they rather be given a bag of corn or taught how to grow 10 bags of corn, they responded they would rather be taught. He then said would they rather be given a bag of corn or be taught to grow a bag of corn, and they responded that they would rather be taught. Better to train them than to give them corn. This reinforces their hunger to learn new and better ways to do things.
Photo link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/21557421@N08/sets/72157615035494505/detail/
Village: Ng’ang’ange
Pastor: Simon Msula
Companion: Roseville Lutheran Church, Roseville
Elevation: ~1,800 meters
Attendees: 29
When we arrived at Ng’ang’ange we had tea with Pastor Simon Msula in his home. As we walked from the church to his home he rang the bell, a tire rim suspended from a scaffold, with an iron bar. I’m sure this was a warning to his parishioners that the guests had arrived. Over tea he told us some amazing stories about himself and what he used to do. After being an evangelist at a preaching point, he worked construction in Kenya, on the Dar to Zambia highway and on the hydroelectric dam. He said that he was driving a bulldozer at the dam project when it rolled over the side. They had to dig him out from under the dirt and the dozer. He said that was when he dedicated his life to being a pastor. He told of days when he had been a hard drinker, the homemade liquor, and fights in bars. He told how they would test the homemade alcohol to see if it was ethanol or methanol. They would dip their finger in the liquid and then light it, if it burned it was ethanol and if it didn’t it was methanol.
After tea we went to the church where he rang the bell for a second time, and people started to appear. There were 29 people in attendance at the meeting. After a greeting and an introduction Ibrahim went through the five handouts.
1. DIRA – Institute of Agriculture Village Plot Agreement
2. Plot Management
3. Chronological Plot Management of Crops Planted in December of 2009
4. Frequently Asked Questions
5. Record of Events
The meeting lasted an hour and fifteen minutes. The audience was attentive and asked questions. The pastor commented that; "he was extremely thankful that this program was coming to his village, because he sees that members of his congregation are not always able to grow enough food to feed their family, and he hopes that this program will teach them how to grow more food for themselves.” He was especially thankful to Roseville Lutheran Church for supporting the CVP at Ng’ang’ange.
By now it had stopped raining and we went out to collect soil samples. The site of the plot was an area just outside the church that was now growing in grass and brush. We told them that they should start preparing the plot soon so that they can kill the grass and brush and prepare the soil. The soil did have quite a bit of organic matter, so we will see if that makes any difference. We collected samples at two depths from three locations in the plot.
At Ng’ang’ange comments were:
· Pastor Simon Msula said: “He was thankful for the CVP Program, and thankful that his people won’t have a problem of no food. It is like getting a new morning.”
· One gentleman said: “he was thankful for the program, and felt they would learn a lot to help them get out of poverty. He hoped there would be no more hunger in his home.” He is currently farming three acres, but he has to buy food for his family because he can’t raise enough on his land. He is trying to buy more land to grow crops. He was surprised when told about the 15 bags per acre yield at Mgongo, and hoped that could be accomplished at his farm.
· When we talked about intercropping and our recommendation that they only grow one crop at a time, one villager described that he planted four seeds of corn, a couple seeds of beans and some pumpkin seeds all in the same hole. We explained why intercropping results in more competition and actually reduces yield. His response was: "maybe that was why he wasn't getting very good yields from his fields."
o An additional comment was that it is harder to weed when many crops are grown in the same field.
· An older woman said that people are still farming using the same old ways she learned as a child. She didn’t see success from the old ways. This program will help her to learn new ways to farm.
· When asked about the average yield of corn in the area, the parishioners said that it was two to three bags per acre. They were surprised to hear that Mgongo produced 15 bags of corn per acre.
· Questions were raised about fertilizer, that it could have detrimental effects. Ibrahim responded that just like medicine, if one took all the pills they received from a doctor at once they would likely get sick and could kill themselves. But if you took the medicine as prescribed one would get well. Fertilizer if wrongly applied can give bad results, but if properly applied will increase yields.
· Ibrahim asked a question would they rather be given a bag of corn or taught how to grow 10 bags of corn, they responded they would rather be taught. He then said would they rather be given a bag of corn or be taught to grow a bag of corn, and they responded that they would rather be taught. Better to train them than to give them corn. This reinforces their hunger to learn new and better ways to do things.
Photo link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/21557421@N08/sets/72157615035494505/detail/