Ilambilolo CVP Visit of Oct 29-09

2008 CVP
Companion Village Project
Visit Report
1st visit Year Two
October 29, 2009

Village Ilambilole
Pastor Doricus Kimbavala
Companion Our Saviours, Hastings
Attendees 11 (6 Females and 5 Males)
Weather for the past month Sunny and dry
Reporters Gabriel and Ibrahim

We started the meeting with small group however the number of people kept on increasing as the meeting went on. The pastor was not present (He had travelled to Mbeya) hence the assistant Pastor took the lead.

Purpose of the visit
• Planting and fertilizer application demonstrations
• To deliver seed and fertilizer
• To deliver a rain gauge
Topics
1. Greetings
Phil derived greetings from Saint Paul Area Synod and US Advisory Committee
2. Review of Handouts
o Fertilizer need template was filled and left to the box file of the congregation
o Plant population handout was reviewed
o Fertilizer application handout was reviewed
3. Rain gauge
They were given Rain gauge and a recording sheet, we explained the advantages of taking rain measurements, where to place the rain gauge and how and when to take the readings.
4. Demonstrations
It was demonstrated how to measure inter row spacing (60cm) and intra row spacing (20cm). Using a string and a hand hoe, it was demonstrated how to plant and apply fertilizer. One seed was put after every 20 cm and by using a bottle cup fertilizer was applied 5cm from the seed in each side. Since we teach them crop rotation, the plot which they planted beans last year will be used for corn and that of corn will be planted to beans
5. Fertilizer and seed delivery
According to the soil analysis of the soil of this area, types of fertilizer recommended are NPK (10-18-24) and CAN (27-0-0). The congregation was given NPK 2 bags. They were told to apply this fertilizer at the time of planting. CAN will be delivered later. Seed variety delivered was DK 8031, 4 bags. This is the corn drought resistant variety.

Comments/questions from audience
 They said that the corn stalks have been knocked down by the termites hence they have done nothing yet to the plot
We told them even if the corn stalks have been cut down by the termites they still need to chip off the weeds in the field to prevent them from producing seeds
 They asked since this area normally does not get enough rain, whether they plant before the rain starts
We told them it is better to plant as soon as the rain begins
 They asked whether they should be using animal manure instead of industrial fertilizers since industrial fertilizer is very expensive
We told them applying animal manure in the field is good practice because animal manure adds organic matter, nutrients and help to conserve moisture. However they decompose slowly and sometimes do not have sufficient amount of nutrients (N, P and K) hence applying industrial fertilizer is the best alternative. For the better yield we told them to apply both animal manure and industrial fertilizers.
 They asked why should they plant without cultivation
We told them we have been advocating minimum tillage because this will enable them to utilize the first rains rather than missing it while waiting for the oxen or tractor from their neighbor(s) to cultivate their plot. Moreover minimum tillage helps to conserve moisture in the dry area with sandy soils like their village.
 They asked since the government has been advocating the use of Urea and DAP types of fertilizers and for some reason these types of fertilizers are cheap and easily to get, why do we tell them to use NPK and CAN which are more expensive and sometimes not readily available in the shops
We told them that we have given them fertilizer recommendation in accordance with the soil analysis of their area we have conducted. We advised them to buy the recommended fertilizer to get good yields and to conserve their soil fertility.
Conclusions/Recommendations
Phil asked them if they will be willing to take loans for the farming once there is an opportunity. They said they will love to use that opportunity. Their congregation has SACCOS which has about 1,000,000 Tsh, however all of them have not been able to get loans at the time they need that is at the beginning of the farming season.

NB:
• 1 bag of NPK is 50kg and 1 bag of seed is 2kg