Isimani-Holy Trinity, Newington, New Hampshire-CVP Report Nov 16-2010

2010 CVP
Companion Village Project
3rd Visit, Year One
November 16, 2010

Village ISIMANI
Pastor Naboth Chaula
Companion Holy Trinity, New Hampshire
Attendees Male 9 Female 9
Weather for the past month Dry
Ag institute staff Gabriel, Nafeti and Pastor Mang’ulisa

We were accompanied by the Micro finance department personnel Itiweni Mhagwa. She had a discussion with the Parish members about establishing the SACCOS (micro finance co-operative society) in this area

Purpose of the visit
• Delivering seeds and fertilizers
• Demonstrating corn planting and fertilizer application

Greetings
Before we began the demonstration, Fred delivered greetings from St. Paul Area Synod and US Institute of Ag advisory committee

Review of the handouts
Together with them we went through the handouts
• 3rd Visit Instruction
• Plant population with 60 cm. rows and Fertilizer applications
• Fertilizer needs template

Demonstrations
o Planting and fertilizer applications
We demonstrated on how to place seeds and how to apply fertilizers. We insisted that they should not place seeds and fertilizers together. There should be at least 5cm apart. We also demonstrated on how to plant sorghum.
o Seeds and fertilizers
We delivered 2 bags of NPK and 2 bags of corn seeds.

Crop Seeds Fertilizer
Varieties Amount Type Amount
Corn Pioneer 3253 2 bags NPK 100kg (2 bags)
Sorghum Not yet delivered






Drought resistant crops
We discussed with them the drought resistant crops we are planning to introduce in this area. The crops are sorghum and cowpeas. They asked us to consider sunflower and groundnuts too.

Questions/comments from the audience
 What are the spacing for sorghum
We recommend the same spacing like that of corn, 60cm×20cm. However it is important to do thinning in sorghum.
 They were wondering if they should wait until the rain season to plant or not
We told them they can wait until the rain season starts, however they should plant at the beginning of the rain season. It is important to use all the rain we get in the whole season.
 How about the use of cow manure in the farm?
Yes, cow manure is useful in the farm. They add organic matter and nutrients; moreover they increase the capacity of the soil to retain moisture

Conclusion
We reminded them to follow the instructions and do a good job in the plot. We told them that the plot has to be used as a learning tool. By working together with them we hope to increase the yield of their area.