Ilambilole - Our Saviors, Hstgs.; CVP Visit Report for Jan 25, 2011

2008 CVP
Companion Village Project
Visit Report
4rd Visit 3rd Year
January 25, 2011

Village Ilambilole
Pastor Meshack Magova
Companion Our Saviors, Hastings
Attendees Male 16 Female 5
Weather Sunny
Reporters Nafeti, Roger and Pongolani

Purpose of the visit

• Deliver fertilizer for 2nd application
• Deliver bean seeds and NPK fertilizer for planting beans
• Deliver pesticides ( Thionex) and Sprayer
• Give instructions on bean planting and 2nd fertilizer application on the corn plot

Greetings
Roger delivered greetings from St. Paul Area Synod and Iringa Diocese. Roger also gave a summary of what we are asking them to do on our demonstration plot and the importance of using these techniques on their own farms.

Review of the handouts
We gave them and went through the handouts for the 4th visit containing detailed information on;
• The importace of regular weeding
• Planting bean seeds and NPK fertilizer application
• 2nd fertilizer application
• Pesticide application

Delivery

Type/Variety Amount
Bean seeds Wanja 40kg
Fertilizers NPK 2 bags
CAN 2 bags
Pesticides Thionex ½ Litre
Sprayer pump Capacity:





Demonstrations

Corn plot
They planted corn in December and had a very good germination. They are about knee high very close to being ready for the 2nd fertilizer application. We gave the instructions on how to apply CAN fertilizer and pesticides in case they observe signs of pest damage in the plot.

Bean plot
We delivered bean seeds and demonstrated how to plant them. They are aiming to plant beans at the end of January.

Questions

1. How far should the fertilizer be placed from the bean seeds?
We recommend the fertilizer to be placed five centimeters from the bean seeds.

2. Why not NPK fertilizer used for 2nd application and how is NPK compared with CAN?
Both Urea and CAN are nitrogenous fertilizers they differ in terms of percentage of Nitrogen they contain, CAN 27%N and UREA 46%N. NPK can be used for planting and for second application depending on the ratios of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium on the bag. NPK with 10-18-24 is used for planting and 20-10-10 can be used for planting and 2nd application.

3. Is there any effect from the use of manures?
Manure has an added advantage compared to commercial fertilizers in that it not only adds nutrients to the soil but also they add soil organic matter which helps to improve soil water retention and builds soil structure.

Comments on the use of our techniques
Eleven of the participants said they have started using the practices we are teaching them on their own farms. Evangelist said that at the preaching point shamba they planted two acres in the past and ended up harvesting 9 bags utilizing conventional techniques. Last year they planted ¾ acre utilizing Ag. Institute recommended techniques and harvested 10bags. A woman said that using minimum tillage is less expensive and there is no need to hire oxen to plow.

Conclusion
Pastor Meshack Magova emphasized the important of using the techniques on their own farms especially to those who have not yet started using the practices we are recommending.