Lukani-St.StephenTheMartyr, WhiteBearLake-CVP Report-Oct 6-2011

2011CVP
Companion Village Project
2nd Visit, Year One
October 06, 2011

Village Lukani
Pastor Najabeli Madembo
Companion St. Stephen the Martyr Lutheran
Attendees 11
Weather for the past month Dry
Reporters Gabriel, Rev. Mang’ulisa and Pongolani

Purpose of the visit
• Measuring demonstration plots
• Delivering rain gauge

Topics
1. Review of the handouts
Together with them we went through the handouts
• 2nd Visit Instructions
• Plot Management FAQs
2. Demonstrations
• Rain gauge
We told them we need to know the annual rainfall record of their area. We instructed them on how to record rain using a rain gauge. One set of rain gauge was handed to the them
• Plots
We went outside of the church and together we measured the 1acre plot using miter tape. We measured two ½ acres plots, one for corn and another one for beans.
Questions/ Comments from Audience
 Why should we plant only one seed? In case of the failure of germination, is the yield not going to be reduced?
We recommend that only one seed should be planted per hole. It is recommended this way because the plant spacing we are going to use is closer than many people used to. If there are two plants in one hole then plants will be competing for nutrients, water and light. In case of failure of germination, replant within two weeks.
 The amount of fertilizers you are recommending seems to be very high, why?
This amount is recommended because the plant population is high too. However we advice the plant population in accordance with the amount of fertilizers a farmer has ability to purchase. In the 3rd visits we will train on how to apply fertilizers in the demonstration plots and your farms.
 When are we supposing to plant?
We advise you to plant as early as possible. Aim is to use all the rains that is obtained throughout the season. Early plants will enable crops to mature within the rain season.
Conclusions/Recommendations
We asked them to start plot preparation as soon as possible. We told them that we will deliver corn seeds and fertilizers at the end of November.