Ilambo - CVP Visit Report-May 9-2012

Companion Village Project Visit Report 5th Visit 1st year May 09, 2012. Village Ilambo parish Pastor Erasto Chaula Companion Prince of Peace Lutheran Attendees 10 Weather Dry and cold Reporters Rev. Mangu’lisa, Venance and Pongolani Purpose of the visit • To explain and demonstrate how to take yield measurement Topics 1. Went through the handouts o 5th Visit handout o Yield recording sheet 2. Demonstrations We demonstrated how to measure the 10 m row (in three different locations within the demonstration plot) for the yield determination; this was demonstrated by using a tape and red spray paint to mark the demarcations within which number of corn ears and yield information should be obtained. Plots information Corn was at milky stage and looked good. It was properly spaced as recommended by the Agriculture Institute. However, gaps were seen between plants. The gaps resulted from germination failure because the parishioners said a dry spell occurred at the period of germination. The corn plot was well weeded. There was no any sign of disease or pest infestation. Parishioners did not plant beans because they were late in the season. They are preparing to plant beans at the valley bottom in the coming dry season (June – July 2012). Comments Ilambo Parish is a long drive on steep slopes of rough and stony road Northeast of Iringa town. The bad situation of the road limits the frequency of visits by the research assistants during the rainy season which hinders knowledge transfer to the parishioners, however, Pastor Erasto, though very new to the Parish seems very committed to agriculture and the situation of their corn is good. Good crop yield is expected. Conclusion They were advised to follow proper spacing and fertilizer application when time for planting beans arrives. They were also advised to weed as frequent as the weeds appear by cutting them just below the soil surface. Although it is the first time for the Parish to have the CVP, there were three members of the parish already adopting the methods taught at the demonstration plot. This encourages to continue teaching them for the following visits.