Mgama - CVP Visit Report - May 15-2012

2011CVP Companion Village Project 5th Visit, Year One May 15, 2012 Village Mgama Pastor Edward Mgeyekwa Companion St. Paul Luthern Attendees 11 Weather for the past month Rainy Institute staff Gabriel, Roger, Rev. Mang’ulisa and Venance . Purpose of the visit • Demonstrating on how to take yield measurements Topics 1. Greetings Don delivered greetings on behalf of St. Paul Luthern, Saint Paul Area Synod and US Ag Advisory Committee 2. Review of the handouts o 5th Visit handout o Yield recording sheet 3. Demonstrations It was demonstrated on how to measure the 10 m row (in three different locations within the demonstration plot and neighbors farm), this was demonstrated by using a 10 m string. Farmers were instructed to count the number of corn plants and ears. Yield recording sheets were provided. Plots information • Corn plants were somehow affected by drought. However, the crop is doing well. It is the first year in this village, they hade done well. They said they hope to improve in the next year. • Beans were affected by bean diseases. The disease became severe when drought started in the March. However there is small portion which was not affected. From this portion we will get the yield measurements. Questions/ comments from audience  There are farmers using the herbicides. Are herbicides good? Are they recommended to be used in the farms to control weeds? Herbicides one of the good methods recommended to be used in the farms to control weeds. However Herbicides are expensive. Not all farmers are able to purchase them. Thus, in demonstration plot, we train villagers to do manual weeding (monthly weeding) Conclusion The program has started showing success. According to the Pastor, up to now 22 villagers have adopted at least few the farming techniques in their farms. These farmers are now practices farming techniques which they have learnt from the demonstration plots. Pastor said that he hope after the harvest many people will be attracted to attend the meetings and practice what they learn.