Mlafu CVP Visit Report - Jan 10-2013

2009 CVP Companion Village Project 4th Visit Year Four January 10, 2013 Village Mlafu Pastor Daisom Mpesa Companion Our Saviour’s Stillwater Attendees 13 Weather for the past month Cloudy and wet Ag Institute staff Location GPS read. Ibrahim , Mang’ulisa and Venance 07047.165S 036008.493E 1363m asl Introduction It was warm and wet at Mlafu when we visited; it seemed they were receiving a good amount of rain. There were 13 members of the village gathered to receive the teaching about modern farming methods. Purpose of the visit • To deliver the second application fertilizer and insecticide for insect pest control on corn and beans Topics 1. Review of the handouts,  4th visit instructions • Discussion about germination, Replanting and Pest control • Weeding after planting • Monthly weeding after tasseling 2. Demonstration on second fertilizer application on corn There was a demonstration on how do second applications of fertilizer in corn. We asked the attendees to show us how they could do it and they demonstrated perfectly. There was demonstration on planting and fertilization of beans on rows 30cm apart and 10cm between plants too. Again the parish members could show us how they can plant and fertilize beans. 3. Insecticide Application. We instructed them on how to apply the insecticide on both corn and beans and the recommended rates to apply 4. Delivery. We delivered 2 bags of NPK cereal for corn second application and a bottle thionex insecticide for pest control. Corn and bean Plots discussion Corn was a month old because it was planted in December 11 and 12 and it was doing very well. The plot was well weeded and looked clean. The bean plot was in the preparation process that planting can take place later. Crop residues of the previous crop were well kept on the ground surface. Questions/Comments from Audience There was only one comment about the marketing problem of the variety of beans they were growing. We advised them to grow more beans so that they can collectively sell beans to community secondary schools which are not very far from the village. Conclusion Mlafu has been doing a wonderful job on the corn and bean plot since the beginning of the plot in their village. There was a corn plot near the CVP plot planted on the same date but did follow the farming practices taught. The villagers could compare the two plots and see the difference which is very obvious and learn. The attendees expressed their readiness to adopt the good farming practices.