Nduli - CVP Visit Report - Apr 22-2013

2008 CVP Companion Village Project 2nd Visit of Extension Network Program April 22, 2013 Village Nduli Pastor Laiton Muyinga Companion Christ the King Lutheran, New Bringhton & YARA Co. Attendees 20 Weather for the past month Dry Inst staff Gabriel and Micro-finance staff (Itiweni, Peter and Magreth) On this visit, we were accompanied by Micro-finance institute staff. The meeting was organized to conduct two trainings; Agricultural training and Micro-finance (SACCOS) training. The trainings were conducted in the village hall nearby the church Purpose of the visit • Extension education: Plant diseases Topic • Review of the handout We went through the extension network handout which is about plant diseases • Discussion We discussed about plant diseases of both corn and beans. The discussion focused on the causes of plant diseases, disease symptoms and plant disease control. Common plant diseases found in Iringa region were addressed. Farmers were advised on how to control them. Questions/Comments from the audience  Where should we buy pesticides from? Pesticides are sold almost in all agro-chemical shops. We advised you to buy pesticides and other agricultural inputs from reliable and registered agro-chemical shops. When you buy make sure you get required instructions and you read expire date.  We have a problem with the seeds. This year the DK corn seeds were not good. The germination were poor and the performance was not good. What should we do? This might be the case of fake seeds introduced in the market. As the market of improved seeds expands, there has been unfaithful people, using he opportunity try to get maney by paking seeds, put the name and log of famous companies. Again, we advise you to buy agricultural inputs from reliable and registered agro-chemical shops. When you buy take a receipts. If you have a receipts it will be easy to report and make follow up when the seeds bought are discovered as fake seeds.  Our areas is dry areas. We have termites problem that attack and damage young plants. What should we do? We can control termites using a pesticides. The pesticides is sold in the agro-chemical shop. It is in liquid form, you dilute with water and spray to the infected areas. Go to the shop and ask for pesticides that can control termites. Do not burn the crop residues to control termites  We have problem with certain type of weeds. They make yellow or red flowers, they are small and usually grow in corn fields. This type of weeds once infested the filed corn plants become weak and someties fail to produce a crop. How can we control this weeds? The weeds are called striga (Striga spp) or witch weed. The weed is considered one of the major problem weeds in Tanzania causing 40-90% yield losses in maize and other susceptible cereals. Most of the area affected are those with low fertility characterized by very low organic carbon and very low nitrogen. There are three solution for striga: 1. The application of nitrogenous fertilizers is known to reduce the severity of Striga infestation and enable some level of maize production. 2. Other solution is to plant Striga resistant “IR maize”. 3. Incorporation of legumes in the cropping cycles reduce and control striga in the farm (Crop rotation). Conclusion The meeting was good. After the agricultural training, farmers were training on SACCOS and micro-loans. We told them that the next extension meeting we will be held n August/September.

Lulanzi - CVP Visit Report - Apr 23-2013

2009CVP Companion Village Project & PCT 2nd Extension visit of Network Program April 23, 2013 Village Lulanzi Pastor Tuluwene Gavile Companion Christ Lutheran, Lake Amo Attendees 23 Weather for the past month Cloudy and cold Ag Institute Staff Gabriel and Microfinace Institute staff (Itiweni, Peter and Magreth) On this visit, we were accompanied by Micro-finance institute staff. The meeting was organized with the aim of conducting two trainings; Agricultural training and Micro-finance (SACCOS) training. The trainings were conducted in the church. Purpose of the visit • Extension education: Plant diseases Topics • Review of the handout We went through the extension network handout about plant diseases • Discussion We discussed about plant diseases on both corn and beans. The discussion focused on the causes of plant diseases, disease symptoms and plant disease control. Common plant diseases found in Iringa region were addressed. Farmers were advised on how to control these diseases using resistant varieties, chemical control and agronomic practices Questions and Comments  We have problems with beans. When they get close to flowering stage, the leaves turn yellow and start drying. What is this? This might be the fungal disease. Your village has a long wet season. This is a favourable condition for fungal diseases. Please spray fungicides when you see these symptoms.  Can I spray fungicides for just protecting the crop? Yes, some of the fungicides can prevent and cure the diseases while some function in curing the disease only. Fungicides such as Redomil and Supalaxyl 72wpc can prevent and cure the fungus. However fungicides such as Farmzeb 80wp and Tangrizeb 80 can not prevent but can cure the fungus n beans  What are good pesticides? This is difficult to say. There are many types of pesticides,each function differently and also they differ in performance according to the climatic condition of the given area. However most commonly used pesticides in iringa are Thionex, Profit 720, Ninja and Selectron. When you observe pests in your farm, please seek advice from an extension agent  Why do you say we should not feed the rotten corn to the livestocks? Corn rotting especially in wet areas like here is caused by fungus. The fungus produces poisons (Toxins). The toxins can affect humans and even livestocks that why it is not advised to feeds animal fungal infected corn.  Sometimes the corn form ball of black power either on top or in the ear. What is this? How should I control this? This is the fungal diseases. To control this, you are advised to plant improved seed variety that is resistant to this type of disease. Also you can do crop rotation to cut the disease cycle. Conclusion After the agricultural training, the micro-finance staff trained the farmers on issues concerning micro-loans. We told them that the next extension meeting will be in August/September. We will prepare the topic according to their suggestions

Ilambilole - CVP Visit Report - Apr 22-2013

2008CVP Companion Village Project 2nd Visit of Extension Network Program April 22, 2013 Village Ilambilole Pastor Meshack Magova Companion Our Saviors, Hastings Attendees 18 Weather for the past month Dry Reporters Gabriel and Micro-finance (Itiweni,Peter and Magreth) On this visit, we were accompanied by Micro-finance institute staff. The meeting was organized with the aim of conducting two trainings; Agricultural training and Micro-finance (SACCOS) training. The trainings were conducted in the church. Purpose of the visit • Extension education: Plant diseases Topics • Review of the handout We went through the extension network handout about plant diseases • Discussion We discussed about plant diseases on both corn and beans. The discussion focused on the causes of plant diseases, disease symptoms and plant disease control. Common plant diseases found in Iringa region were addressed. Farmers were advised on how to control these diseases using resistant varieties, chemical control and agronomic practices Question/comments  Termites are a problem in our area, what should we do? There are special pesticides for termites, it is sold in almost all the agro-chemical shops. You are advised to visit there and get the pesticides. However, you should not burn the crop residues as the means to control the termites. We need the crop residues to add organic matter in our soil an increase soil fertility.  If the crop is affected by the virus, should I change the crop? Change the crop to control diseases (virus diseases and others) is recommended. Crop rotation cuts the disease cycle and is one of the cheap ay to control diseases.  How to control nematodes in tomatoes? There are special pesticides for nematodes. However one has to be sure that the symptoms observed in the form are occurring because of the nematode infestation. If the yellowish and drying of tomatoes is due to fungus (which is common in your areas), you are advised to use fungicides.  How should we control fungus in irrigated tomatoes? Fungicides such as Mancozeb, Unizeb 80wp or Unilax 72wp can be used to control fungus in the tomatoes. Remember to follow instructions on how to apply.  Can insecticides used to control fungus or bacteria? No, insecticides such as theonex are meant to kill or chase leaf/shoot eating insects. They are not very effective in controlling fungus or bacteria. Please use fungicides to control fungus or bactericides to control bacteria. Conclusion After the agricultural training, the farmers received micro finance training. They discussed on how to develop business plans, fill the loan contract forms and how to return the loans. We told them that the next extension meeting will be in August/September.

Ihemi - CVP Visit Report - Apr 30-2013

2008 CVP Companion Village Project, PCT and YARA 2nd Visit of Extension of Extension program April 30, 2013 Village Ihemi Pastors Anania Kadege Companion Christiania Lutheran, Lakeville Attendees 30 Weather for the past month Dry Reporters Gabriel and Microfinace staff (Peter, Itiweni and Magreth) On this visit, we were accompanied by Micro-finance institute staff. The meeting was organized with the aim of conducting two trainings; Agricultural training and Micro-finance (SACCOS) training. The trainings were conducted in the church. Purpose of the visit • Extension education: Plant diseases Topics • Review of the handout We went through the extension network handout about plant diseases • Discussion We discussed about plant diseases on both corn and beans. The discussion focused on the causes of plant diseases, disease symptoms and plant disease control. Common plant diseases found in Iringa region were addressed. Farmers were advised on how to control these diseases using resistant varieties, chemical control and agronomic practices Questions/Comments  What is the control of diseases whose symptoms are accompanied by drying and leaf spots? This might be a disease caused by fungus. When you observe it in your farm, you may go to the extension agent ask him the type of the disease and appropriate pesticides to use. If the disease is a fungal disease which in this case I will suspect more, buy and use fungicides that treat the disease.  Why do you advise us not to repeat improved seeds? Hybrid seeds cannot be repeated because if you do that their high yield and disease resistance characteristics gradually disappear. It is advised to use the new seeds for best performance  We have problems of potatoes rotting. What is the cause and what is the cure for that problem? Potatoes like other plants can be attacked by fungus. In most of the places in Iringa region fungus in potatoes is the big problem. You can control the fungus in potatoes by planting the disease resistant varieties. Another method to reduce the incidence of the disease is to practice crop rotation. If your farm has the history of the disease, you can use fungicides to control the disease  What is the cure for ear rotting? Ear rooting is a disease problem that is common in high altitude areas. Places that are at high elevations do tend to have a long duration of rainfall. Long duration of rainfall make the air humidly which is a favourable condition for ear rotting diseases. You can control the disease by planting resistant corn varieties Conclusion The meeting was good. Also farmers received micro-finance training for the staff of the institute of micro-finance of Tumaini University. Farmers were instructed on how to join the saving cooperatives, fill the contract forms and develop business plans.

Kilolo CVP Visit Report - Apr 23-2013

2008 CVP Companion Village Project 2nd Visit of Extension Network Program April 23, 2013 Village Kilolo Pastor Yona Kinganga Companion King of Kings, Woodbury Attendees 13 Weather for the past month Dry Ag institute staff Gabriel and Microfinance staff (Itiweni, Peter and Magreth) On this visit, we were accompanied by Micro-finance institute staff. The meeting was organized with the aim of conducting two trainings; Agricultural training and Micro-finance (SACCOS) training. The trainings were conducted in the church. Purpose of the visit • Extension education: Plant diseases Topic • Review of the handout We went through the extension network handout about plant diseases • Discussion We discussed about plant diseases on both corn and beans. The discussion focused on the causes of plant diseases, disease symptoms and plant disease control. Common plant diseases found in Iringa region were addressed. Farmers were advised on how to control these diseases using resistant varieties, chemical control and agronomic practices Questions/Comments  There are problems that improved seeds from other countries are not performing eg seeds from Kenya. What should we do? Most of the improved seeds are certified by the government before being distributed to farmers. Sometimes, some unfaithful people will produce face seeds and pack in the bags and sell to farmers. You might have bought one of those bags hence experience poor performance. I would like to advise you to buy seeds from reliable dealers  Is it true that local seeds are not performing? This is not true. Local varieties are good varieties; they have good characteristics that suit the given areas. Improved varieties have been developed from local varieties where by some new additional characteristics are added. If you do not have enough money to buy improved seeds, select good corn years from a local variety of the previous season and plant in your shamba  The problem of maize virus in Kenya what precaution measure should we take in Tanzania? The disease is called Maize lethal necrosis and Maize chlorotic mottle – a combination of two viruses. It Kills the plants and there is no control at this point. The symptoms are twisting and discoloration of leaves. Plants frequently die before tasseling- no grain production. The disease presents up to 2100 meters altitude, especially in areas where maize was grown continuously in one region. The disease is like an outbreak where by the virus spreads very fast. The government has taken precautions to protect the farmers here by prohibiting the maize seeds and maize crops from entering into the country from Kenya. However farmers are advised to immediately report to the extension agents once they see the symptoms of the diseases in their farms.  What is the vision of the institute in the future? Is it only research or seeds productions and fertilizer productions? Our vision is to be the leading research and extension institutions in southern highland of Tanzania. The aim of the institute is to increase agricultural production in the region through research and extension. Currently, we do not have plans to enter into seed production or fertilizer manufacturing business Conclusion This has been a good village with very well managed plots for all four years. The extension program adds addition knowledge and skills to the farmers. We told them that the next extension meeting will be in August/September.

Ipogoro - CVP Visit Report April 22-2013

2008 Companion Village Project Extension Program, 5th Year 2nd Visit April 22, 2013 Village IpogoroParish Pastor/Evangelist Nixon Mwitula Companion Augustana Lutheran Church Attendees 21 Weather for the past month Cloudy and Rainy Reporters Ibrahim and Venance Upon our arrival, we were thrilled by the big number of attendees; there were 21 members of the village anxiously waiting to attend the meeting. Unfortunately we were not accompanied by any member of the Microfinance Institute that the villagers expected to meet together with us. In the meeting, they asked questions, shared experience and gave opinions on plant diseases and gave a detailed report of their SACCOS plus a copy to be sent to the Microfinance. Purpose of the visit • To move into lesson two of the extension education network and share ideas about the topics taught. Topics covered Lesson two of Extension Education Network: Plant Diseases • The concept of plant diseases • Causes of plant diseases • Disease symptoms • Common methods used to control plant diseases • Some common diseases around Iringa region • Cited examples of common corn and bean diseases, symptoms and ways of control Corn plants with disease infected leaves were examined and two types of diseases were identified as Maize Leaf Blight and Gray Leaf Spot (GLS). We used the diseased plant samples to discuss the details of disease causes, symptoms and ways to control. Questions/Comments The Parishioners asked a number of questions and answers were provided through discussion. Question: Can nematodes affect corn? Answer: Yes, nematodes attack the roots of corn and feed on them as parasites while affecting the growth of the corn plants. Probably it is not a reported problem in Iringa because no one has investigated but it is a case in some parts of the world where corn is grown. Question: If a farmer sprays an herbicide this season, can the chemical affect corn in the next growing season? Answer: No/ Yes depending on how the herbicide is applied. It is advisable to follow manufacturer’s instruction properly when applying pesticides in order to avoid any side effects. Question: Which pesticide among some named pesticides is the best for use in controlling crop pests? Answer: Unfortunately the Trade Names of pesticides change very much with time, what matters are the chemical compositions of the pesticide; therefore it is important to seek for advice from an extension agent when planning to buy a pesticide. After the questions and answers, the parishioners read their SACCOS report and submitted a copy to be handled to the Microfinance Institute. Important hints from the report include: 1. The SACCOS is registered with 45 members; 30 females and 15 males 2. The SACCOS began with initial capita of 400,000Tsh and has expanded to 10,000,000Tsh 3. 28 Members have taken loans including25 females and 3males. Conclusion The meeting was lively with members participating by asking questions and commenting on plant diseases. They commented that SACCOS was so vital for the success of the farming techniques which we are teaching.

Kipanga - CVP Visit Report - Feb 13-2013

TUMAINIUNIVERSITY – IRINGAUNIVERSITYCOLLEGE INSTITUTE OF AGRICULTURE 2011 CVP Companion Village Project 4th Visit Year Two February 13, 2013 Village Kipanga Pastor Winled Fwimi Companion Lake Park Lutheran Church Attendees 21 Weather for the past month Rainy, wet Ag Institute staff Location GPS read. Mangu’lisa, Pongolan and Venance 08024.579S 035051.707E 1823m asl Introduction It is very exciting to learn the things which are happening at Kipanga this year on the CVP plot. After arriving at Kipanga, we were taken to the plot which had corn last year and which I call corn plot A. The plot has been planted with corn again but the pastor is practicing a different farming technique called “Ngolo” usually practiced by Matengo people of Ruvuma region in the Southern part of Tanzania. Then we were taken to a preaching point called Ihimbo, some 8km away from Kipanga station. The parishioners are growing corn there using the inputs provided by the government corn plot B). Upon returning back to the station, we were told the parishioners have the third corn plot C in which the Institute’s inputs are being applied. We could not go to see that plot because it is not near the church and it was becoming late in the day. Purpose of the visit • To observe the progress of the plots. Topics 1. Review of the handouts,  4th visit instructions • Discussion about germination, Replanting and Pest control • Weeding after planting • Monthly weeding after teaseling 2. Demonstration on fertilizer application and bean planting: There was a demonstration on how to do the 2nd fertilizer application on the corn plot, planting and fertilization of beans on rows 30cm apart and 10cm between plants. 3. Insecticide Application. We instructed them on how to apply the insecticide on both corn and beans and the recommended rates to apply Corn, bean and pyrethrum Plots discussion: Corn plants in plot A were doing well although the applied techniques were slightly different from what we teach. Corn plants in plot B were planted following all the practices that we teach except the fertilizer type and quantity was different. The plants looked yellow, an indicator of lacking N. The plot was fertilized with Minjingu at planting and top – dressed by one bag/acre of Urea. Corn plot C at Kilagala preaching point was not visited but the pastor and parishioners assured us that plants were doing well. They had not planted beans yet, but said they would plant later in March or April to avoid excessive moisture prevailing in February Kipanga Parishioners did a wonderful job of raising many nusery beds of pyrethrum at each preaching point. At the time of visit, each parishioner was preparing own plot to transplant pyrethrum seedlings; besides each preaching point had a pyrethrum plot for the congregation. Questions/Comments from Audience The attendees asked two questions. Question one: how to control maize streak virus (MSV)which affected a few corn plants at plot B Answer: By use of certified seed, crop rotation and phytosanitary practices. Question two: What corn seed should they rely on since all seeds seem to rot after crop maturity Answer: They should rely on the local varieties resistant to ear rot, meanwhile we are still looking for improved verieties which are resistant to ear rot Finally the parishioners expressed their concern about the pyrethrum buying agent taking dried flowers without paying. We took the matter to the PCT Mafinga for solutions. Conclusion We are optimistic that Kipanga parishioners will succeed to obtain good corn harvest and adopt the farming techniques for application in their individual plots. For sure there will be a good harvest of pyrethrum flowers this year and PCT promised make changes to improve the pyrethrum buying process. Current news from Kipanga Pastor is that all the three corn plots are doing well and a big number of parish members succeeded to transplant pyrethrum which is growing well.

Irindi - CVP Visit Report - Jan 29-2013

TUMAINIUNIVERSITY – IRINGAUNIVERSITYCOLLEGE INSTITUTE OF AGRICULTURE 2011 CVP Companion Village Project 4th Visit Year Two January 29, 2013 Village Irindi Pastor Alex Kikoti Companion St. Timothy Lutheran Church Attendees 12 Weather for the past month Dry and warm Ag Institute staff Location GPS read. Roger, Pongolan, Venance 070034.752S 036015.307E 710m asl Introduction We went to Irindi accompanied with two medical staff from Ilula Hospital. Upon arrival we met an audience of 12 members of the village waiting for the lesson of the day at church premises. We drove to the rice plot to see the progress. Purpose of the visit • To see the progress of the rice plot. Topics 1. Review of the rice handout • Transplanting of rice seedlings • Fertilization • weeding 2. Discussion on nutritional issues • Mentioning the common types of foods the villagers eat • Food categories based on the functions in the body 3. Demonstration of simple water cleaning technique by Ultra- Violet rays: There was a demonstration on how to clean water by filling it in a clean transparent plastic bottle and placing it on the house roof so that the sun can clean it. 4. Rice plot We saw rice seedlings being transplanted into the bunds which were recently prepared. There were about 10 bunds prepared and the pastor said they planned to prepare more bunds. The pastor said they had a problem of water reaching their plot but now there is enough to reach their plot. 5. Discussion, questions and comments The group participated actively in the nutritional, water cleaning techniques and asked a few questions about rice as well. TUMAINIUNIVERSITY – IRINGAUNIVERSITYCOLLEGE INSTITUTE OF AGRICULTURE 6. The current news received from the Irindi Pastor is that they added more bunds and transplanted rice seedlings to make half an acre. The rice is doing well and it is at flowering stage to date. Conclusion We are hoping that there will continue to be sufficient water to feed the plants especially at grain filling stage so that they get good rice yield.