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.