Igumbilo - Augustana - CVP Visit Report - May 13-2013

TUMAINI UNIVERSITY – IRINGA UNIVERSITY COLLEGE INSTITUTE OF AGRICULTURE Companion Village Project Visit Report 5th Visit 1st year May 13, 2013. Village Igumbilo Village Pastor/Evangelist Nixon Mwitula/Shukuru Msigwa Companion Augustana Lutheran Church Attendees 04 Weather Dry and cool Reporters Gabriel, Pastor Nixon and Venance Introduction We went to Igumbilo accompanied by the Parish pastor Nixon Mwitula. A few members of the church attended the meeting. Among the few was Shukuru Msigwa who is an evangelist of the preaching point. 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, counting & recording the corn plants and ears and marking the lines by breaking the tassels of corn. 3. Crop storage We instructed the villagers on how to store the crops. The advantages of storing crops for long give a farmer a chance to sell that crop when the price is high enough and also ensure food security in the household 4. Marketing We reminded them that this is the time that they should start to explore various marketing options. It's important they seek market information so as to keep up to date with the crop prices Plots information Corn was mature moving towards drying stage. The crop stand looked well. The parishioners were enthusiastic with their crop and said they received many questions from other village members and passersby who wanted to know what type of seed they had planted and what they did to make their crop look so well. Beans were harvested but not yet threshed. Comments Pastor Nixon advised the attendees to learn every step of the learning process seriously so that they can achieve the targets. Parishioners commented on the variety of corn and beans provided to them is good Conclusion The parishioners seemed eager to learn more of the modern farming practices and we hope they will perform well.