Kitasengwa - Raquet Family Foundation - CVP Visit Report - May 20-2013

TUMAINI UNIVERSITY – IRINGA UNIVERSITY COLLEGE INSTITUTE OF AGRICULTURE Companion Village Project Visit Report 5th Visit 2nd year May 20, 2013. Village Kitasengwa/Kitelewasi pp Pastor Aloyce Mwagogo Companion Raquet Family Foundation Attendees 12 adults Weather Dry and cool Reporters Gabriel and Venance Introduction The CVP plot is located at Kitelewsi village which is a preaching point of Kitasengwa Parish. The village members are very attentive to the modern agriculture classes and when we arrived they were there waiting to begin the class. 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 The corn was at drying stage and looked quite well. It was properly spaced and the plot was kept clean. The bean plot is located at Kitasengwa; we could go there to see it but they told us the beans were doing well. Questions/Comments The parishioners’ comment on the NPK fertilizer and the variety of corn provided to them was good. We spent more time to explain about the pollen eating Scarabaidae family insects they showed us when we last visited. We told them the effect to the yield would be insignificant since so much pollen is produced and corn is open pollinated, therefore could get pollen from nearby plants. Conclusion They have done a great job and they are happy of it. They look forward to do more of it next season. They are keen to learn more of new farming methods.