Bomalang'ombe Parish - CVP Visit Report - Feb 1-2013

2013 CVP Companion Village Project 4th Visit Year Four February 1, 2013 Village Bomalang’ombe Pastor Lutango Tewele Companion Prince of Peace Lutheran Church Attendees 18 Weather for the past month Rainy & Wet Ag Institute staff Location GPS read. Pongolan , Roger and Venance 08013.670S 035053.134E 1990m asl Introduction The day was cloudy and rainy when we drove past the slippery road to Bomalang’ombe. Upon arrival we met a big audience of 18 villagers eagerly waiting to be taught. We went to see their corn and pyrethrum plots which are a distance away from the church. After looking at their plots, we returned back to the church where the meeting was conducted. Purpose of the visit • To observe the progress of the plot, deliver thionex insecticide and solve any arising problems concerning improved farming practices. 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 demonstration on planting and fertilization of beans on rows 30cm apart and 10cm between plants. Also there was a demonstration on how do second applications of fertilizer in corn 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. Most of the items were delivered before except the thionex insecticide which was delivered on the day of the visit. Corn, bean and pyrethrum Plots Discussion Corn was planted on December 15, 2012. The plants looked good and well-spaced. The plot requires to be weeded, therefore we advised the parishioners to weed. Beans will be planted later in May. The pyrethrum plants looked good but in a weedy plot, therefore the parishioners were advised to weed the plot. Questions/Comments from Audience The attendees asked a few questions on the rate of insecticide to be applied, the second application of N fertilizer and how often one can apply the insecticide. Answers were provided for each concern. Conclusion The parishioners seemed interested and prepared to plant more of the pyrethrum. More than sixty members of the church were prepared to transplant pyrethrum this year.

Bomalang'ombe Parish CVP - Oct 12-2012

2012 Companion Village Project 3rd Visit, Year Four October 12, 2012 Village Bomalango’mbe Parish Pastor/Evangelist Lutango Tewele Companion Prince of Peace Lutheran Church Attendees 31 Weather for the past month Dry Reporters Magnus Chaula, Rev. Mang’ulisa, Pongolan, and Venance There were a big number of attendees at Bomaang’ombe Parish all eagerly waiting to see the Institute workers and the pyrethrum guy. Upon arrival at the church campus we saw 11 women and 20 men waiting outside the church. They were very much excited of the pyrethrum program. We did the CVP teaching and then most of them moved with the pyrethrum guy and pastor Mang’ulisa to the nursery site where the pyrethrum seedlings are growing. Purposes of the visit • To demonstrate planting of corn and beans • To deliver corn seeds, bean seeds and fertilizers • To see the pyrethrum nursery Topics 1. Review of the handouts • 3rd Visit Instruction • Plant population with 60 cm. rows and Fertilizer applications • Fertilizer needs template 2. Demonstration Bomalang’ombe parish is doing the CVP in their fourth year, therefore we involved the parishioners to review the planting and fertilization procedure for corn and beans and the spacing required for each crop. They could follow the demonstration very well. We insisted that they should not place seeds and fertilizers together. There should be at least 5cm apart. The spacing is 60×20cm for corn and 30×10cm for beans. Fertilizers should be applied to both corn and beans. 3. Rain gauge We instructed them on how to record rainfall. We gave them a rain gauge and ask them to start recording as soon as the rain starts. 4. Delivery We delivered corn and bean seeds and fertilizers Item Corn Beans Fertilizers for corn Fertilizers for beans Variety TMV Uyole 96 NPK NPK Amount 8kg 30kg 2 bags 2 bags Conclusion The villagers seemed very excited to have the pyrethrum nursery and were happy that the seedlings in the nursery were doing well. There is great hope that many of the villagers will plant pyrethrum in 2013 and this cash crop will add a substantial amount of money and thus improve their economic level.

Bomalang'ombe Lutheran Parish-CVP Visit Report May 22,2012

Companion Village Project Visit Report 5th Visit 4th year May 22, 2012. Village Bomalango’mbe Parish Pastor Lutango Tewele Companion Prince of Peace Lutheran Church Attendees 06 Weather Cloudy and cold Reporters Rev. Mangu’lisa, Venance and Pongolani 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 measure, sticks were fixed at the beginning and at the end of the 10m row in order to mark the row in which plants were counted and recorded. Plots information The corn plot looked nice with well filled ears. It was well spaced and weeded. The beans had just emerged, the germination percentage was well and they were well spaced. The parish grows pyrethrum as well. The pyrethrum was growing well, but was wider gaps between plants. Comments Parishioners were encouraged to continue weeding the corn until near harvesting. They were also reminded to do gap filling in the pyrethrum plot by splitting the wide stems when the weather becomes appropriate. Conclusion The parishioners are hard workers and follow the methods taught at the demonstration plot. A few of them acknowledged using the methods in their own plots although the major challenge is the quantity of fertilizer which they can’t afford to purchase because the price is high. We encouraged them to practice all the other methods taught such as weeding, leaving crop residue etc. and altering the spacing depending on the amount fertilizer available following the chart provided to them by the Institute of Agriculture.

Bomalang'ombe Lutheran-Prince of Peace; CVP Report for Jan 24-2012

2009 CVP
Companion Village Project
4h Visit Year Three
January 24, 2012

Village Bomalang’ombe Parish
Pastor Lutango Tewele
Companion Prince of Peace, Roseville
Attendees 10
Weather for the past month Rainy
Institute staff Gabriel and Roger
There is a village meeting. People who are participating in the demonstration meeting today will be few because most of the villagers have gone to the village meeting
Purpose of the visit
• To deliver bean seeds, fertilizers and pesticides
Topics
1. Review of the handouts,
 4th visit instructions
• Discussion about germination, Replanting , Pest, weeding after planting and monthly weeding after tasseling
2. Greetings
Roger delivered greetings from St. Paul Area Synod and Prince of Peace, Roseville.
3. Demonstration on second fertilizer application on corn
There was demonstration on planting and fertilization of beans on rows 30cm apart and 10cm between plants. Also there was a demonstration on how do second applications of fertilizer in corn
4. Insecticide Application.
We instructed them on how to apply the insecticide on both corn and beans and the recommended rates to apply.
5. Delivery.
We delivered been seeds, fertilizers and insecticides
Item Beans Fertilizers (Corn) Fertilizers (beans) Pesticides
Variety/Type Uyole 96 CAN NPK Thionex
Amount 30 kg 2Bag 2 bags 1 Liter

Corn and Bean Plots Discussion
The corn plot has been planted. The plan was to plant two varieties, local varieties and improved varieties. The local variety failed to germinate hence the replant was done with improved varieties. Thus, the whole plot is planted with improved varieties, with few plants of local variety mixed within. We instructed them to do weeding as soon as possible. Beans will be planted sometimes in February

Pyrethrum
Pyrethrum will be transplanted in February. The pyrethrum plot has been selected but not yet prepared. We instructed them to till the land and prepare the soil for the transplanting in February.

Questions
 Where the pyrethrum seedlings are going to come from?
Usually PCT establish seedlings nurseries in the village. There nurseries even here in the village. The seedlings which are going to be used in the demonstration plot will come from these nurseries
 There are insects cutting the bean plants especially when plants reach flowering stage. How should we control that?
Those insects are called bean maggot. Spray pesticides 3 – 5 days after germination to kill the flies which come to lay eggs that will develop into maggot when plants are about to flower.

Conclusion
Although there were problems with the germination we told them to keep on following instructions. We hope the bean plot and pyrethrum will do better than corn plot. We instructed them to keep their plots clean from weeds.

Bomalang'ombe Lutheran-Prince of Peace; CVP Report for Oct 28 & Nov 28-2011

2009 CVP
Companion Village Project
3rd Visit Year Three
October 28 and Nov 28, 2011

Village Bomalang’ombe Parish
Pastor Lutango Tewele
Companion Prince of Peace, Roseville
Attendees 1st Meeting 9, 2nd Meeting 20
Weather for the past month Dry
Institute staff Gabriel, Rev. Mang’ulisa, Pongolani and John Hodler

This village has been visited twice. The first visit was on October 28 and the second was on November 24. In the first visit corn demonstrations were conducted and in the second visit Pyrethrum demonstration were introduced.

FIRST DEMONSTRATRION MEETING
Most of the church leaders and the some members have gone to Pommern for the religious gathering, thus there are few attendees.

Purpose of the visit
• Delivering seeds and fertilizers
• Demonstrating planting and fertilizer application

Topics
• Greetings
Before we began the demonstration, John delivered greetings from St. Paul Area Synod and US Institute of Ag advisory committee
• Review of the handouts
Together with them we went through the handouts
- 3rd Visit Instruction
- Plant population and Fertilizer applications
- Fertilizer needs template
• Demonstrations
o Planting and fertilizer applications
We demonstrated on how to plant seeds and how to apply fertilizers. We insisted that they should not place seeds and fertilizers together.
o Seeds and fertilizers
The following were delivered
Seeds Fertilizers
Variety Amount (kg) Type Amount (bags)
H6303 8 NPK 2

o Corn rotting issue
We instructed them to plant two varieties in the demo plot: the improved variety and the local variety. It is know that the local variety do not rot as improved variety. For the case of improved variety (Hybrids), they should do late planting. Aim is to allow the crop to mature the same time the rain season ends. This might prevent or reduce the rooting incidents.

Questions/comments
 The corn improved varieties is not familiar in the market as the local variety
If we get another variety that suite your area we will introduce that to you. However it is better to plant improved variety than local variety because improved variety (Hybrids) yield higher than local variety.

SECOND DEMONSTRATION MEETING

Purpose of the visit
Introduction of Pyrethrum demonstration program

• Pyrethrum demonstration
Field officer from PCT Mr. Magnus Chaula spoke about advantages of growing pyrethrum. He assured the villagers that there is reliable market of pyrethrum. PCT will get into contracts with farmers to buy from them with a good price. A famer has to follow appropriate agronomic practices to get high quality flowers. He then instructed them about appropriate land preparation for growing pyrethrum. Thus villagers were instructed to prepare a plot for pyrethrum demonstration plot. Seedlings will be transplanted to this plot in the coming January

Conclusion
We told them that we will be back in January, we asked them to follow the instructions. They were very excited about the establishment of the pyrethrum demonstration plot. They promised to cooperate with PCT in establish the plot and follow all the instructions.

Bomalang'ombe Lutheran-Prince of Peace; CVP Report for Sept 14-2011

2009 CVP
Companion Village Project
Visit Report
6th Visit 2nd year
September, 14 2011

Village Bomalang’ombe parish
Pastor Lutango Tewele
Companion Price of peace Lutheran Church
Attendees 7
Weather Cloudy, rainy
Reporters Nafeti and Pongolani

Purposes of the visit
• To collect the yield measurement
• To deliver grain storage chemical “Shumba”
• End of season discussion and planning for the next farming season

Topics
1. Review of the handouts
• 6th Visit instruction handout
• Yield recording sheet
2. Harvesting
They have good harvest of corn and low bean yield. Corn yield could have been more than they got if they could have not rotted.

Crop Corn Beans
Yield per ½ acres 6 bags and 3tins 3 Tins

3. Storage
We instructed them on how to store grain for home usage and for selling at the time of high price. We instructed how to mix grain storage pesticides “shumba” and the appropriate volume of grain per bottle recommended. We left the pesticides to them to mix with their harvested grains.
4. Discussion about the farming season
The corn variety which was grown last season had the problem of rotting after maturity. We discussed with them and it looks like in that area most of this improved varieties of corn have the problem with rotting which makes most of the farmers if not all to use the local corn varieties. Plans for the coming season is to divide the corn plot into two parts and plant one improved corn variety and one part local variety and use the same methods of production we recommend.
5. Adaptation
4 attendees said they have been practicing some of the techniques and they have seen the different and they hope to harvest more corn from the farms they used some of the techniques we teach.

Comments/questions
 Few people attended because they have community activities going on the same day.
 They have problem of corn rotting and they suggested changing corn variety the coming growing season. We plan to plant half of the corn plot local variety and the remaining half improved corn variety
 We think also of doing late planting so that corn mature during the dry season

Conclusion
We told them to keep doing good job and take the methods we are teaching them back to their own farmers.

Bomalang'ombe Lutheran-Prince of Peace; CVP Report for June 14, 2011

2010 CVP
Companion Village Project
Visit Report
5th Visit 2nd year
June, 14 2011

Village Bomalang’ombe parish
Pastor Lutango Tewele
Companion Price of peace Lutheran Church
Attendees 8
Weather Cloudy
Reporters Nafeti and Pongolani

Purpose of the visit
• Explain and demonstrate how to take yield measurement
Topics

1. Went through the handouts
o 5th Visit handout
o Yield recording sheet
o Rain record sheets to know the amount of rain received during this season
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 miter tape, we used spray paint to mark the demarcations within which the measurements should be taken.

Plots information
Corn plot looks good and they are about ready for harvesting.
Beans are not yet ready for harvesting they are still green and they will collect data and harvest as we instructed them after they mature and get dry.


Comments
Corn variety they planted looks good and they expect to have batter yield this year
Conclusion
We told them to weed several times as the weeds comes out and take the yield data as we demonstrated to them.

Bomalang'ombe Lutheran-Prince of Peace; CVP Report for Jan 17-2011

2009 CVP
Companion Village Project
Visit Report
4rd Visit 2nd year
January 17, 2011

Village Bomalang’ombe parish
Pastor Lutango Tewele
Companion Price of peace Lutheran Church
Attendees Male 4 Female 8
Weather Light rain
Reporters Nafeti, Roger and Pongolani

Purpose of the visit
• Deliver fertilizer for 2nd application to corn
• Deliver bean seeds and NPK fertilizer for planting beans
• Deliver pesticides ( Thionex)
• Give instructions on bean planting and 2nd fertilizer application on the corn plot

Greetings
Greetings were delivered from the St. Paul Area Synod and the Iringa Diocese by Roger Blomquist. Roger also gave a summary of what we are instructing them to do on our demonstration plot and the importance of using the techniques on their own farms.

Review of the handouts
• 4rd Visit Instruction with information on the importance of regular weeding, bean planting, fertilizer placement and pesticide application.

Delivery

Type/Variety Amount
Bean seeds Urafiki 30kg
Fertilizers NPK 2 bags
CAN 2 bags
Pesticides Thionex ½ Litre
Sprayer pump Capacity:


Plots
Corn Plants were planted and they had a very good germination and the plot is a good example of the proper use of the recommended spacing between rows and within plants. The bean plot will be planted this January.





Questions

1. How to make a 10cm spacing between bean seeds using a hand hoe?
To make 10cm spacing between bean seeds can be done using a mark of any kind so long as you can be able to see and use them. Alternatively, twin string can be used to mark 10cm spacing by tying knot at the recommended spacing.

2. There are two ways of pesticide application according to our experience; using pesticide mixed with sandy or mixed with water, so which way is the best?
Most of the pesticides come with instructions on the proper use of a particular pesticide, so if the instruction on the bottle requires that pesticide to be mixed with a certain amount of water or sandy then we should do as instructed.


Comments;
When they were asked how many of them have started using the techniques we are teaching them, of the 12 attendees three people said they have started using our practices and here are some of the observations they told us:
• One woman said she used the recommended practices and got comments from her neighbors about how nice her corn and beans looked. They wanted to know what she was doing to get crops that looked so good. She also said that she got the highest yields of corn and beans that she has ever harvested.
• One man said he is using our recommended practices. Soil fertility is improved by leaving the crop residues to decompose and release nutrients back to the soil and hence yields are increasing
• The pastor also said using the recommended spacing of planting corn and beans eliminates the need of growing a large area and ending up with low harvest and instead they can farm a small area and harvest more.

Conclusion
After going through the handouts and demonstrations of bean planting and 2nd
Fertilizer application on the corn plot we reminded them on the importance of learning our practices and taking them back and start using on their own farms.

Bomalang'ombe Lutheran-Prince of Peace; CVP Report for Oct. 10-2010

2010 CVP
Companion Village Project
Visit Report
3rd Visit 2nd year
October 10, 2010

Village Bomalang’ombe parish
Pastor Upendo ndendya
Companion Price of peace Lutheran Church
Attendees Male 5 Female 7
Weather Cloudy, light rain
Reporters Nafeti,Phil, Pongolani

Purpose of the visit
• Delivering seeds and fertilizers
• Demonstrating corn planting and fertilizer applications

Greetings
Before we began the demonstration, Phil delivered greetings from St. Paul Area Synod and US Institute of Ag advisory committee
Review of the handouts
Together with them we went through the handouts
• 3rd Visit Instruction
• Plant population with 60 cm. rows and Fertilizer applications
• Fertilizer needs template

Demonstrations
o Planting and fertilizer applications
We did our demonstration near the church where they planted corn last year but this year they decided to plant both beans and corn at the same site where beans were planted last season. We demonstrated on how to place seeds and how to apply fertilizers. We insisted that they should not place seeds and fertilizers together.
o Seeds and fertilizers
We delivered 2 bags of NPK and corn seeds.

Crop Seeds Fertilizer
Varieties Amount Type Amount
Corn H6303 8kg (4bags ) NPK 100kg (2 bags)

Questions and comments

• There are two types of NPK do they contain different nutrients?
They both supply the same nutrients, Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium but they differ in the amount they contain.
• Fertilizers are not available in shops at planting time.
They have to buy and store them for the following season and also they have to talk with government leaders they can help to make things available at right time.
• Since this is their second year, is there anyone who is taking the technique back to their own farms?
Some of them have started following the techniques.
• Do they find the techniques easy compared to their normal ways?
They are easy and simple to use.
• Do you think with time more people will get involved?
Majority said they are thinking of starting using the techniques in their farms.


Conclusion

Pastor in charge was not there but pastor Upendo who teaches at Bomelang’ombe secondary school was there to assist him.

Bomalang'ombe Lutheran

2010 CVP
Companion Village Project
Visit Report
6th Visit Year One
July 16, 2010


Village Bomalang’ombe Parish
Pastor Lutangilo Tewele
Companion Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
Attendees 19
Weather for the past month Dry
Reporters Ibrahim

Purposes of the visit
• To collect the yield measurement
• To deliver grain storage chemical “Shumba”
• To do the end of season discussion and planning for the next farming season
Topics
1. Review of the handouts
• 6th Visit instruction handout
• Yield recording sheet
2. Yield records
(i) Harvesting
Crop Amounts in bags/plot(1/2 Acre) Remarks
Corn Harvested, shelled but not yet measured. Left to dry for a while.

Beans Not yet harvested


(ii) Record in 10 m rows for Corn

Location Amount in litres Number of plants
1st 10 meters 7.25
2nd 10 meters 8.5
3rd 10 meters 8.0

NB: They forgotten to count number of plants for corn, but they separated rotten corn in every 10m row recorded. In the record of 7.25, 8.5, and 8.0 litres they find out 1.75, 2.5 and 2.5 were rotten respectively.

3. Storage
We instruct them how to store grain for home usage and marketing at the time of high price. We instructed how to mix grain storage chemicals “shumba” and the appropriate amount recommended per bottle. We left the pesticides to them to mix with their harvested grains.

4. Discussion about their growing season.

We discussed about problems occurred through their growing season, such as how the seeds given to them behave, in terms of germination, diseases, amount of rainfall received, current corn and beans price with reference to future price after harvesting season.
• Prices
The current corn price is 20,000/= per bag and price goes up to 42,000/= TShs per bag (3 months later), for beans is 60,000/= per bag and goes up to 100,000/= per bag.
• Corn
Corn is already harvested, shelled however not yet measured and packed in the bags. They still needed to be dry enough before they put in the bags. Beans
The beans were affected by fungal disease and pests; they sprayed Thionex but couldn’t work properly may be because of too much rainfall received. They communicated with us and we did send the fungicides and it seems to work okay, even though they are really excited waiting to see the yield.

Comments/questions

 They asked where they can buy certified bean seeds.
We told them, bean seeds are available in the research farms such as Uyole and Dabaga seed farm. A good thing for these research farms they can ship via public buses at a reasonable price.
 They asked weeding at flowering stage for beans is okay?
 We told them; it is not recommended since weeding at that time will cause flowers to drop or fall off the ground so weeding should be done a little bit before flowering stage.
 They asked since the hybrid (H628) seeds rots, they were wondering if we can introduce a different hybrid.
We told them yes, we will look on a different variety for the next growing season.

 Three people have already practiced the agronomic practices taught.

Conclusion
We thanked all people who have been attending and doing a work in the plots. We insisted them to keep good records.

Bomalang'ombe Parish Visit- May 10-2010

2010 CVP
Companion Village Project
Visit Report
5th Visit Year One
May 10, 2010


Village Bomalang’ombe Lutheran
Pastor Lutango Tewele and Ass. Pastor Reuben Ndendya
Companion Prince of Peace, Roseville
Attendees 19
Weather for the past month Rainy
Reporters Ibrahim , Gabriel and Lunodzo

Purpose of the visit
• Explain and demonstrate how to take yield measurement.
• Deliver two containers (20 liters and 1 liter size) and a 10 m string.
Topics
1. Greetings
Pastor Lunodzo gave greetings on behalf of the DIRA, Prince of Peace, Saint Paul Area Synod and US Ag Advisory Committee for volunteering to provide fund and to implement of Ag program training
2. Went through the handouts
o 5th Visit handout
o Yield recording sheet
o Rain record sheets to know the amount of rain received during this season
3. 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 10 m string, how to measure, count the number of plants for both beans and corn (they should also count number of ears for corn). After shelling they are supposed to measure the amount of grain by using a one liter container that was given to them by the institute of Ag.
These measurements are done to both corn and beans.

Plots information
Beans plot looks better, even though they are at flowering stage. They have long rain season so hopefully beans will make it to harvesting stage. They are interested with bean variety introduced to them. Beans are still in the field, not yet harvested.

Corn looks better as well, matured and dry but needs to dry more before harvesting done.



Comments
 They appreciate the fact that we gave them training in each stage of plant growth.
 He delayed planting his crops this year, but he learned a better lesson for the next year. He will make sure he plants at a proper time and follow all the instructions we are giving them.

Questions from audience and answers

 They wanted to know about the black bugs found on the corn field when the corn just starts to dry.
We told them mostly this kind of bugs normally attack stored corn, and this is due to poor storage. To control this kind of problem we insisted on proper storage of corn. This will be taught on our 6th Visit next time.

 How can they select seeds from the current crops in order to use in the following season?
We highly recommend to buy new seeds rather than re using the same seeds (from previous crop)
They identified the yellowish strips problem in their corn fields (not in a demonstration plot). What is cause of this kind of problem?
We told them mainly this kind of problem is cause by the Sulfur deficiency and can be solved by the use of SA (Sulfate of Ammonia)
 Why sometimes when you plant seeds using fertilizers will cause seeds damage?
Method of application is a major source of damage, so we are recommending them to apply 5 cm away from the planted seed.


Conclusions/Recommendations
We congratulated them for good job they have been doing, however we reminded them they still have two more years to learn. Effective use of the training will give them opportunity to learn a lot of things.

Bomalang'ombe Parish 4th Visit- Year One

2010 CVP
Companion Village Project
Visit Report
4th Visit Year One
January 21, 2010


Village Bomalang’ombe Lutheran
Pastor Lutango Tewele and Theofilo Nkwama-Intern student from Tumaini University
Companion Prince of Peace, Roseville
Attendees 17
Weather for the past month Rainy
Reporters Ibrahim and Roger

Purpose of the visit
• Planting bean and fertilizer application demonstrations
• Demonstration on second fertilizers application in corn
• Deliver fertilizer bags, Bean seeds, bottle spray, and insecticides
Topics
1. Greetings
Roger gave greetings from Prince of Peace, Saint Paul Area Synod and US Ag Advisory Committee
2. Went through the handouts
o 4th Visit handout
o Quiz handout
o Rain record sheets.
3. Demonstrations
We demonstrated how to measure inter row spacing (30cm). Using a string and a hand hoe it was demonstrated how to make a trench for planting the bean seeds. One seed was placed after every 10 cm. It was demonstrated how to place one full bottle cap of fertilizer between 2 seeds i.e. Seed-seed-fertilizer-seed-seed-fertilizer etc.

4. Fertilizer and seed delivery
According to the analysis of the soil of this area, the type of fertilizer recommended was NPK (10-18-24) for bean seed planting. The congregation was given 2 bags (50 Kg each) of NPK and 30 Kg of bean seeds, variety of bean seeds delivered is URAFIKI. We also delivered 2 bags (50 Kg each) of CAN for second fertilizer application to corn field.





Comments
 They planted corn on November 16th, 19th and 30th, 2009.We were able to see a significantly difference by looking corn in the field. So we explained the importance of planting at a proper time. After planting they received rain on December 15th, 2009.

 The church elders, talked about how they doubted these improved techniques we were trying to teach them. But, now that the corn is up they see that what they thought was impossible is possible.
 One individual said that he didn’t believe the things we told them would work, but now he believes. Especially minimum tillage and clipping the weeds just below the surface. He says his corn looks real good and wants to know if the same techniques will work for beans too.
 Nobody has practicing the techniques taught, they want to wait to see how it will work out in the demonstration plots.

Questions from audience and answers

 When should they apply second fertilizer?
Second application is supposed to be done at knee high.

 Should they apply fertilizer after weeding or that is not necessary?
We told them they should weed and then apply fertilizer, so they are supposed to weed before corn reach knee high.

 Is the NPK only recommended for planting?
The answer is yes for the time being because the recommendation was based on the soil samples taken from here (Bomalang’ombe).

 Should they reduce the amount of fertilizer when the plant looks deep green?
The answer is no, sometimes we don’t apply fertilizer only to make plant look green or tall, some kind of fertilizer are helping the plants to fill grains.

Conclusions/Recommendations
We emphasized the importance of following instruction because the success of the program depends upon them following what we instructed. They promised to follow all the instructions.

Bomalang'ombe Parish - CVP Visit of Nov 3-09

2009 CVP
3rd visit, November 3rd, 2009 YEAR ONE

Village Bomalan’gombe Parish
Pastor Lutango Tewele
Companion Prince of Peace
Attendees
Weather for the past month
Reporters
28; 17 female, 11 male ( Including two pastors and Internship pastor from Tumaini University)
Sunny and dry
Ibrahim Wikedzi and Fred Bergsrud

We started the meeting with 27 people and they told us we could have more people but there was a funeral going on in their neighborhood. Two pastors were there, one got a transfer from Mwatasi where we had a 2008-CVP plot. She was very useful for the meeting.

Purpose of the visit
• Planting and fertilizer application demonstrations
• To deliver seed and fertilizer
• To deliver a rain gauge
Topics
1. Greetings
Fred gave greetings from Saint Paul Area Synod, Prince of Peace and US Advisory Committee
2. Review of Handouts
o Fertilizer needs template was filled and left to the box file of the congregation
o Plant population handout was reviewed
o Fertilizer application handout was reviewed
3. Demonstrations
It was demonstrated how to measure inter row spacing (60cm) and intra row spacing (20cm). Using a string and a hand hoe, it was demonstrated how to plant and apply fertilizer. One seed was put after every 20 cm and by using a bottle cap fertilizer was applied 5cm from the seed on each side. We teach them about crop rotation and its importance.

4. Fertilizer and seed delivery
According to the soil analysis of the soil of this area the fertilizer recommended is NPK (10-18-24). The congregation was given 2 NPK bags. They were told to apply this fertilizer at the time of planting, and we recommended corn variety H 6303 and which will be shipped later to them.


Comments/questions from audience
 They asked if the second fertilizer CAN/UREA applied at knee high or 60 days will be still available up to corn maturity?
We told them, the fertilizer will be still available up to maturity stage, as long as they prevent it from being washed by rain by leaving crop residue i.e. organic matter in the field and also proper fertilizer application.

 They asked when the corn stalks will rot in the field when left without burning.
We told them, it takes about 2- 3 months to decompose completely, we explained with reference to what happened in the 2008-CVP plots.

 They asked should they mix CAN and UREA and apply as a second application.
We recommended them not to mix rather apply it separately and in most cases only one kind will be recommended to be used.

 They asked how we place fertilizer 5 cm on each side of the seed.
We explained that we will demonstrate outside after teaching, so when we got outside we demonstrated and they understood.

 They asked what is 46% and 27% in UREA and CAN respectively?
We told them that number indicates the total Nitrogen available in a 50 Kg bag.

 They have been using TSP, for planting Corn and NPK for Beans and using CAN and UREA for second fertilizer application. What is wrong with doing that?
 We told them based on soil analysis that we conducted, there was a deficiency of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium but using TSP will only provide Phosphorus, so we recommended them to use NPK which will be the best choice. Using NPK for planting beans is correct and that is what we recommend.

Conclusions/Recommendations
We highly recommended them to follow all agronomic practices we are and will be teaching them, and they will see success in their crop production, we referred to other CVP’s like Kilolo, Nduli etc. which harvested 11 bags and 3 tins and 9.5 bags of shelled corn from half acre plot respectively.

Bomalang'ombe Lutheran Parish - Prince of Peace, Roseville, MN

2009 CVP
2nd visit, September 30, 2009


Village
Bomalang’ombe Parish
Pastors
Lutango Tewele
Companion
Prince of Peace, Roseville, MN
Attendees
9

After an introduction, the handouts were distributed to all, followed by the quick review of the handouts:
· DIRA – Institute of agriculture agreement
· CVP Plot record of events
· CVP plot management FAQs.
Demonstrations:
· It was demonstrated how to measure an acre using actual length measurements
(63.5m by 63.5m) instead of using pacing (70 by 70)
· We made 1m stick and give them to use for measuring their fields
· The Rain gauge and a recording sheet were given to Pastor, we explained the advantages of having rain records, where to place the rain gauge and how and when to read it ( after every 24hours)
They were concerns about the size of the rain gauge that it might get full some day. We explained, unless they are going to have flood (which is unlikely to occur), the rain gauge will not get full. We measured their plot which is just behind the church. It has very irregular shape and hard to measure accurately and it is 0.25 acres. They said they want that part of the plot to be there for all top see when they come for the Sunday services. The remainder of the plot will be at rural farm site.

Bomalang’ombe - 1st Visit

March 2, 2009
Village: Bomalang’ombe
Pastor: Lutango Tewele
Companion: Prince of Peace, Roseville
Elevation: ~1,800 meters
Attendees: 37

It took about 3 hours to get from Iringa to Bomalang’ombe. There are some steep hills on the edge of steep hills that require careful manipulation.

The meeting was held in the church during a steady rain. There was a large audience. Roger gave a brief introduction to the CVP program and then Ibrahim went through the five handouts:
1. DIRA – Institute of Agriculture Village Plot Agreement
2. Plot Management
3. Chronological Plot Management of Crops Planted in December of 2009
4. Frequently Asked Questions
5. Record of Events

People were attentive and asked questions. They expressed thanks for bringing this program to their village. Some interesting observations from these first visits to parishes that are going to part of the 2009 group of parishes in the CVP program. These visits were different than the fourth visits we made to the 2008 group of CVP sites. At the Bomalang’ombe Parish:
· Pastor Lutango Tewele said: “He was thankful for the CVP Program and that their companion congregation Prince of Peace was supporting this project. He encouraged his parishioners to accept the program and participate so that they can learn more.”
· There was a question about the impact of rodents and termites if the crop residue is not burned.
· There were questions about the use of fertilizer, which Ibriham said would be discussed in greater detail at a later visit.
· There was a question about the applicability of soil samples taken at the church site, which may be far away from parishioner’s farms. Ibrahim explained the similarity of soil sample results from within the Mgongo Area and the Dabaga Area.
· There was a question about the kind of seed, and we said they would be using hybrid seed H 628.
· There was a further question about how if one doesn’t burn to kill disease how can you control them? Crop rotation will also control diseases.

After the meeting we went outside and under umbrellas collected soil samples. Because the ground was so wet we couldn’t use the sampling probe, and had to resort to Plan B which was to dig a hole with a hoe and then use a machete to slice a section of soil and take a sample. We collected samples at three locations at depths of six and twelve inches. We then had lunch and were on our way to Ng’ang’ange Parish.

Photo link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/21557421@N08/sets/72157615107103874/detail/