Bomalang'ombe Secondary School-CVP Visit Report May 22,2012

Companion Village Project Visit Report 5th Visit 4th year May 22, 2012. Village Bomalang’ombe Secondary School Pastor Batista Lyandala Companion Trinity Lutheran Attendees 31 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 plot is characterized by shallow red soil without any trace of organic matter. Plants other than corn and beans growing around looked scanty and dwarf except the pine trees which looks well. The soil seems to have no potential for good crop growth and development. The corn was poorly developed; it seemed stunted and some plants with pinkish color on the leaf margin – a sign of nutrient deficiency despite the application of the NPK and CAN provided to the school by the Institute of Agriculture. The plants were widely spaced. Bean plants looked weak and stunted too. Comments Students make an important group which when taught new methods and adopt can have a great impact since they come from different places of the region. Therefore, we continued to teach and encourage them to apply the methods at home. They actively asked many questions which were useful in classroom situation as well because they have agriculture curriculum as part of the subjects they take. Conclusion The CVP program may not meet the target of increasing productivity in this school because the soil is unsuitable for crop cultivation, but it is important to continue to teach students the good farming methods for the purpose of applying the knowledge at home.

Bomalang'ombe Sec.School --Trinity, Stillwater --CVP Report Jan 24-2012

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

Village Bomalang’ombe Secondary School
Pastor Batista Lyandala
Companion Trinity Lutheran, Stillwater
Attendees 18 and two teachers
Weather for the past month Rainy
Institute staff Gabriel and Roger
Purpose of the visit
• To deliver bean seeds, fertilizers and pesticides

Topics
1. Review of the handouts,
 4th visit instructions
• Discussion about germination, Replanting and Pest
• 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.
We delivered been seeds, fertilizers and insecticides
Item Beans Fertilizers for Corn Fertilizers for beans Pesicides
Variety/Type Uyole 96 CAN NPK Thionex
Amount 30 kg 2Bag 2 bags 1 Liter

Corn and Bean Plots Discussion
Corn plot does not look good. There has been a germination failure and the spacing is wider than recommended. Planting was done January 10, 2012. This is late planting. Students have been in Vacation in December the time we instruct them to plant corn. Beans will be planted this month. We told them the importance of following instructions and good management in the demonstration plots

Conclusion
There should be improvement in the management of the demonstration plots. We advised the Headmistress to appoint one administrative personnel who will be responsible in supervising and manage the demonstration plots.

Bomalang'ombe Sec.School --Trinity, Stillwater --CVP Visit Oct 28-2011

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

Village Bomalang’ombe Secondary School
Pastor Batista Lyandala
Companion Trinity Lutheran, Stillwater
Attendees 15 Students
Weather for the past month Claudy
Institute staff Gabriel, Rev. Mang’ulisa, Pongolani and John Hodler

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)
H615 8 NPK 2



Questions/comments
 Why sometimes do plants look yellowish?
Sometimes plants turn yellowish because of either of deficient of nutrients or a disease. Applying fertilizers lead into addition of nutrients in the soil, hence plants will not turn yellowish. However if they do sometimes that might be the indication of the plant disease. Control measures should be taken.
 What is the proper spacing for corn?
If you have enough fertilizers to apply, it is recommended to use the spacing of 60cm by 20cm. However, lower amount of fertilizers would require wider spacing like 60cm by 30cm or 60cm by 40cm.
 How to deal with termites problem
Do regular weeding to keep the farm clean and if the problem is severe use pesticides that has been designed to control termites

Conclusion
We told them that their plot had not been successful for the past two seasons. We hope this time they will have good management of the plots. We expect commitment and hard work in the demonstration plot this season.

Bomalang'ombe Sec.School --Trinity, Stillwater --CVP Visit Sept 14-2011

2009 CVP
Companion Village Project
6th Visit Year Two
September 14, 2011

Village Bomalang’ombe Secondary School
Pastor Batista Lyandala
Companion Trinity Lutheran, Stillwater
Attendees 8 Students
Weather for the past month Dry
Institute staff Gabriel, Rev. Mang’ulisa

Most of the students are in holiday. We met just few students who have remained behind to do few school activities. We had discussion with the Second head mistress and few students.

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
Both corn and beans have been harvested. The yields are poor in all plots
Crop Corn Beans
Yield per ½ acres 4 bags 2 tins

3. Discussion about the farming season
There has been management issues of the plot. The spacing was wider and replanting was not done. We told them that they need to improve plots management next faming season. We can not assess the performance of the crop varieties we are introducing here because the yields have not been better. There should be a clear plan of how to take care of the plot next year.

Comments/questions
 The second head mistress promised to improve management and follow up of the way the plots are handled. The teacher responsible will be appointed and students will be assign special task.

Conclusion
We visited the construction site of the school. A lot of constructions seem to go on here. We went to the newly constructed dinning hall and to the kitchen were crops are stored ready to be used for students meals. We asked them to do a good job next farming season.

Bomalang'ombe Sec.School --Trinity, Stillwater --CVP Visit June 14-2011

2009 CVP
Companion Village Project
5th Visit Year Two
June 14, 2011


Village Bomalang’ombe Secondary School
Pastor Batista Lyandala
Companion Trinity Lutheran, Stillwater
Attendees 27 Students
Weather for the past month Dry
Institute staff Gabriel, Don and Karen

Most of the students are in Holiday. The school has form IV students who have remained in the school for the national examination preparation. We conducted demonstrations and leave instructions with them.
Purpose of the visit
• Explain and demonstrate how to take yield measurement
Topics
1. Greetings
Don delivered greetings from Trinity - Stillwater, Saint Paul Area Synod and US Ag Advisory Committee. He spoke about the importance of getting the right yield measurements and explained why they are highly needed.
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 miter tape, we used spray paint to mark the demarcations within which the measurements should be taken.

Plots information
Corn and beans are still in the field. They are matured and dried but not dried enough to be harvested. We told them the spacing in their field is very wide, not as recommended. This will significantly reduce the yields they are going to get. We told them we do insist close follow up of the instructions because we want them to learn from the field and the harvest.

Conclusions
We gave them instructions handouts. We told them to follow the instructions. They should use this opportunity to learn about farming so that they can go and practice with their parents when they go back to the villages.

Bomalang'ombe Sec.School --Trinity, Stillwater --CVP Visit Jan 17-2011

2008 CVP
Companion Village Project
4th Visit, Year Three
January 17, 2011

School Bomalang’ombe Secondary School
Headmaster Batista Lyandala
Companion Trinity Lutheran, Stillwater, MN
Attendees Ag Teacher and 30 students
Ag Institute Staff Gabriel and Pastor Mang’ulisa

This is the day when the school is opened here. Most of the students are still in vacation. We met with small group of students and conducted the demonstration with them. They have a new headmaster. The former one has gone to Tumaini University for further studies.

Purpose of the visit
• Bean planting demonstration
• Fertilizer applications demonstration
• Bean seeds and fertilizers delivery

Topics
1. Going through handout with attendees
 4th Visit handout
2. Demonstrations
It was demonstrated on how to plant beans in the appropriate spacing and fertilizer application. It was also demonstrated on how to do fertilizer second application in corn.
3. Delivery
Type/Variety Amount
Bean seeds Urafiki 30kg
Fertilizers NPK 2 bags
CAN 2 bags
Pesticides Thionex ½ Litre

4. Plots
Corn
The plot is about 200m down the hill. We could not get to the plot this time because it started raining. They said the corn is about 1 foot tall and they are doing great. We gave them the pesticides to control pests eating leaves.
Bean
Will be planted in February

Comments
 They asked us how can they improve yield in their families as their parents get low yield in spite of working so hard in the farms
Yield in the farms can be improved by
1. Using improved seeds and planting at the right time in appropriate spacing
2. Using fertilizers (industrial or non-industrial fertilizers) according to the recommendations
3. Proper control of diseases and pests (that include weeding)
 How many times should someone apply pesticides?
We recommend that pesticides should be apply as soon as pests or damages in the field are detected
 How many times should they apply fertilizers in bean farms?
In the bean farms we recommend a single fertilizer application. Beans are leguminous plants hence they are able to fix nitrogen from the atmosphere. A single application is enough for the plant to grow and yield beans.
 In some of the places they have seen their parents mixing the two types of fertilizers (Urea and CAN) for the second fertilizer application. Is this appropriate?
Both Urea and CAN are nitrogenous fertilizers. We do not recommend mixing them because just a single type of this fertilizer can work fine and help plants to grow and yield high.

Conclusion

We delivered seeds and fertilizers and encouraged them to do a better job and learn from the demonstration plots. The Ag teacher promised to supervise them and make sure the techniques are properly followed.

Bomalang'ombe Sec.School CVP Visit Oct 27, 2010 - Trinity, Stillwater

2008 CVP
Companion Village Project
3rd Visit, Year Three
October 27, 2010
School Bomalang’ombe Secondary School
Headmaster Michael Mkinga
Companion Trinity Lutheran, Still water
Attendees Headmaster, Ag Teacher and about 44 students
Ag Institute Staff Gabriel, Fred and Pastor Mang’ulisa

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

When we arrive here we met 6 members of the Trinity, Still water (USA) who are here working on the Laboratory, classrooms and school hall projects. Tom Thiets introduce us to the rest of the group. We had a short talk with them then we went to the school hall for the demonstrations.
Greetings
Before we began the demonstration, Fred 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 took a walk down to the plot. We demonstrated on how to place seeds (Both corn and beans) and how to apply fertilizers. We insisted that they should not place seeds and fertilizers together.

Seeds and fertilizers
We delivered 2 bags of NPK and 4 bags of seeds (H6303)
Crop Seeds Fertilizer
Varieties Amount Type Amount
Corn H6303 8kg (4 bags) NPK 100kg (2 bags)

Questions/comments from the students
 Why we do not recommend cow manure for the second application?
• Manure decompose slowly to release nutrients
• Do not have as much nitrogen as industrial fertilizers
 Is NPK suitable for other crops other than corn?
Yes, NPK can be applied in almost all crops according to the nutrients’ requirement of the particular crop. We will use NPK while planting beans too.
 Why is it recommended to use Minjingu phosphate with other fertilizers in the first application?
A Minjingu phosphate has high content of Phosphorus only. Other fertilizers are required to supply Nitrogen and Potassium which are not available in Minjingu phosphates. In the demonstration plot we will not use Minjingu phosphates; we will use NPK for the 1st application.
 Why do we discourage intercropping?
Intercropping is discouraged because we do not want plant competition. When we plant more than one crop in the field, plants compete for nutrients, moisture and sunlight.
 Some of the farms in these areas have been facing nematodes problem where by the nematodes destroy the plant roots and cause plants to die. How can they solve this problem?
• Use nematicides available in the shops
• Practice crop rotation to cut off the generation cycle of the pests
• Use certified improved seed varieties
 How to determine nutrients availability in the soil?
Nutrients availability in the soil is determined by conducting soil analysis. We took soil samples from this area and we have already conducted the soil analysis. Moreover, by looking at the conditions of the plants (leaf color) one can determine the nutrients availability in the soil
 We have just conducted soil analysis in one part of the village, how about other areas? How are they going to know the nutrients availability in those areas?
We picked one area to take the soil samples. We believe that that area represents the soil type of the whole village.
 In this area, they farm potatoes. How are they going to control the fungi disease in potatoes?
• Practice crop rotation
• Use fungicides to control the disease
 The headmaster asked us, how the farmers can avoid risks and uncertainty
• Use certified seeds (with reliable germination percent)
• Plant on time
• Practice crop rotations to get rid of the pests and diseases
However farmers can buy insurances to help when the condition become unfavorable for crops (this service is not yet practiced in Tanzania.

Conclusion
We encourage students to follow all the instructions as we give them. We told them we are expecting a better job this farming season.

Bomalang’ombe Secondary School July 16, 2010

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

School Bomalang’ombe Secondary School
Headmaster Michael Mkinga
Companion Trinity Lutheran, Still water
Attendees The Ag Teacher and about 200 students
Weather Dry and cold
Reporter Gabriel, Ibrahim, Rev. Mang’ulisa
Purposes of the visit
• To collect the yield measurement
• To deliver grain storage pesticides “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
Corn has not been harvested yet. They have harvested beans plot only. Beans were harvested very early before even the 5th visit. They said they did that to prevent pods being damaged by rain.
Amounts in bags/plot
( ½ Acre) Yield in 10m in 3 lines( For further analysis) Remarks
Corn Litres 5 2.3 2.5 Corn rotting,
No. of plants 27 14 15 Poor spacing, birds
Beans 1 bag 1tin Litres 0.75 0.5 1 Good seed
No. of plants 40 25 70

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 seasons
Corn plot
There were poor germination and delay of replanting. The spacing was not properly followed. We demonstrate to the students how these have dramatically reduced the yield of their demonstration plot. Failure to control birds (Crows) has also reduced the crops harvested.

Lessons
• Corn and beans: The improved and certified seeds planted were good. They have learned the importance of following spacing and how to use pesticides to control leaf eating insects and how to apply fertilizers. The techniques taught on how to control birds were interesting. They promised to follow the instructions next farming season.

Conclusion
We visited their corn plot and insisted that they should remember to follow the instructions and to plant on time. We insisted that what we are doing now in the demonstration plot should be considered as a lesson to them and knowledge which should be passed to their parents.

Bomalang'ombe Secondary School - CVP Report May 10-2010

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

School Bomalang’ombe Secondary School
Headmaster Michael Mkinga
Companion Trinity Lutheran, Still water
Attendees Headmaster, The Ag Teacher, Teacher on duty and form II&IV students
Weather Still rain but not often
Reporter Gabriel, Ibrahim, Rev. Mang’ulisa

We met with students in the newly constructed school hall. We had form II and form IV students. The headmaster told us that these students have been selected to take care of the demonstration plots

Purposes of the visit
• Instructing how to take yield measurements
• To deliver a tin and Liter for yield measurement

Topics
1. Rain records
We checked the records and write down in our note book for analysis.
2. Review of Handouts
o 5th visit handout was reviewed
o Yield measurement sheet was reviewed and two copies were provided for yields recording.
3. Demonstration
It was demonstrated how to take the yields in 10m in different three rows. We told them to record the number of plants (and of ears for corn) and volume in liters in the yield sheets provided. To get good comparison, we asked them to do the same in one of the neighbor’s plot(s).
Plots
Corn plot
We visited the corn plot. There is big problem of birds (crows). Two reasons might cause this
I. It is an isolated plot
II. Crows come to the school to eat food leftovers, now they have been moving to the plot to eat matured corn
We taught them the birds control techniques; - tying bright strips and hanging the dead crows to scare the birds. We told them that they should consider this as the learning subject (bird control subject). The Ag teacher told us that some of the bean plants have been affected by what seems like fungal disease; we told them that there chemical to control that disease, they would have consulted us at the beginning of the occurrence of the disease.
Bean plot
They are now harvesting beans and spread them on the ground for drying. Since it is still raining, we told them that that was good idea to avoid rotten of beans due to continuous rainfall

Comments/questions from audience
 The Ag teacher told us that they had the armyworms infestation but the pesticides we gave them in our 4th visit (Thionex) helped to control the pests. However he was wondering why the beans showed the symptoms of nitrogen deficiency in their early stage (yellow coloration) in spite of been applied NPK at the planting
We told them that that we are not sure what the problem was, but since the yellowish disappeared, the NPK applied at the planting supplied enough nitrogen needed.
 Students asked why other people use booster (liquid nitrogen) in their bean farm and why we did not use booster in the demonstration plot
We told them that booster (liquid fertilizer) is used to supply nitrogen to the bean plants that is why soon after applying it the bean leaves turn into deep green. Some people use booster instead of NPK or other nitrogenous fertilizer. Sometimes for some reasons bean plants cannot fix nitrogen as they are suppose to and they turn yellow, people will use booster to supply the nitrogen needed. However booster was not used in the demonstration plot because we used NPK which of course together with other P and K it also supplies N as booster.
 They asked why they were not required to do the second application of fertilizer in the bean plot as they did in the corn plot
We told them; beans do fix nitrogen using bacteria living in the bean root nodules.

Conclusions/Recommendations
We visited the demonstration plot, as we were at the plot we saw a group of crows descending to the plot. We told the students to start using bird scaring techniques as soon as possible. The headmaster told us the students will go to work in the farm after we leave. We delivered one tin and one liter for taking yield measurements.

Bomalang'ombe Secondary School - CVP Report Jan 15-2010

2009 CVP
Companion Village Project
Visit Report
4rd visit Year One
January 21, 2010

School Bomalang’ombe Secondary School
Headmaster Michael Mkinga
Companion Trinity Lutheran, Stillwater
Attendees Headmaster, Ass. Headmaster, Teacher on duty and About 100 students
Reporter Gabriel Malima

We met the Head master in his office. Students were taking tea break. After the break we started a meeting with about 100 students and three teachers.

Purpose of the visit
• Bean planting and fertilizer application demonstrations
• Bean seeds, fertilizer and pesticide delivery
Topics
1. Plot and rain records
We could not check these records because the teacher responsible for keeping the box file was not present. We told them we would like to see the file in every visit we are making; hence they should make sure they have it in our next visit.
2. Review of Handouts
o 4th visit handout was reviewed
3. Demonstrations
These demonstrations were carried out in the corn plot before the students and teachers.
I. Beans
It was demonstrated how to measure inter row spacing (30cm) and intra row spacing (10cm). String was used to make trench and in the trench bean seeds were placed 10cm apart. Fertilizer was placed 5cm from the seeds. Both seed and fertilizer were covered.
II. Corn
It was demonstrated how to do second application of fertilizer in the corn. Two holes were made 5cm from the plant and fertilizer was put then covered. We told them to do this when the plants are knee high.
III. Pesticides
We instructed them how to use Thionex for controlling plant damaging insects.
4. Fertilizers bean seeds and pesticides
We deliver 4 bags of NPK for bean plot and 3 bags of Urea for corn. The bean seed variety delivered is “Uyole 96” (60kg) . We left one bottle of Thionex pesticide and small sprayer.

Comments/questions from audience
 Most of the corn seeds they planted did not germinate, what was the problem?
I told them successfully germination requires 3 things
1) Healthy seeds (which I am sure we delivered)
2) Moisture
3) Oxygen
I asked them what the weather was like at the time they planted, they said after planted the rain stopped for about two weeks. I told them insufficient moisture is likely to cause that problem. However according to the instructions we gave them in our last visit they were suppose to replant within one week after the beginning of germination. They said they did that but the germination was poor again!
 In case of the failed germinated, should they use fertilizer again when replanting seeds?
No, since the fertilizer of the first application is still in the soil, they do not have to use fertilizer again.
 Last year the beans matured too early and hence they were rotten due to continuous rainfall, how are they going to solve that problem this year?
I told they this year we are going to give them a bean seed variety which is suitable to their area. Moreover it has been purchased in a trusted source. We believe it will tolerate their weather.
 How are they going to deal with the armyworms breakout? They said they have just heard that there have been armyworms outbreaks in nearby villages.
I told them that in case of an armyworms breakout or any other incidence of pests, the important thing is to control in early stage before there is severe damage. We are going to give them pesticide “Thionex”. They should spray to their plots.
 At the time of the maturity, they sometimes face the problem of coldness/chilling and this can damage crops, is there any type of chemical they can spray to the plants to prevent damage?
I told them the only way to prevent damage to the crops is to plant varieties which are tolerant to that kind of weather. We have tried to deliver the corn seeds and bean seeds of the varieties which are tolerant to their weather.


Conclusions/Recommendations
I visited their corn plot, it does not look nice. In most parts of the farm seeds did not germinate. Those which germinated are now tall plants; they are nearly reaching knee high. I asked the teacher if they replanted as we instructed them, he said they did, but germination was poor for the second time. I saw the signs of the replanting in the places where there was no germination. Moreover I noticed in some part of the plot that the spacing was a little bit wider than what we instructed them. I told them this will significantly reduce the yields. I insisted the importance of following our instructions. I told them we now expect better job in the bean plot. Headmaster said he will supervise himself to insure that. I told the students that what we are doing is teaching them modern farming techniques because we believe they can carry the knowledge back to their homes. They should work hard and do things correctly without supervision.

NB:
• 1 bag of NPK is 50kg and 1 bag of Urea is 50kg

Bomalang'ombe Secondary School CVP Visit-Nov 3-09

2009 CVP
Companion Village Project
Visit Report
November 03, 2009


School Bomalang’ombe Secondary School
Headmaster Michael Mkinga
Companion Trinity Lutheran, Still water
Attendees Ass. Headmaster, Discipline Master, Two other teachers and About 300 students
Weather for the past month Sunny and dry
Reporters Gabriel Malima and Phil Larsen


We did not get the seeds (H 6303) today. We placed an order at the shop in Iringa but they have been unable to deliver despite repeated promises. The shopkeeper told us we will get them this morning, however, this morning she told us she lost communication with the truck shipping the seeds from Mbeya. We had to move on with our visits and will send the seed by bus to the villages when it arrives.

Purpose of the visit
• Planting and fertilizer application demonstrations
• To deliver seed and fertilizer
Topics
1. Greetings
Phil delivered greetings from Trinity Lutheran, [Stillwater], Saint Paul Area Synod and US Advisory Committee
2. We went through the handouts
o Fertilizer needs template
o Plant population handout
o Fertilizer application handout
3. Demonstrations
It was demonstrated how to measure inter row spacing (60cm) and intra row seed spacing (20cm). Using a string and a hand hoe, it was demonstrated how to plant and apply fertilizer. One seed was placed every 20 cm and a bottle capful of fertilizer was placed 5 cm. away on each of the seed .
4. Fertilizer and seed delivery
According to the analysis of the soil samples of this area, types of fertilizer recommended are NPK (10-18-24) and CAN (27-0-0). The school was given 2 bags of NPK, however since it has 1 ½ acre plot, it was supposed to be given 6 NPK bags. We told them we shall give an additional fertilizer to the headmaster/ Ass. Headmaster when he comes to Iringa town with the school car. We shall do the same with the seed H 6303. CAN will be delivered later for application when the plants are knee high.

Comments/questions from audience
 Students were surprised that we recommend 4 bags of NPK per acre. At home they only use 2 bags
We told them the recommendations we are giving them are based on the soil analysis we conducted and the spacing we are using for corn which are 60cm by 20cm.
 Students asked, if a person follows all the instructions we give them how many bags of corn will he/she get?
We told them once all instructions are followed, one acre should be able to give 25 bags of corn with adequate rainfall.
 They asked if they have fertilizer remaining after application in a specific area (i.e. one acre) what should they do with it.
We told them all fertilizer should be used in the given area as recommended, i.e. 4 bags of NPK per acre. After application using the bottle cap the remaining fertilizer in the bag should be spread evenly in the same field.
 They were wondering whether they should add fertilizer at the time of replanting when there is no germination
We told them at the time of replanting they should not add more fertilizer because fertilizer from the first application will still be present in the soil
 After being told that Phil is the Plant pathology Professor, one student wanted to know what the black substances were that he has been seen on the tassels at his family farm –is it a disease or disorder and how can it be prevented.
 Phil told them that the black substance is probably caused by a plant disease
called corn smut and can be prevented by using smut resistant varieties when
available.

Conclusions/Recommendations
We had very large audience which was very responsive and attentive. Many students wanted to participate in the project and help with the demonstration plot.


NB:
• 1 bag of NPK is 50kg and 1 bag of seed is 2kg
• Seed and other 4 bags of NPK were transported to the school on November 15, 2009. We could not get the H 6303, instead we deliver H 614.

Bomalang'ombe Secondary School-Trinity, Stillwater

2009 CVP
2nd visit, September 30, 2009

Place
Bomalang’ombe Secondary School
Supervisors
Headmaster, Self reliance teacher and other 3 teachers
Companion
Trinity Lutheran, Stillwater, MN
Attendees
About 300 students

The meeting started with an introduction followed by the discussion about the performance of the last year plots in the headmaster’s office. Their partner congregation provided them with fertilizers and seed. They had 1.5 acres of corn and they end up getting 8 bags. The school was not timely in taking care of the plots because the school schedule conflicted with the need for work in the field. This year the ag teacher is working to have the group of students taking care of the plot instead of depending on all the students for labor. Question; will they have a 1.5 acre plot like last year? (Support?)
The meeting with the whole gathering of students was conducted in the classroom

Review
The handouts were reviewed
· DIRA – Institute of agriculture agreement
· CVP Plot record of events
· CVP plot management FAQs.
Demonstration
It was demonstrated how to measure an acre using actual length measurements (63.5m by 63.5m) instead of using pacing (70 by 70). The Rain gauge and a recording sheet were given to the ag teacher, It was explained the advantages of having rain records, where to place the rain gauge and how and when to read it (after every 24hours). Students had many questions; time was not enough to get all of them! They wanted to know if they are not going to burn the crop residues how are they going to control the pests. Why is not advised to use more than once some kind of improved seeds, where the results of the soil analysis from their soil we took and what will be the use of that. After answering their questions, the headmaster stood up asked them to save their next questions for the next visit. Since the school had a demonstration plot last year, there was no need of measuring the new one.

Bomalang’ombe Secondary School - 1st Visit

March 2, 2009
Village: Bomalang’ombe Secondary School
Pastor: Michael Mkenywa - Headmaster
Companion: Trinity, Stillwater
Elevation: ~1,800 meters
Attendees: Teachers

Ibrahim, Godwin, Alfred and I left at 7:00 AM for Bomalang’ombe. It took about 3 hours to get there. Our first stop was the secondary school. Even though they had an “unofficial” plot in 2008, they will be considered as part of the 2009 group. The headmaster, Pastor Michael Mkinywa, was not there, but we went through the material with a few of the teachers. Lugene Gilbert the Self Reliance Teacher seemed to be in charge of this project.

Shortly after we got there it started to rain, so we had to walk to the plot under umbrellas to take the soil samples. The corn that had been planted in 2008 looked pretty good, although the plants were spaced too far apart. The second application of fertilizer to the corn had been made. They had not planted the beans yet, and were waiting until later in March, which is common for that area.

We reviewed the 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

Driving to town from the secondary school was the first time I’ve seen where one had to use four wheel drive to do downhill. There are some steep hills on the edge of steep hills that require careful manipulation.

Photo links: http://www.flickr.com/photos/21557421@N08/sets/72157615035756445/detail/