Idegenda - Pyrethrum Co of Tanzania - CVP Visit Report - June 25-2013

TUMAINI UNIVERSITY – IRINGA UNIVERSITY COLLEGE INSTITUTE OF AGRICULTURE ompanion Village Project Visit Report 5th Visit 2nd year June 25, 2013. Village Idegenda Parish Pastor Peter Kikoti Companion The Pyrethrum Company of Tanzania Attendees 10 Weather Dry and cold Reporters Gabriel and Venance We arrived late in the afternoon after teaching and a hard drive from Ilogombe; still we met a good number of attendees at Idegenda waiting to have the lesson. 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 change 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 This parish has plots of corn, beans and pyrethrum. Unfortunately we arrived there late and we did not get enough time to visit their plots. We depended much on the information we got from the parish members who said all the plots were doling well. Comments The parishioners asked many questions about agrochemicals use and persistence. Some of the important questions include: Question: How to mix the shumba pesticide that we gave them. Solution: We demonstrated how to mix shumba pesticide with the shelled corn for storage and showed how it can be dusted on crop stored in cobs. Question: How long can the pesticide keep the crop out of pests? Answer: Reading the instructions on the pesticide container showed that the pesticide can keep the grain for at least 12 months. We advised farmers to read instructions whenever they get agrochemicals and take care of the precautions. Conclusion The parishioners seemed attentive and eager of learning of more methods of farming.

Idegenda Visit Report - July 24-2012

2012 CVP CompanionVillage Project 6th Visit Year Two July 24th, 2012 Village Idegenda Pastor Peter Kikoti Companion The Pyrethrum Company of Tanzania Attendees 13 Weather for the past month Dry and Cold Reporters Rev. Mang’ulisa, Pongolan and Venance Purposes of the visit • To collect the yield measurement • To deliver Fertilizers and seed for the coming season • End of season discussion and planning for the next farming season Topics 1. Review of the handouts • 6th Visit instruction handout • Yield recording sheet • CVP -3rd Plant population • 3rd & 4th Visit Instructions combined 2. Harvesting The Parishioners had planted beans only because they were late for planting corn. Therefore, they had harvested beans. The bean yield was very little and they said they planted it late. Crop Corn Beans Yield per ½ acres - 3 tins 3. Delivery We delivered Fertilizers and bean seeds for the next planting season. We also delivered a spray pump for spraying chemicals against insects and diseases. Fertilizers Seed Equipment Type Quantity Variety Quantity Type Quantity NPK 10:18:24 2 Bags Beans Uyole 96 30 kg Spray pump (16L) 1 CAN 27:0:0 2 Bags NB: Two more bags of NPK to be supplied before the end of August for beans at planting 4. Discussion about the coming farming season: We advised the Parishioners to find a local variety of corn for planting in the demonstration plot since the hybrids tend to rot in this area. We spent a lot of time describing the new farming methods which the Institute introduces to the CVP to improve crop productivity since it was like they are just beginning to learn and they asked many questions about the farming methods. We answered the questions accordingly and they showed a great interest in the new farming methods. Comments/questions  The Parishioners were happy that they have received the inputs and instructions at the right time because their planting season is August – September.  We advised them to put the CVP for corn /beans at a place which can be seen with the church members as well as other villagers so that they can learn and practice in their own plots.  We advised them to work seriously on the pyrethrum plot by preparing the nursery bed and the plot on time so that they will be able to plant on time. The Pastor had attended the pyrethrum meeting at Mafinga recently; therefore, he takes a lead in mobilizing the other members to work seriously.  We asked them about bee keeping and they said they have plenty of land and good environment for producing high quality honey. A few members of the parish said they keep bees locally in clay pots and they harvest a little quantity of honey for sale and domestic consumption. Conclusion We anticipate the CVP will do well and the farmers will adopt the new farming methods which they have been taught because the pastor and members of the church showed a great interest and thirst in farming.