Ifuwa - Lord of Life

TUMAINI UNIVERSITY – IRINGA UNIVERSITY COLLEGE INSTITUTE OF AGRICULTURE Companion Village Project Visit Report 5th Visit 3rd year June 12, 2013. Village Ifuwa Parish Pastor Gervas Nziku Companion Lord of Life Lutheran Attendees 03 adults and 7 children Weather Dry and cool Reporters Gabriel, Rev. Mangu’lisa, and Venance Introduction It was sad to see scanty corn crop in a greater part of Ifuwa and the neighboring villages. This part of the region had insufficient rain and when we visited last time we saw corn plants wilting. Surprisingly, the situation was quite different at Kidilo, the preaching point of Ifuwa situated at the top of the mountain where the CVP plot is, the crops had done quite well. 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 Plots information Corn was harvested and stored in the church but unshelled. The crop looked well; a few parishioners and the pastor including surrounding children were very happy of their bumper harvest. The bean crop was dry still in the field not yet harvested. The crop looked scanty despite the good spacing which was properly followed. Many plants died during the growing process, it is likely that the rain stopped before grain filling. Questions/Comments The parishioners comment was that the corn and bean seed provided to them was good We advised them to harvest the beans quickly because dry pods were splitting open and bean seeds were dropping onto the ground. Conclusion They have done a great job and they are happy of it. They look forward to do more of it next season.

Ifuwa - CVP Visit Report - Feb 11-2013

2013 CVP Companion Village Project 4th Visit Year Three February 11, 2013 Village Ifuwa Pastor Gervas Nziku Companion Lord of Life Lutheran Attendees 07 Weather for the past month Hot and dry Ag Institute staff Location GPS read. Ibrahim , Mang’ulisa, Msonde and Venance 07046.528S 036017.861E 1409m asl Introduction As we approached Ifuwa village we saw corn plants in a critical wilting condition after a dry spell for more than two weeks. Fortunately the demo plot is at Kidilo which is a preaching point. This preaching point is on the process to become a full parish. The corn there has been receiving rain frequently and was in good condition. 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 All these were discussed to remind them because most of them had passed except the last one. 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 and bean Plots discussion Corn was planted on December 19 and 20, 2012. A few plants were destroyed by insect pests, but generally the plants looked good and well-spaced. The plot was well weeded. The parishioners believe the hybrid corn seed H614 can do better in their area. Beans will be planted in later in the month. We left an insecticide called thionex for them to apply against the insect pests which were destroying corn plants. Questions/Comments from Audience The attendees asked a few questions on bean diseases and answers were provided. The Pastor wants the good farming methods to reach the other preaching points and he has given part of the bean harvested from the plot to the preaching points as seed. Msonde took some time to elaborate about fertilizers and attendees were happy to learn more on fertilizers Conclusion This parish has an opportunity to do well especially on corn which was already growing well. There is a good progress since they moved the plot up to Kidilo. Sponsoring congregation may consider the thought of extending the demo plot to the preaching points proposed by the pastor who seems interested and works hard.

Ifuwa - CVP Report Oct 11-2012

2012 Companion Village Project 3rd Visit, Year Three October 11, 2012 Village Ifuwa Pastor/Evangelist Gervas Nziku Companion Lord of Life Lutheran Attendees 07 Weather for the past month Dry and Sunny Reporters Rev. Mang’ulisa, Pongolan, and Venance Ifuwa is among the distantly located villages and the road conditions are not reliable especially during the rainy season, we had to deliver corn and bean seeds this time of the year. Upon our arrival, there were some seven attendees waiting to begin the meeting in the pastor’s house. We started the meeting soon after arrival. Purposes of the visit: • To demonstrate planting of corn and beans and fertilizer applications. • To deliver corn seeds, bean seeds and fertilizers Topics 1. Review of the handouts • 3rd Visit Instruction • Plant population with 60 cm. rows and Fertilizer applications • Fertilizer needs template 2. Demonstration: Planting and fertilizer applications Ifuwa village is having the CVP for the third time, 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 at planting.. 3. Rainfall record sheets We gave them the rainfall record sheets and insisted that they should continue recording the amount of rain that falls. 4. Delivery We delivered corn seeds, bean seeds and fertilizers as indicated in the table below Item Corn Beans Fertilizers for corn Fertilizers for beans Variety H 625 and H614 Uyole 98 YaraMila cereal YaraMila Winner Amount 2 bags and 2bags 40kg 2 bags 2 bags Conclusion The Pastor and the parishioners were actively involved and asked a good number of questions pertaining to the new fertilizers. Based on their last season’s performance , we hope that they will produce more crops in the next season and many of them will begin copying the good farming practices that we teach them.

Ifuwa CVP Visit Report - Aug 15-2012

2010 CVP Companion Village Project 6th Visit Year Two August 15, 2012 Village Ifuwa Pastor Gervas Nziku Companion Lord of Life Lutheran Attendees 04 Weather Dry Reporters Gabriel and Pastor Mang’ulisa There is a village meeting about village social and economic development. Almost all villagers have gone to attend the meeting. Four church leaders have remained behind to meet us. We told them that what we are going to training them and discuss should be passed to the other parish members in the coming Sunday service. Purposes • 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 already been harvested Crop Corn Beans Yield per ½ acres 6 bags* 2 bag 5tins *1 bag = 7 tins (plastics) 3. Storage: We had short discussion on crop storage and marketing. We trained them on marketing of the food crops. Food crops should be stored for domestic uses and excess can be sold in the month when crop prices are highest. We trained them how to mix grain storage pesticide “shumba” and the appropriate volume of grain per bottle recommended. 4. The past farming season Bean Plot There is improvement of the performance of the demo plots after being moved to a new location. The incidents of termites have not reported and the yields have increase. The variety introduced is good and yield higher than local variety. Corn Plot The harvest is higher than that obtained last year. However, we told them they can still get higher than that in that small area. At least now the villagers can learn something from the demo plot. They want to try another corn variety. We will try to get another variety to test here. 5. Adoption Pastor said that, since there is improvement in the demo plots, many people are growing interest to learn more on the farming techniques applied. Comments/questions:  How should we mix storage pesticides with corn or beans? Use a flat hard surface. Put small amount of corn then mix well with the pesticides. Use 200gm to 3 bags of corn or beans. Make sure the pesticide has not expired.  Pastor said that training through demonstration plots is good and something the parish members like. He hopes his parish will highly benefit from this program. He is optimistic with the new location of the plots and insists that there will be improvement next season and many people will learn from the plots. Conclusion We told them that we expect more improvement next year. We will deliver the seeds and fertilizers October. The plots should be well prepared by then. The new plots location seems to be ideal for the demonstrations though is located to the preaching point.

Ifuwa-CVP Visit Report-Apr 24-2012

2012 CVP Companion Village Project Visit Report 5th Visit 2nd year April 24, 2012. Village Ifuwa parish Pastor Gervas Nziku Companion Lord of Life Lutheran Attendees 9 Weather Cloudy and moist 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, tassels from plants within the 10m were removed to mark them for easy identification at the time of harvesting. Plots information Corn does not look very good. The space between lines and between plants is much wider than the recommended; number of plants may be close to expected since the size of the plot looked bigger than half an acre. The plot was weedy. The corn is mature but not yet dry. It will take about two months to completely dry. Beans are close to flowering stage. Bean plants are not in lines and it will be difficult to get the right number of plants in a 10m row. Comments They moved their corn plot away from where they had it last year to get away from termites. There is a big improvement when compared to last year’s performance; they will have a bigger harvest than last year although the harvest will be below the CVP target. They seem to be hard workers and the Pastor is active and seems to be committed. Conclusion We told them to continue weeding until when the corn is about to be harvested. We also advised them to adhere to the planting of corn at a spacing of 60cm between lines and 20cm between plants, 30cm between lines and 10 cm between bean plants.

Ifuwa - Lord of Life, Maple Grove - CVP Visit July 28-2011

2010 CVP
Companion Village Project
Visit Report
6th Visit 1st year
July, 28 2011

Village Ifuwa
Pastor Gervas Nziku
Companion Lord of Life Lutheran
Attendees 6
Weather Sunny
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 harvested corn and shelled ,beans were not yet harvested. The corn yield was very low than what we expected of not less than 15 bags of corn in half an acre.

Crop Corn Beans
Yield per ½ acres 7 Tins and 15 Litters

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.
4. Discussion about the farming season
They had low yield this season because of the problems they faces during the growing season. They got very low rainfall during the season and another thing was the termites eating corn plants on the field. They are planning to plant beans this time of the year.
5. Adaptation
3 attendees said they started to practice some of the techniques we have been teaching them. They have seen yield increase on those plots compared to those grown using their own ways of farming.

Comments/questions
They requested to move the plot to the preaching point for next season because it will help to escape from termites as most of termiticide doesn’t control them permanently.

Conclusion
We encouraged them to do better next farming season. We told them the plot management is highly emphasized for the success of the whole program in their parish.

Ifuwa - Lord of Life, Maple Grove - CVP Visit May 30, 2011

2010 CVP
Companion Village Project
Visit Report
5th Visit 1st year
May, 30 2011
Village Ifuwa
Pastor Gervas Nziku
Companion Lord of Life Lutheran
Attendees 8
Weather Sunny
Reporters Nafeti, Mang’ulisa and Pongolani

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

Topics
Pastor Lunodzo Mang’ulisa introduced the Ag. Institute staff and went on with the greetings from the Iringa diocese.

Review of the handouts
• 5th Visit handout
• Yield recording sheet
• Rain record sheets to know the amount of rain received during this season

Demonstrations
We measured the 10 m row and counted the number of plants (in three different locations within the demonstration plot) for the number of corn ears and yield determination, this was demonstrated by using a meter tape, and the spray paint to mark the demarcations within which number of corn ears and yield information should be obtained.

Plots Information.
With corn plot they have problems with termites eating the corn stalk and ears. They tried to spray different termiticides without success. There is a new termiticide in the market know as dragnet which we plan to test its effectiveness in order to solve the problem. Beans are not yet planted and they plan to plant in July

Comments
They think of moving the plot to the preaching point in order to escape the problem with termites.
We told them the important of having demo plot in the same area for three years which will allow accumulation of organic matter. On the other end if they think it will be necessary to move the plot they should find an area which people are passing by. Also in order to solve the problem with termites we plan to test the new termiticide (Dragnet)

Conclusion

We insisted them to collect the data as we instructed them to do.

Ifuwa - Lord of Life, Maple Grove - CVP Visit Feb 2-2011

2010 CVP
Companion Village Project
Visit Report
4rd Visit 1st year
February 2, 2011

Village Ifuwa
Pastor Gervas Nziku
Companion Lord of Life, Maple Grove
Attendees Male 1 Female 1
Weather Sunny
Reporters Nafeti, Roger, Michael Onesimo 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

Review of the handouts
• They had a problem in a village, the primary school was damaged by termites and the village leaders called a work day to rebuild it. Because of the community work they were not able to attend except the pastor and the primary school head teacher. We give them instructions regarding fertilizer application and bean planting and they will teach other members.

• Delivery: The inputs below were given for further use.

Type/Variety Amount
Bean seeds Uyole 96 40 kg
Fertilizers NPK 2 bags
CAN 2 bags
Pesticides Thionex ½ Litre
Sprayer pump Knapsack Capacity: 5Litre

Corn;
We measured the spacing between lines and within plants and found that they had not followed the recommended spacing plan. The corn plants were ready for 2nd fertilizer application and told them to apply as soon as possible.

Bean;
Beans are not yet planted they will be planted in March.




Question

Pastor asked question on the how to use the sprayer and the problem with termites on the corn field.
We explained how to use the sprayer and that the termites can be controlled by regular weeding and keeping the field clean. Alternatively you can apply pesticide to kill the termites. Though at present the government has banned the pesticide which was in use and we have to wait for a new release.

Conclusion

Before doing the 2nd fertilizer application and bean planting, the pastor and the primary school teacher will demonstrate to participants before undertaking the activities.

Ifuwa - CVP Report Oct 6-2010

2010 CVP
Companion Village Project
Visit Report Year One
2nd Visit
October 6, 2010

Village Ifuwa
Pastor Gervas Nziku
Companion Lord of Life, Maple Grove
Attendees 17
Weather Dry
Reporters Gabriel, Nafeti, Don and Rev. Lunodzo

Purpose of the visit
• Measuring the demonstration plots
• Delivering rain gauge, seeds and fertilizers
• Demonstrating corn planting and fertilizer applications

This is another long distant parish we have in the program. Since we are not sure with the condition of the road during the rainy season, we carry with us seeds and fertilizers to deliver (We normally do this in the 3rd visit). Since the church is still under constructions, we had to conduct the demonstration in other place. Thanks to the Headmistress of the nearby the Primary school who invited us to conduct a demonstration meeting in the school.
Greetings
Before we began the demonstration, Don 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
o 2nd Visit Instructions
o DIRA and Institute of Agriculture Village Plot Agreement
o Plot Management FAQs
Demonstrations
o Rain gauge
We told them we need to know the annual rainfall of their place. We instructed them how to record rain using a rain gauge. One set of rain gauge was handed to the pastor.
o Plots
The land the parish planned to use for the demonstration plot have been taken back by the owner. The other parish’s land is far away from the village. The Parish requested the land from the nearby primary school and the Headmistress accepted the request. We insisted that the school should be aware that this land will be used for three years. We went with them to this land and together we measured the 1acre plot using miter tape. We measured two ½ acres plots, one for corn and another one for beans.
o Planting and fertilizer applications
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. There should be at least 5cm from each other.
o Seeds and fertilizers
We delivered 2 bags of NPK for corn and 2 bags of NPK for beans. Moreover we delivered corn and bean seeds

Crop Seeds Fertilizer
Varieties Amount Type Amount
Corn H614 8kg NPK 100kg (2 bags)
Beans Uyole 96 30kg NPK 100kg (2 bags)


Comments
 They asked us we have told them not to burn the crop residues after harvesting, how are they going to control the termites?
We told them that there is a pesticide to control the termites. We will introduce the pesticides before the starting of the rainy season.
 They asked us why they should put fertilizers at the knee high, why not at the teaseling stage.
We told them that, the type of fertilizers applied is nitrogenous fertilizers which help plants to grow. We apply at this time because we want plants to grow and have good health.

Conclusion
We finished demonstration and remind them to follow all the instructions in the demonstration plot. While we were demonstrating, we were suddenly surrounded by a crowd of primary school students. It seems like they enjoy learning farming techniques.

Ifuwa - CVP Report Mar 22-2010

2010 CVP
1st Visit, March 22, 2010


Village Ifuwa
Pastor Gervas Nziku
Companion Lord of Life, Maple Grove
Attendees 45
Elevation 1152m
Weather The area have normal rainfall seasons
Reporters Gabriel, Ibrahim, Roger and Rev. Lunodzo

We had to drive in very rough road to reach this Parish. We are not sure if this road is passable during the heavy rain season. The village seems to undergo unexpected drought. Corn plants are at the tasselling stage and they suffer a serious lack of rainfall. The villages have told us that, it has been a month now since the last rain. It seems like they are going to have very poor crop harvest this year. We had big crowd here. The village chairman with three other village leaders attended. There was also a representative from the nearby Pentecostal church.

Purpose of the visit
• Introducing the CV project to the congregation
• Taking the soil samples for soil analysis
• To deliver box file and a hand hoe
Topics
1. Introduction
Pastor introduces the Evangelists, Church elders and the village chairman. The village chairman introduced to us other three village leader that accompanied him.
Rev. Lunodzo Mang’ulisa introduces the project by encourage attendees to participate in the project. Roger gave the greetings from St.Paul Area Synod and Lord of Life.
2. Handouts
The handouts were distributed to all then reviewed
• CVP Plot record of events
• DIRA – Institute of agriculture agreement
• Chronological Plot Management of Crops Planted in November/December 2010
• CVP Instruction – 1st Visit
3. Agricultural background of this area
The village population is 1850, with 376 families. Farmers here grow corn, beans, sunflower and ground nuts (Pea nuts). Some of the famers use improved seed varieties of corn; Hybrids (H625 and H628) and others use local varieties. Some also use improved seed varieties of beans which they could just identify them by color (Not names). Most of the famers do not use fertilizers. The corn yield here is 8 bags/acre and beans is 2bags/acre. We told them that the aim of the demonstration plot is to let them to learn the techniques which will enable them to harvest more than 20bags of corn/acre and at least 10 bags of beans/acre.

4. Soil sampling
After the meeting in the church we went outside. Together with the members of congregation we took soil samples from 4 points around the church, places where the demonstration plot is expected to be. Two types of samples were taken, from 6 inches depth and 12 inches depth. The samples will be taken to the laboratory for soil analysis
Comments/questions from audience
• Since we teach them about minimum tillage, they asked us about those types of weeds which cannot be controlled with minimum tillage?
We told them that if they start to do weeding in the middle of the summer when there is no rain, most of the weeds and their roots will dry out. However for those places with highly infestations of these types of weeds, it will be good idea to dig them up and leave on top of soil to dry out.
• They were worried that the crop residues might be a problem at the time they make holes using hand hoes if they do not burn them
We told them, if the crop residues are problem at that time, they should put them in between the lines to make spaces for making holes. However most of the places, with demonstration plots already established, this has not been a problem. They left the crop residues scattered and they were able to make holes for putting seeds.
• They said that they were told sometimes the crop residues can cause plant diseases to the new plants if farmers do not get rid with them
We told them that plant pests and diseases caused by the crop residues can easily be controlled by crop rotation. We are going to teach them about the crop rotation in our next visits.
• They were wondering where they can buy improved seeds varieties of beans with reliable availability
We told them that this year we bought improved seeds varieties from Government research center called Uyole in Mbeya. However since the demand for the improved bean seeds varieties are low in Iringa, most of this seeds are not available in the local shops. However they can buy from this research center and the research center will transport to them

Conclusions
Many people here seem to be interested with the demonstration plot. We told them that we will be back in August for more demonstrations and establishment of the demonstration plot in their area.