Ilambo - Prince of Peace - CVP Visit Report - June 10-2013

TUMAINI UNIVERSITY – IRINGA UNIVERSITY COLLEGE INSTITUTE OF AGRICULTURE Companion Village Project Visit Report 5th Visit 2nd year June 10, 2013. Village Ilambo Parish Pastor Erasto Chaula Companion Prince of Peace Lutheran Attendees 15 Weather Dry and cold Reporters Gabriel, Mang’ulisa and Venance Introduction It was one of the interesting visits of the season because we met a big audience of fifteen people who asked many questions and were anxious to know some diseases which affect their crops. Purpose of the visit • To explain and demonstrate how to take yield measurement Topics 1. Went through the handouts o 5th Visit handout o Yield recording sheet 2. Demonstrations We demonstrated how to measure the 10 m row (in three different locations within the demonstration plot) for the yield determination; this was demonstrated by using a tape, counting & recording the corn plants and ears and marking the lines by breaking the tassels of corn. 3. Crop storage We instructed the villagers on how to store the crops. The advantages of storing crops for long give a farmer a chance to sell that crop when the price is high enough and also ensure food security in the household 4. Marketing We reminded them that this is the time that they should start to explore various marketing options. It's important they seek market information so as to keep up to date with the crop prices Plots information The beans were harvested and the yield was 75kg equivalent to one bag. Farmers complained of facing a problem of bean wilting/drying in the field before maturity. The corn was mature and in the drying process. It looked well except at one part where many corn stalks had seriously lodged. Close examination of the bending points of the lodged corn plants appeared grayish in color with soft tissue of the stem an indicator of fungal attack. Questions/Comments Parishioners asked many questions pertaining to plant diseases; important questions/ comments presented include: Question: One farmer brought to us a garlic plant infected with garlic rust (Puccinia) on the leaves and asked what the disease was and what can be done to stop it. Answer:The disease was garlic rust caused by fungus – Puccinia. Spray of fungicides such as Farmerzeb, Mancozeb or Maneb whichever available may reduce disease incidence, however, prevention by maintaining cultural practices were highly recommended. Question: The leaves of bean plants wilted and died before the maturity of bean seeds, what disease was that Answer: Could be disease or bean fly. To control bean fly the farmers were advised to apply thionex supplied to them by the Institute 3-5 days after bean germination and for the fungal attack they were advised to apply the fungicides mentioned for the control of garlic rust. Question: We noticed the rotting of some cobs caused by gibberella fungal attack. We advised the farmers to harvest and dry the corn thoroughly separating the infected cobs which must be destroyed. We cautioned them not to give the infected corn to the livestock because the fungus produces mycotoxins which are poisonous to animals as well. Conclusion The attendees showed a great interest of learning the farming methods which are taught.

Ilambo - CVP Visit Report - Oct 19-2012

2012 Companion Village Project 2nd Visit, Year Two October 19, 2012 Village Ilambo Pastor/Evangelist Erasto Chaula Companion Prince of Peace Lutheran Attendees 16 Weather for the past month Dry and cool Reporters Location Rev. Mang’ulisa Happy, Pongolan and Venance 07022.867S 036010.050E 1939m above sea level Our visit day coincided with the birth control clinic; therefore, we had a meeting with men mostly because all women went to the health clinic for a birth control seminar; even though the attendance was encouraging. The demo plot had no crop residues, the parishioners said they rented the plot from a villager who grazed the crop residues to his cattle soon after they had harvested corn and it was not possible to stop him from doing that. They think of moving the plot to another place. Purposes of the visit • To see the corn and bean plot • To demonstrate on planting of corn and beans • 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 o Planting and fertilizer applications. The demonstration plot is not far from the church. We demonstrated on how to plant and apply fertilizers. 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. Rainfall record We took the rainfall record for the season, provided them with more record sheets and insisted that they should continue recording the data for data base establishment to be used in future. 4. Delivery We delivered corn, bean seeds and fertilizers as indicated in the table below: Item Corn Beans Fertilizers for corn Fertilizers for beans Variety H614 Uyole 96 NPK cereal for basal application NPK cereal for side dressing NPK winner for planting Amount 4bags 30kg 2 bags 2 bags 2 bags Conclusion They had some questions about bean diseases; we insisted the use of insecticide (thionex) 3 -5 days after seed emergence to avoid bean flies which cause severe crop loss if not checked. We also insisted that they should retain crop residues on the soil in order to maintain fertility in the soil.

Ilambo - CVP Visit Report-May 9-2012

Companion Village Project Visit Report 5th Visit 1st year May 09, 2012. Village Ilambo parish Pastor Erasto Chaula Companion Prince of Peace Lutheran Attendees 10 Weather Dry 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 and red spray paint to mark the demarcations within which number of corn ears and yield information should be obtained. Plots information Corn was at milky stage and looked good. It was properly spaced as recommended by the Agriculture Institute. However, gaps were seen between plants. The gaps resulted from germination failure because the parishioners said a dry spell occurred at the period of germination. The corn plot was well weeded. There was no any sign of disease or pest infestation. Parishioners did not plant beans because they were late in the season. They are preparing to plant beans at the valley bottom in the coming dry season (June – July 2012). Comments Ilambo Parish is a long drive on steep slopes of rough and stony road Northeast of Iringa town. The bad situation of the road limits the frequency of visits by the research assistants during the rainy season which hinders knowledge transfer to the parishioners, however, Pastor Erasto, though very new to the Parish seems very committed to agriculture and the situation of their corn is good. Good crop yield is expected. Conclusion They were advised to follow proper spacing and fertilizer application when time for planting beans arrives. They were also advised to weed as frequent as the weeds appear by cutting them just below the soil surface. Although it is the first time for the Parish to have the CVP, there were three members of the parish already adopting the methods taught at the demonstration plot. This encourages to continue teaching them for the following visits.

Ilambo-Prince of Peace, Burnsville-CVP Visit Sept 26-2011

2011CVP
Companion Village Project
2nd and 3rdVisit Year, Year three
September 26, 2011

Village Ilambo
Pastor ErastoChaula
Companion Prince of Peace, Burnsville
Attendees 3
Weather for the past month Dry
Reporters Gabriel, Rev. Mang’ulisa and Pongolani

Since this is distant located village and the road conditions are not reliable during the rain season, we had to deliver corn and bean seeds this time of the year. They have new Pastor here. Most of the Parish members have gone into the village dispensary. It is vaccination day here and most of the villagers are attending. We met two church elders and Pastor. We trained them and ask them to do the same to the rest of the parish member the other day.

Purposes of the visit
• To measure the plot
• To demonstrate on planting of corn and beans
• To deliver corn seeds, bean seeds and fertilizers

Topics
1. Review of the handouts
•2nd& 3rd Visit Instruction
• Plant population with 60 cm. rows and Fertilizer applications
• Fertilizer needs template
2. Demonstration
o Planting and fertilizer applications
The demo plot is outside the church. We measured the plot. We demonstrated on how to plant and how to apply fertilizers. 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. Pastor
The pastor is the ag expert. He has been in Ihemi Parish for a while and he learnt the farming techniques. Moreover he has been applying them in his farm. We asked him to training the parish members. We hope he will be of great help here
2. Delivery
We delivered corn and bean seeds and fertilizers
Item Corn Beans Fertilizers for corn Fertilizers for beans
Variety H615 Uyole 96 NPK CAN NPK
Amount 4bags 30kg 2 bags 2 bags 2 bags

Conclusion
We might make another visit to this area in this year; however this will depend with the road situation. We told them that they should follow instruction on how to handle the demonstration plot. We left the handouts for them to distribute to the rest of the parish members

Ilambo-Prince of Peace, Burnsville-CVP Visit Mar 14-2011

2011 CVP
Companion Village Project
1st Visit, Year One
March 14, 2011


Village Ilambo
Pastor Mkeng’e Exaudi
Companion Prince of Peace, Fairview
Attendees Male 13 Female 5
Elevation 1924m
Distance from Iringa town 84km
Ag Institute Staff Roger, Gabriel, Nafeti and Rev. Mang’ulisa

We drove on a piece of very rough road and through steep hills. This road will not be passable during the heavy rainy season. In this visit we were with the field officers of the Pyrethrum Company of Tanzania (PCT) and a pyrethrum breeder Dr. Kiwovele who works for the Uyole Research Institute. As the Institute of agriculture is exploring a possible partnership with PCT, this was an opportunities for these guys to learn what we are doing in the demonstration days

Purpose of the visit
• Introducing the CV project to the congregation
• Taking the soil samples for soil analysis
• Delivering punching machine, box file and a hand hoe
Topics
1. Introduction
Rev. Lunodzo Mang’ulisa introduced the project. Roger delivered greetings from St.Paul Area Synod and from Prince of Peace. He also talked about the farming practices which will be taught and their benefits.
2. Handouts
After an introduction, the handouts were distributed to all then together with the participants we went through them
• CVP Plot record of events
• DIRA – Institute of agriculture agreement
• Chronological Plot Management of Crops Planted in Nov/Dec 2011
• CVP Instruction – 1st Visit
3. Background information of this village
This village has population of 1,500 people and 359 Families. It is surrounded with mountains in all directions. Farmers here grow corn, beans, sunflower, potatoes, wheat, coffee and banana. All of these crops are grown in small scale. Average yield for corn is 5-7 bags/acre and beans is 4 bags/acre which are not good. Weather is good; they said they get enough rainfall in the rainy season.
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. 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
 How are you going to assist us in using the appropriate spacing during the time of planting and replanting?
Before the planting season start we will come and instruct you the appropriate spacing. We will use the demonstration plot to do that.
 If we do not have enough land close to the church, will it be possible to establish demonstration plots in two different areas ie. Half an acre close to the church and another one away from the church?
Purpose of the demonstration plots is to be used as learning tools. We encourage the plots to be located near by the church for easy visibility and management. However if the church does not have enough land close to the church, the other plot can be located somewhere else close to the road where people can see it while passing by.
 What kind of seeds are going to be used in the demonstration plot?
Seeds which are going to be used are improved varieties’ seeds
 If we don’t burn the crop residues and we leave them on top to the soil, there will be termites problem
Crop residues will increase soil fertility of your soil, increase moisture retention and reduce soil erosion. The advantages of leaving crop residues are more than the damage or cost of controlling termites.
Conclusions
We told them we will be back in August to measure the plots and giving further instructions. On our way out of the village we had to push the car of the guys from Pyrethrum Company (PCT) up the steep slopes and very rough and dusty roads.