Irindi - St Timothy Luth - CVP Visit Report June 5-2013

2013 Companion Village Project 5th Visit, Year Two June 5, 2013 Village Irindi Pastor/Evangelist Alex Kikoti Companion St. Timothy Lutheran Church Attendees 1 Weather for the past month Dry Reporters Ibrahim and Rev. Mang’ulisa. Purpose • Training on how to estimate yields before harvest • Demonstrating how to measure 10 meters within the row Topics covered • Review of the handouts - 5th Visit Instruction - Harvesting techniques • Demonstrations: The rice plot is located in the irrigation zone, pastor Alex explained to us that plot is not good at all due to the following reason; there were heavy rain in one day that broke the gate in the irrigation dam hence the plot was completely eroded/washed away by water from the dam.

Irindi - CVP Visit Report - Jan 29-2013

TUMAINIUNIVERSITY – IRINGAUNIVERSITYCOLLEGE INSTITUTE OF AGRICULTURE 2011 CVP Companion Village Project 4th Visit Year Two January 29, 2013 Village Irindi Pastor Alex Kikoti Companion St. Timothy Lutheran Church Attendees 12 Weather for the past month Dry and warm Ag Institute staff Location GPS read. Roger, Pongolan, Venance 070034.752S 036015.307E 710m asl Introduction We went to Irindi accompanied with two medical staff from Ilula Hospital. Upon arrival we met an audience of 12 members of the village waiting for the lesson of the day at church premises. We drove to the rice plot to see the progress. Purpose of the visit • To see the progress of the rice plot. Topics 1. Review of the rice handout • Transplanting of rice seedlings • Fertilization • weeding 2. Discussion on nutritional issues • Mentioning the common types of foods the villagers eat • Food categories based on the functions in the body 3. Demonstration of simple water cleaning technique by Ultra- Violet rays: There was a demonstration on how to clean water by filling it in a clean transparent plastic bottle and placing it on the house roof so that the sun can clean it. 4. Rice plot We saw rice seedlings being transplanted into the bunds which were recently prepared. There were about 10 bunds prepared and the pastor said they planned to prepare more bunds. The pastor said they had a problem of water reaching their plot but now there is enough to reach their plot. 5. Discussion, questions and comments The group participated actively in the nutritional, water cleaning techniques and asked a few questions about rice as well. TUMAINIUNIVERSITY – IRINGAUNIVERSITYCOLLEGE INSTITUTE OF AGRICULTURE 6. The current news received from the Irindi Pastor is that they added more bunds and transplanted rice seedlings to make half an acre. The rice is doing well and it is at flowering stage to date. Conclusion We are hoping that there will continue to be sufficient water to feed the plants especially at grain filling stage so that they get good rice yield.

Irindi - CVP Visit Report - Nov 14-2012

2011 CVP Companion Village Project 3rd Visit, Year Two November 14, 2012 Village Irindi Coordinates S 07o33.815’ E 036o12.785’ Pastor Alex Kikoti Companion St. Timothy Lutheran, St.Paul Attendees 12 Weather Dry Ag Institute Stuff Gabriel, Phil and Happy Purpose • Delivering seeds and fertilizers • Demonstrating planting and fertilizer application Introduction The demonstration meeting was conducted in the church. Phil delivered greetings from St. Timothy Lutheran, St.Paul and US adversary comettee. Happy (an intern from Tumaini University) spoke about the importance of agricultural entreprenaureship and participation in extension program. Topics • Review of the handouts The handouts contain instructions were reviewed - Rice planting instructions - Fertilizer needs template • Demonstrations Planting and fertilizer applications We demonstrated n how to prepare nursery for rice planting, fertilizer application. We instructed them when to do transplanting, when to apply fertilizers and how to do irrigation. • Seeds and fertilizers The following were delivered Rice seed Fertilizers Variety Amount (kg) Type Amount (bags) Type Amount (bags) SIRO 5 20kg NPK 2 Urea 1 Discussion We had a long discussion with farmers about rice growing. After the discussion we drove for about 5 km to the large plan area were irrigation scheme is placed. The type of irrigation used here is farrow irrigation where by water from the mountains is directed to the farm land. We measured an half acre pieace of land where the rice plot is going to be. We also measure 10 miter plot where the nursery will be located. Comments/questions: We discussed the possibility of establishing a SACCOS (Savings and Credit Cooperatives Society). We found out that the experience they about SACCOS was not good. They had village SACCOS which did not go well. They were encouraged to here that they can establish another SACCOS that will be under the parish supervised by Tumaini University. Conclusion Sesame will be planted in January. We told them that we are still working on getting the sesame seeds and training materials. We hope the change from corn and beans to rice and sesame will yield better results. Parish members were very interested with the rice growing lessons.

Irindi - CVP Visit Report - Aug 14-2012

2011 CVP Companion Village Project 6th Visit, Year One August 14, 2012 Village Irindi Pastor Alex Kikoti Companion St. Timothy Lutheran, St.Paul Attendees Weather 07 Dry Ag Institute Stuff Gabriel, Msigala and Pongolani Purposes of the visit: • Discussion for the coming season Topics: 1. Last farming season In the previous reports it was reported that drought has affected this area. The village is located in a place where rainfall is a problem. This year the corn and beans yields have not been good. A combination of rainfall shortage and sandy soils has led into crops’ failure. 2. New crops We discussed with the farmers about the crops they suggested for the coming growing season in the previous meeting. They suggested sesame and rice; • Sesame Sesame is an oil seeds very drought resistant crop. Farmers they somehow have an experience with the crop and they hope it will tolerate the drought usually experienced by this area. • Rice This is not drought resistant crop; The village has an access of irrigated water from a small river passing close to the village about 5 km from the church. Many villagers are growing rice in this area. 3. The plots The parish will hire the irrigated plot about 5km from the church, in the irrigated farmland. The plot will be used for rice. The rice nursery will be planted in November. Farmers have suggested the improved variety called “Silo 5”. Sesame will be planted in the other plot, not in irrigated farmland. The crop will be planted in January. Farmers have suggested “Naliendele” variety. 2. Plan for the coming season we agreed with the villagers. We told them that the decision has been made for the coming season in accordance with their suggestions; sesame and rice crops will be planted in the demonstration plots. We will buy and introduce new improved varieties of rice and sesame. Together we will work on determine the suitable agronomic practices of the crops Conclusion We told them to prepare the land for the rice and sesame. We hope the program will be successful next year. Pastor and parish members have shown commitment and promised to manage well the plots.

Irindi - CVP Visit Report - May 14-2012

2012 CVP Companion Village Project Visit Report 5th Visit 2nd Year May 14, 2012. Village Irindi Parish Pastor Alex Kikoti Companion St. Timothy Lutheran Church Attendees 11 Weather Dry and warm Reporters Rev. Mangu’lisa, Pongolani and Venance. The original purpose of the visit was to explain and demonstrate how to take yield measurement, but turned out to be; to seek for their opinion on what to grow there after a total failure of corn and beans. Topics 1. Discussion on the cereal cop which can be grown instead of corn and the alternative crop to beans. Observation: Upon arrival to Irindi village, we noticed a total failure of corn among all villagers. Corn straws without ears were scarcely seen in patches along the sides of the road leading to the church and the Pastor’s house. The Pastor and the members of the church showed us a plastic bag containing about 2 bucketfull (about 40kg) of corn. The Parishioners said that was all they could harvest from their half- an acre they had cultivated as a demonstration plot. From the rainfall data recorded by the Parish and kept in the CVP box file, we could learn that the village received too small amount of rain to support corn and beans crops growth and development up to maturity. The village received a little rain in December and January. There was no rain at all in February, and that’s when the corn plants which were growing vigorously dried up. Discussion: After observing the problem, we discussed with the parishioners to get their opinions on what they thought could be the solutions. Before giving out their solutions, they conveyed their sincere gratitude to their sponsoring congregation of St. Timothy Lutheran Church for accepting to sponsor their plot. They requested the sponsoring congregation not to get disappointed by the failure of performance which was caused by a factor out of their capacity and instead continue to sponsor them in an attempt to produce different crops. They wanted the Agriculture Institute at Tumaini University and the Sponsoring congregation to consider them in the cultivation of Paddy and sesame instead of corn and beans. Reasons for Paddy and Sesame (Simsim) Paddy for seedlings can be sown in November 10 – 15 and be ready for transplanting in the beginning of December when the rain starts. Paddy plants will remain irrigated from a river at Mdahila which is only 4.5km from the church. The dry spell in February will have no effect on the growing paddy because it will be water fed from the river. Returning of the rain in March will continue to support the growing Paddy until April after which no more rain is needed because the Paddy will be approaching maturity. Sesame is drought resistant; therefore it should be able to utilize the little amount of rain that is available. Comments We understood their point and saw the viability of their suggested alternatives, thus took the matter to Agriculture Institute for consideration. Conclusion We bring forward their request for your comment. We learned out that the Parishioners are determined to work hard, unfortunately they were let down by the weather problem. You could tell their commitment by their attendance despite the failure of the crops and the opinions they raised.

Irindi-St. Timothy Luth., St. Paul-CVP Report-Nov. 8-2011

2011 CVP
Companion Village Project
3rd Visit, Year One
November 08, 2011

Village Irindi
Pastor Alex Kikoti
Companion St. Timothy Lutheran, St.Paul
Attendees
Weather 9
Dry
Ag Institute Stuff Pongolani and Rev. Mang’ulisa

Purpose
• Delivering seeds and fertilizers
• Demonstrating planting and fertilizer application

Topics
• Review of the handouts
The handouts contain instructions were reviewed
- 3rd Visit Instruction
- Plant population and Fertilizer applications
- Fertilizer needs template
• Demonstrations
o Planting and fertilizer applications
Demonstration on how to plant and apply fertilizers was conducted. They participated in the demonstration as few of them were left to try and show others. They were told not to place seeds and fertilizers together.
• Seeds and fertilizers
The following were delivered
Corn Seeds Bean Seeds Fertilizers
Variety Amount (kg) Variety Amount (kg) Type Amount (bags)
Pioneer 3253 8 Wanja 30kg NPK 4

Conclusion
This village is going to have the demonstration plot for the first time this year. The extension officer of this place has promised to work with the Pastor to supervise the plots. Although it is dry area, high yield is expected in the plots compared to that from the local farms

Irindi-St. Timothy Luth., St. Paul-CVP Report-Oct 12-2011

2011 CVP
Companion Village Project
2nd Visit, Year one
October, 12 2011

Village Irindi
Pastor Alex Kikoti
Companion St. Timothy Lutheran, St.Paul
Attendees
Weather 15
Sunny
Ag Institute Stuff Nafeti, Gabriel, pongolani and Rev. Lunodzo

Purposes of the visit
• Measuring demonstration plots
• Delivering rain gauge
• Discuss soil analysis results

Topics
1. Review of the handouts
Together with them we went through the handouts
• 2nd Visit Instructions
• DIRA and Institute of Agriculture Village Plot Agreement
• Plot Management FAQs
2. Demonstrations
• Rain gauge
We told them we need to know the annual rainfall record of their area. We instructed them on how to record rain using a rain gauge. One set of rain gauge was handed to the them
• Plots
We went outside of the church and together we measured the 1acre plot using meter tape. We measured two ½ acres plots, one for corn and another one for beans.

Questions/ Comments from Audience
 They requested us to redeliver seeds in November so that they can plant early
We told them that we will try to find seeds and fertilizer and handle to them as requested
 They asked about the spacing we are recommending. It shows like corn will be planted too close
We told them that the spacing are close but they still will have good yield if they apply fertilizer as recommended and follow other agronomic practices
 They have short duration of rainfall
We told them because of the problems they have with drought we will give them short duration maturity variety of corn encouraged them to plant early so that they can use the all the rain available during the season.

Conclusions/Recommendations
They were so interested to learn what we teach them and they promised to work hard and learn the new techniques so that they can use to grow crops on their own farms.

Irindi-St. Timothy Luth., St. Paul-CVP Report-Mar 17-2011

2011 CVP
1st Visit, Year one
March, 17 2011


Village Irindi
Pastor Alex Kikoti
Companion St.Timothy Lutheran church
Attendees 21
Elevation 714 meters abs
Distance from Iringa town 72 KM
Ag Institute Stuff Nafeti, Gabriel, Roger and Rev. Lunodzo

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
Rev. Lunodzo Mang’ulisa introduces the project and stuff from the Institute and he also encouraged people to participate fully in the project. Roger gave the greetings from St. Paul Area Synod and St. Timothy Lutheran Church and went through the practices we teach and recommend on our demonstration plots.

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
Irindi village has a population of about 1426 and about 302 families. The crops grown in the area include corn, bean, rice, groundnuts, sesame, cassava and papaya. The average yield of corn they normally get is 3 bags per acre and average yield of beans is 1 bag per acre. In terms of weather they do not get enough rain and it rains from December to March.


4. Soil sampling
Soil samples were taken in the area where the plot is going to be located. This was done after our meeting in the church, all the participants of the meeting also attended and learned on how the samples are taken. Soil samples from two different layers of the soil were taken from soil surface to 6 Inches and from 6 Inches to 12 Inches. The samples will be taken to the Laboratory for Macro and Micro nutrients analysis.




Comments/questions from audience
1. They wanted to know whether this will be first year or last year for this program to operate in Iringa Diocese.
This will be last year to those parishes that started the program in 2008 and will be the first year for those who are going to begin this year.

2. If the number of participants’ increases will the size of the demonstration plot increase or will it remain one acre half for corn and one half acre for beans?
The size of the demonstration plot will remain the same. It doesn’t vary according to the number of participants, we encourage people to attend our training and demonstration and learn the practices we teach them and use on their own farms.

3. How to control termites eating plants while in the field?
- Regular weeding can help to reduce the problem
- Alternatively you can still apply pesticide, though at the moment the one which was in use has been banned by the government and we are waiting for new release.

4. They asked if we are going to plant beans on the low land or dry land as they have salinity problems on dry land.
Beans will be planted on the dry land but we will test different varieties to find which tolerate salinity and we are going to obtain bean varieties from Uyole research Institute which is based in Mbeya region.

5. How are we going to overcome the problem of drought?
We are going to use/test drought resistant varieties and early planting will help to escape the period of drought.

Conclusions
We emphasized the importance of following instruction because the success of the program depends upon them following what we instructed.