2010 CVP
Companion Village Project
Visit Report
6th Visit Year Two
16th July, 2010
Village Kidabaga
Pastor Joyce Ngandango
Companion Faith Lutheran Church
Attendees 7
Reporters Gabriel, Ibrahim and Pastor Lunodzo
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. We went through the handout
• 6th Visit instruction handout
2. Harvesting
Both Corn and beans have not been harvested yet. We gave them instructions on how to get the yield measurements. We insisted that we want to get the measurements to put in our records and for them to know what are the good seeds and the benefit of use fertilizers.
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
We told them that in both corn and bean plots instructions were not properly followed. The institute and their companion congregation have not been happy with the way they take care their demonstrations plots. We told them that unless they promise to move the plots close to the church and handle the plots properly there will be no demonstration plots in the coming farming seasons.
Conclusion
We left the task to them to discuss about the progress of the demonstration plots. We told them to give us the feedback. We insisted the importance of the demonstration plots to them and to the community around them.
Showing posts with label Kidabaga. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kidabaga. Show all posts
Friday, September 3, 2010
Friday, June 4, 2010
Kidabaga - CVP Report May 14-2010
2010 CVP
Companion Village Project
Visit Report
5th Visit Year two
May 14th, 2010
Village Kidabaga
Pastor Joyce Ngandango
Companion Faith Lutheran Church
Attendees
Weather for the past month Rainy
Reporters Ibrahim, Gabriel and Pastor Lunodzo
Purpose of the visit
• Explain and demonstrate how to take yield measurement.
• Deliver two containers (20 liters and 1 liter size) and a 10 m string.
We visited the Kidabaga Parish Today (May 14th, 2010) at 1: 00 pm unfortunately there were no people waiting for the seminar despite the fact that we informed them about our visit. We don’t know if changing the schedule for them (from May 17th to May 14th) is a reason. The schedule was changed because we wanted a report to be presented at the Faith Lutheran Church meeting on May 18th, 2010. At Kidabaga we only met an Internship student from Tumaini University (5th Year Theology student) and when we asked him where pastor Joyce is, he told us she is in hospital at Iringa town, it looks like she is about to have a baby! Probably 1-2 months to come, I am not so sure about that.
We visited the Kidabaga village government office and met the Village Chairman, we discussed few things and we asked him what village population is and how many families. The answers were 2,361 and 488 respectively.
We took an internship student and he ride with us to a preaching point called Ilamba, there we met an evangelist and we went to the plot. We are unhappy with how the corn and beans look like. They received enough rain as compared to other CVP sites this year but still they didn’t do a better job to make their plots better. We had the same discussion last year (2009) and they promised us they will work better this year (2010) but they didn’t.
We discussed with them again and we reminded them two things;
(i) If they will be able to find or rent a different farm with a better location ( good for teaching and for them to manage)
Answer: They are able to get it near the church at Ilamba preaching point (this is the answer from Ilamba Evangelist)
(ii) If they don’t to better job that will be the end of the program for them.
Answer: They promised to do a better job, since the plot will be near their neighborhood.
NB: We told them the final answer will be from their sister congregation, Faith Lutheran church in the US.
Comments:
Both plots didn’t look good at all, up to this juncture Gabriel and I thought that will be the decision of their congregation to decide whether we should continue or stop having a demonstration plot at Kidabaga.
Companion Village Project
Visit Report
5th Visit Year two
May 14th, 2010
Village Kidabaga
Pastor Joyce Ngandango
Companion Faith Lutheran Church
Attendees
Weather for the past month Rainy
Reporters Ibrahim, Gabriel and Pastor Lunodzo
Purpose of the visit
• Explain and demonstrate how to take yield measurement.
• Deliver two containers (20 liters and 1 liter size) and a 10 m string.
We visited the Kidabaga Parish Today (May 14th, 2010) at 1: 00 pm unfortunately there were no people waiting for the seminar despite the fact that we informed them about our visit. We don’t know if changing the schedule for them (from May 17th to May 14th) is a reason. The schedule was changed because we wanted a report to be presented at the Faith Lutheran Church meeting on May 18th, 2010. At Kidabaga we only met an Internship student from Tumaini University (5th Year Theology student) and when we asked him where pastor Joyce is, he told us she is in hospital at Iringa town, it looks like she is about to have a baby! Probably 1-2 months to come, I am not so sure about that.
We visited the Kidabaga village government office and met the Village Chairman, we discussed few things and we asked him what village population is and how many families. The answers were 2,361 and 488 respectively.
We took an internship student and he ride with us to a preaching point called Ilamba, there we met an evangelist and we went to the plot. We are unhappy with how the corn and beans look like. They received enough rain as compared to other CVP sites this year but still they didn’t do a better job to make their plots better. We had the same discussion last year (2009) and they promised us they will work better this year (2010) but they didn’t.
We discussed with them again and we reminded them two things;
(i) If they will be able to find or rent a different farm with a better location ( good for teaching and for them to manage)
Answer: They are able to get it near the church at Ilamba preaching point (this is the answer from Ilamba Evangelist)
(ii) If they don’t to better job that will be the end of the program for them.
Answer: They promised to do a better job, since the plot will be near their neighborhood.
NB: We told them the final answer will be from their sister congregation, Faith Lutheran church in the US.
Comments:
Both plots didn’t look good at all, up to this juncture Gabriel and I thought that will be the decision of their congregation to decide whether we should continue or stop having a demonstration plot at Kidabaga.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Kidabaga - CVP Report Jan 21-2010
2008 CVP
Companion Village Project
Visit Report
4th visit Year Two
January 21, 2010
Village Kidabaga
Pastor Joyce Ngandango
Companion Faith, Forest Lake
Attendees 12 (2 men, 10 Women)
Weather for the past month Rainy
Elevation 1931m
Reporter Gabriel, Roger
It was raining heavily as we arrived. We started a meeting with 4 people then the group kept on increasing slowly as the rain decreasing.
Purpose of the visit
• Bean planting and fertilizer application demonstrations
• Bean seeds, fertilizers and Pesticides delivery
Topics
1. Corn plot and Rain records
Corn Seed variety planted H 614
Planting date Kidabaga plot: November 25,2009
Ilamba plot: December 16, 2009
Replanting date Nil
First weeding January 06, 2010
Pests/Diseases Rodents
The rain records are well kept as instructed.
2. Review of Handouts
o Bean seeds and fertilizer information was added in the Fertilizer need template in the box file of the congregation
o 4th visit handout was reviewed
3. Demonstrations
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 seeds and fertilizer were covered.
II. Corn
It was demonstrated how to make 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
It was demonstrated how mix the pesticide “Thionex” which is used to control crop damaging insects.
4. Fertilizers, bean seed and pesticides delivery
The congregation was given 2 bags of NPK for bean and 2 bags of CAN for corn. The bean seed variety delivered is “Urafiki” (30kg). We also gave them 1 bottle of Thionex pesticide.
Comments/questions from audience
They have rodents’ problem in their plots, it’s the farm is isolated from others and surrounded by bushes.
We told them they should try to clear the nearby bushes, also they should do monthly weeding as instructed. If the problem persists we will find pesticides to control the rodents
They heard that beans add nitrogen in the soil, why do we tell them to apply fertilizer?
I told them its true beans helps in nitrogen fixation however fertilizers are required to supply nitrogen and other nutrients which are needed by the bean plants to grow in earlier stage of the plants growth. Moreover we are applying fertilizers in the plots to build up the soil fertility of the particular land. The soil analysis indicates that some nutrients are missing; fertilizers put them back into the soil.
The Pastor asked us to go on Sunday for the demonstration meeting because in the Sunday services almost all members do attend.
We told her that according to the University rules we cannot work on Sundays. Moreover we have many demonstration plots, if we use the Sundays only we won’t be able to visit all of these plots.
Conclusions/Recommendations
Pastor asked us to hold the next demonstration to the site of the plot. We told her we shall plan our next demonstration to that place. I asked them few questions as the review of what we have been demonstrating to them up to now. I asked them how many have started to use these techniques in their farms, they said they have not started yet but they will do in their bean farms. I told them even the simple techniques like not burning the crop residues and minimum tillage will increase yields and save them money and time. We could not visit the plots, they are far from the church and it was raining. We shall pay a visit in our next meeting.
NB:
• 1 bag of NPK is 50kg and 1 bag of CAN is 50kg
Companion Village Project
Visit Report
4th visit Year Two
January 21, 2010
Village Kidabaga
Pastor Joyce Ngandango
Companion Faith, Forest Lake
Attendees 12 (2 men, 10 Women)
Weather for the past month Rainy
Elevation 1931m
Reporter Gabriel, Roger
It was raining heavily as we arrived. We started a meeting with 4 people then the group kept on increasing slowly as the rain decreasing.
Purpose of the visit
• Bean planting and fertilizer application demonstrations
• Bean seeds, fertilizers and Pesticides delivery
Topics
1. Corn plot and Rain records
Corn Seed variety planted H 614
Planting date Kidabaga plot: November 25,2009
Ilamba plot: December 16, 2009
Replanting date Nil
First weeding January 06, 2010
Pests/Diseases Rodents
The rain records are well kept as instructed.
2. Review of Handouts
o Bean seeds and fertilizer information was added in the Fertilizer need template in the box file of the congregation
o 4th visit handout was reviewed
3. Demonstrations
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 seeds and fertilizer were covered.
II. Corn
It was demonstrated how to make 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
It was demonstrated how mix the pesticide “Thionex” which is used to control crop damaging insects.
4. Fertilizers, bean seed and pesticides delivery
The congregation was given 2 bags of NPK for bean and 2 bags of CAN for corn. The bean seed variety delivered is “Urafiki” (30kg). We also gave them 1 bottle of Thionex pesticide.
Comments/questions from audience
They have rodents’ problem in their plots, it’s the farm is isolated from others and surrounded by bushes.
We told them they should try to clear the nearby bushes, also they should do monthly weeding as instructed. If the problem persists we will find pesticides to control the rodents
They heard that beans add nitrogen in the soil, why do we tell them to apply fertilizer?
I told them its true beans helps in nitrogen fixation however fertilizers are required to supply nitrogen and other nutrients which are needed by the bean plants to grow in earlier stage of the plants growth. Moreover we are applying fertilizers in the plots to build up the soil fertility of the particular land. The soil analysis indicates that some nutrients are missing; fertilizers put them back into the soil.
The Pastor asked us to go on Sunday for the demonstration meeting because in the Sunday services almost all members do attend.
We told her that according to the University rules we cannot work on Sundays. Moreover we have many demonstration plots, if we use the Sundays only we won’t be able to visit all of these plots.
Conclusions/Recommendations
Pastor asked us to hold the next demonstration to the site of the plot. We told her we shall plan our next demonstration to that place. I asked them few questions as the review of what we have been demonstrating to them up to now. I asked them how many have started to use these techniques in their farms, they said they have not started yet but they will do in their bean farms. I told them even the simple techniques like not burning the crop residues and minimum tillage will increase yields and save them money and time. We could not visit the plots, they are far from the church and it was raining. We shall pay a visit in our next meeting.
NB:
• 1 bag of NPK is 50kg and 1 bag of CAN is 50kg
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Kidabaga CVP Visit of Nov 3-09
Companion Village Project
Visit Report
1st visit Year Two
November 3rd, 2009
Village Kidabaga
Pastor Joyce Ngandango
Companion Faith Lutheran Church, Forest Lake
Attendees
Weather for the past month
Reporters
5 (all were church leaders)
Sunny and dry
Ibrahim Wikedzi and Fred Bergsrud
We started the meeting with only church leaders, Pastor, Internship theology student from Tumaini, Two evangelists and general secretary of the Parish. We reminded them the training is for all people, so they should invite other people too. Meeting was conducted at the preaching point-Ilamba.
Purpose of the visit
• Planting and fertilizer application demonstrations
• To deliver fertilizer (Note: Seed will be shipped later due to getting ordered seeds late from dealer.
• Deliver a rain gauge (Note: We will send at the time we ship seeds.
Topics
1. Greetings
Fred gave greetings from Saint Paul Area Synod, Faith Lutheran of Forest Lake and US Advisory Committee especially Will Carlson
2. Review of Handouts
o Fertilizer need template was filled and left to the box file of the congregation
o Plant population handout was reviewed
o Fertilizer application handout was reviewed
3. Rain gauge
When a rain gauge is received, they should start using and recording. We explained the advantages of taking rain measurements, where to place the rain gauge and how and when to take the readings.
4. Demonstrations
Their old half acre plot had small trees last year and now they are big enough to cause a significant effect on the crop growth and also the plot was not owned by the church. They bought land for the church now so we will be using that this year. But the half acre plot we used last year at Ilamba preaching point will be used this year too.
It is there second year training, we did a refresh training on how to measure inter row spacing (60cm) and intra row spacing (20cm). Using a string and a hand hoe, it was how to plant seeds and apply fertilizer.
Fertilizer and seed delivery
According to the soil analysis of the soil of this area, types of fertilizer recommended are NPK (10-18-24) and CAN (27-0-0). The congregation was given NPK 2 bags. They were told to apply this fertilizer at the time of planting. CAN will be delivered later for second fertilizer application.
Comments/questions from audience
They asked the importance of crop rotation between beans and corn
We told them it helps to break disease cycle, efficient utilization of nutrients available in the soil and also the bean crop helps to fix nitrogen in the soil.
They asked when they replant seeds should they also use fertilizers.
We told them no because fertilizers will be still in the ground.
They asked should they mix CAN and UREA and apply as a second application.
We recommended them not to mix rather apply it separately and in most cases only one kind between CAN and UREA will be recommended to be used.
SACCOS is working, the amount of money they do have for loans is US $1000.00 they were able to loan to about ten people. They told us they are about to write an annual report to Faith Lutheran Church, Forest Lake. They will not have money to loan now until late December so it will not be useful for starting this year’s crop.
Conclusions/Recommendations
They really appreciate the idea of using strings during corn planting. We highly recommend them to follow all agronomic practices we are teaching and they will be successful in the crop production, we referred to other CVP’s like Kilolo which harvested 11 bags and 3 tins of shelled corn from half acre plot. They only harvested 5.5 tins (less than a bag) and at preaching point harvested 1 tin of shelled corn.
Visit Report
1st visit Year Two
November 3rd, 2009
Village Kidabaga
Pastor Joyce Ngandango
Companion Faith Lutheran Church, Forest Lake
Attendees
Weather for the past month
Reporters
5 (all were church leaders)
Sunny and dry
Ibrahim Wikedzi and Fred Bergsrud
We started the meeting with only church leaders, Pastor, Internship theology student from Tumaini, Two evangelists and general secretary of the Parish. We reminded them the training is for all people, so they should invite other people too. Meeting was conducted at the preaching point-Ilamba.
Purpose of the visit
• Planting and fertilizer application demonstrations
• To deliver fertilizer (Note: Seed will be shipped later due to getting ordered seeds late from dealer.
• Deliver a rain gauge (Note: We will send at the time we ship seeds.
Topics
1. Greetings
Fred gave greetings from Saint Paul Area Synod, Faith Lutheran of Forest Lake and US Advisory Committee especially Will Carlson
2. Review of Handouts
o Fertilizer need template was filled and left to the box file of the congregation
o Plant population handout was reviewed
o Fertilizer application handout was reviewed
3. Rain gauge
When a rain gauge is received, they should start using and recording. We explained the advantages of taking rain measurements, where to place the rain gauge and how and when to take the readings.
4. Demonstrations
Their old half acre plot had small trees last year and now they are big enough to cause a significant effect on the crop growth and also the plot was not owned by the church. They bought land for the church now so we will be using that this year. But the half acre plot we used last year at Ilamba preaching point will be used this year too.
It is there second year training, we did a refresh training on how to measure inter row spacing (60cm) and intra row spacing (20cm). Using a string and a hand hoe, it was how to plant seeds and apply fertilizer.
Fertilizer and seed delivery
According to the soil analysis of the soil of this area, types of fertilizer recommended are NPK (10-18-24) and CAN (27-0-0). The congregation was given NPK 2 bags. They were told to apply this fertilizer at the time of planting. CAN will be delivered later for second fertilizer application.
Comments/questions from audience
They asked the importance of crop rotation between beans and corn
We told them it helps to break disease cycle, efficient utilization of nutrients available in the soil and also the bean crop helps to fix nitrogen in the soil.
They asked when they replant seeds should they also use fertilizers.
We told them no because fertilizers will be still in the ground.
They asked should they mix CAN and UREA and apply as a second application.
We recommended them not to mix rather apply it separately and in most cases only one kind between CAN and UREA will be recommended to be used.
SACCOS is working, the amount of money they do have for loans is US $1000.00 they were able to loan to about ten people. They told us they are about to write an annual report to Faith Lutheran Church, Forest Lake. They will not have money to loan now until late December so it will not be useful for starting this year’s crop.
Conclusions/Recommendations
They really appreciate the idea of using strings during corn planting. We highly recommend them to follow all agronomic practices we are teaching and they will be successful in the crop production, we referred to other CVP’s like Kilolo which harvested 11 bags and 3 tins of shelled corn from half acre plot. They only harvested 5.5 tins (less than a bag) and at preaching point harvested 1 tin of shelled corn.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Kidabaga - 4th CVP Visit
Partner: Faith, Forest Lake, Minn.
Tuesday January 27, 2009
Pastor: Joyce Ndangando
We met in Pastor Joyce’s house, and reviewed plot activities. There was a small group, five plus those from the Institute. The corn was planted on December 3 at the Kidebaga plot and December 16 at the Ilamba preaching point. They tried to replant in those spaces where a plant didn’t come up, but the lack of moisture hindered the germination and emergence of the replanted seed. The corn has been weeded one time since planting. They will weed once more before making the 2nd application of fertilizer to the corn.
Today we delivered 100 kg of NPK, 100 kg of CAN, and two 8 kg bags of Uyole Market seed. Insecticide (Thionex) was delivered in January.
We discussed the proper use of fertilizer, and the fact that we are using CAN instead of Urea because the pH is somewhat acidic. One attendee said that they have had problems in the past with fertilizer usage, resulting in reduced yields. We said that perhaps they didn’t use the right kind of fertilizer or perhaps the fertilizer was placed too close to the seed.
The plot was a long way from the church and long way uphill and away from the road. We had to drive about ½ mile from the church, and then walk/climb a long ways up a hill to get to the plot. Once we got there it was on a very steep slope. I wonder how many people will see this plot and the improved farming practices we are trying to demonstrate, because of its remote location.
When we got to the plot the rows were 60 cm apart, or a little less. There was an average of 9 plants per 300 cm of row so the plants were about 33.3 cm apart.
Ibrahim demonstrated the placement of the second application of fertilizer (CAN) 5 cm on each side of the corn plants. The fertilizer should be placed 5 cm, the distance between the second knuckle and the tip of the index finger, from the plant along side of the row and not in the row. Ibrahim demonstrated how to plant and fertilize the bean seeds. First dig a row or trench with the hoe by digging at 90 degrees to the direction of the trench. Place the bean seeds 9 cm apart, or about the width of one’s fist, and then place one cap of fertilizer between the bean seeds. Finally cover the bean seeds and fertilizer with soil. If there is any fertilizer left over it should be broadcast over the entire plot.
We asked if they have experienced any benefits from the teaching we have done and the demonstrations that have been conducted. Some of their responses were:
· Planting one seed instead of many seeds at the same place (hole). The corn in the demonstration plot which was planted one seed in each place looks very good.
· One farmer said he used to plant randomly, and now he plants in rows. This makes his plot easier to weed and apply insecticide.
· One farmer said they used to intercrop, and it was hard to weed. Now with one crop it is easier to weed, and they can cover a larger area in the same amount of time.
Photo link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/21557421@N08/sets/72157607713947014/detail/
Tuesday January 27, 2009
Pastor: Joyce Ndangando
We met in Pastor Joyce’s house, and reviewed plot activities. There was a small group, five plus those from the Institute. The corn was planted on December 3 at the Kidebaga plot and December 16 at the Ilamba preaching point. They tried to replant in those spaces where a plant didn’t come up, but the lack of moisture hindered the germination and emergence of the replanted seed. The corn has been weeded one time since planting. They will weed once more before making the 2nd application of fertilizer to the corn.
Today we delivered 100 kg of NPK, 100 kg of CAN, and two 8 kg bags of Uyole Market seed. Insecticide (Thionex) was delivered in January.
We discussed the proper use of fertilizer, and the fact that we are using CAN instead of Urea because the pH is somewhat acidic. One attendee said that they have had problems in the past with fertilizer usage, resulting in reduced yields. We said that perhaps they didn’t use the right kind of fertilizer or perhaps the fertilizer was placed too close to the seed.
The plot was a long way from the church and long way uphill and away from the road. We had to drive about ½ mile from the church, and then walk/climb a long ways up a hill to get to the plot. Once we got there it was on a very steep slope. I wonder how many people will see this plot and the improved farming practices we are trying to demonstrate, because of its remote location.
When we got to the plot the rows were 60 cm apart, or a little less. There was an average of 9 plants per 300 cm of row so the plants were about 33.3 cm apart.
Ibrahim demonstrated the placement of the second application of fertilizer (CAN) 5 cm on each side of the corn plants. The fertilizer should be placed 5 cm, the distance between the second knuckle and the tip of the index finger, from the plant along side of the row and not in the row. Ibrahim demonstrated how to plant and fertilize the bean seeds. First dig a row or trench with the hoe by digging at 90 degrees to the direction of the trench. Place the bean seeds 9 cm apart, or about the width of one’s fist, and then place one cap of fertilizer between the bean seeds. Finally cover the bean seeds and fertilizer with soil. If there is any fertilizer left over it should be broadcast over the entire plot.
We asked if they have experienced any benefits from the teaching we have done and the demonstrations that have been conducted. Some of their responses were:
· Planting one seed instead of many seeds at the same place (hole). The corn in the demonstration plot which was planted one seed in each place looks very good.
· One farmer said he used to plant randomly, and now he plants in rows. This makes his plot easier to weed and apply insecticide.
· One farmer said they used to intercrop, and it was hard to weed. Now with one crop it is easier to weed, and they can cover a larger area in the same amount of time.
Photo link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/21557421@N08/sets/72157607713947014/detail/
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