Kitowo - 1st Evang Luth - CVP Visit Report - June 26-2013

2010 CVP Companion Village Project 5th Visit Year Three June 26, 2013 Village Kitowo Pastor Rev. Upendo Ndendya Companion First Evangelical Lutheran, Rush City Attendees 05 Weather for the past month Dry Reporters Gabriel and Venance We arrived in this Parish afternoon as we were coming from Pommern. We and the farmers went direct to the demonstration plots located a short walking distance behind the church. Purpose of the visit • Demonstrating on how to take yield measurements Topics 1. Review of the handouts o 5th Visit handout o Yield recording sheet 2. Demonstrations It was demonstrated on how to measure the 10 m row (in three different locations within the demonstration plot and neighbour's farm). Farmers were instructed to count the number of corn plants and ears. Yield recording sheets were provided. 3. Crop storage We discussed on th crop storage. We told them there is a possibility to build a simple silo to demonstrate a proper grain storage. Farmers agreed that they would like a silo to be constracted in their parish. We told them that the institute will support construction of a silo. Questions/comments  What can we do to get good market of our crops? We advice you to store crops an sell them the time the price is high. You may lso roganise yourselve and form Marketing Cooperative Societies that will stragthen your bargaining power against middlemen Plots information • The corn plot looks good this year. A it was last year, this year the instructions have been properly followed. A good yield is expected from the demonstration plots • The bean plot is close to the corn plot. There has been poor germination therefore the plant population has been reduced. The bean plants are dried and ready for harvest. Conclusion We told them that we will be back in August for another demonstration meeting and collecting yield measurements. We also delivered storage pesticides and instruct them oh how to use them to store crops for long without pest damage.

Kitowo - CVP Visit Report - Jan 23-2013

2010 Companion Village Project 3rd Visit, Year Three January 23, 2013 Village Kitowo Pastor Rehema Longo Companion First Evangelical Lutheran Church Attendees 4 Weather for the past month Cloudy and moist Reporters Ibrahim and Venance Introduction At this time of the season most farmers are very busy trying to catch up with weeding operations as weeds are growing vigorously to compete with crop plants, therefore we were not astonished to find only four members of the church waiting to receive the teaching. Purpose of the visit: • To make follow-up on the CVP progress and solve any arising problems; the inputs were delivered earlier. • Demonstrating second fertilizer application and insecticide application Topics covered • Review of the handouts - 3rd Visit Instruction - Plant population and Fertilizer applications • Demonstrations: 2nd Fertilizer application; The attendees were given an opportunity to demonstrate on how to apply fertilizers which they did precisely. However, they were advised not to place fertilizers and seeds together. The fertilizer should be placed 5cm away from the plant to avoid any fertilizer injury. • Corn plants, beans and pyrethrum Corn plants were above knee high tall; they looked well spaced, weeded and fertilized and in good shape. The pesticide had been applied. The beans were not yet planted, the parishioners said they would plant beans later in the season. They were expecting to transplant pyrethrum from Pommern village public nursery. Comments/Questions They asked questions on the applicability of minimum tillage in their situations and we advised them to continue with ox - plowing because the soil at Kitowo is clay which tends to become very hard after drying. They asked about maize streak virus disease and we advised them to follow phytosanitary practices and do crop rotation to minimize disease incidences. An important comment for this village is that all the CVP documents which were missing after the transfer of the pastor were returned back in place. Therefore, the parishioners were very happy to see their documents back. Another comment was that we were able to connect them to the Microfinance Institute Staff so that they could be able to receive loans for agricultural activities before it was too late in the season. Conclusion: The attendees and the Pastor seemed interested with the teaching. They are likely to do better as they learn more.

Kitowo - CVP Visit Report - Nov 20-2012

2012 Companion Village Project 3rd Visit, Year Three November 20, 2012 Village Kitowo Pastor Upendo Longo Companion First Evangelical Lutheran Church Attendees 08 Weather for the past month Dry and Hot Reporters Location Gabriel, Happy, Rev. Mang’ulisa and Venance 1797m above sea level 08002.813S 035044.911E Introduction Upon arrival, there were four men and women readily waiting to begin the teachings. When asked about records of the past events, they complained that the previous pastor left with all the CVP documents. The matter was forwarded to DIRA office for following the pastor so that he returns the documents. Purpose • Delivering seeds and fertilizers • Demonstrating planting and fertilizer application Topics • Review of the handouts - 3rd Visit Instruction - Plant population and Fertilizer applications • Demonstrations Planting and fertilizer applications: It was demonstrated on how to plant seeds and how to apply fertilizers. It was insisted that they should not place seeds and fertilizers together. Seeds and fertilizers The following seeds and fertilizers were delivered: Item Corn Beans Fertilizers for corn Fertilizers for beans Variety H 614 Uyole Njano NPK cereal NPK winner Amount 4bags 30kg 4 bags 2 bags Comments/Questions The parishioners showed great interest to apply the taught methods in their individual plots. They were organizing to start up a SACCO which would assist them get loans and be able to purchase inputs for modern agriculture. Conclusion Experience shows that the success of the CVP depends largely on the commitment of the leaders especially the Pastor. The shift of the pastors may cause a positive or negative effect on the performance of the CVP; we pray that it turns out to be positive effect.

Kitowo - CVP Visit Report - Aug 28-2012

2010 CVP Companion Village Project 6th Visit Year Two August 28, 2012 Village Kitowo Pastor/Evangelist Hezron Kiswaga Companion First Evangelical Lutheran Church Attendees 05 Weather for the past month Dry Reporters Pongolan and Venance 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: Both corn and beans were harvested and threshed. The yield was as recorded in the table below:- Crop Corn Beans Yield per ½ acres 9 bags (63 tins) 1.4 Bags (10 tins) 3. Storage: We instructed the parishioners on how to store grain for home usage and for selling at the time of high price. We instructed how to mix grain storage pesticide “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 season: The parishioners thought the corn variety i.e. H628 planted in this season was OK although it rots if rain becomes excessive; therefore, they suggested an alternative variety H 614 if it is available in the market. They suggested “Uyole Njano” for bean seed. They mentioned another bean variety by the name of Sarungi which is not well known to us. Explaining about this year’s yield, they said their harvest was not very good because of the change in weather which happened between January and March adversely affecting crop growth and development which resulted into reduced yield. 5. Adoption: Many village members plant certified corn seed in rows though the spacing used is wider than the spacing used in the demonstration plot. They still have a problem of weeding after harvest; they think weeding after harvesting is not important. They don’t apply as much fertilizer as we do in the demonstration plot. Comments/questions:  We told them to continue adopting the techniques and make use of the knowledge provided through the demonstration plot. We advised them to continue weeding after harvesting to cut off weeds from consuming nutrients from the soil and make the work easier for the coming season.  They are somehow aware of the bee- keeping activity through the knowledge provided by the Catholic nun who is in Pommern running a local organization known as MAWAKI – a development agency for people of Kilolo district; therefore, would appreciate to have such a project in their parish.  They asked for the Microfinance person to visit them because they want to establish a SACCOS. Conclusion They are hard workers and they seem to be interested with farming. They expressed their interest by asking a variety of questions on farming. We answered their questions accordingly.

Kitowo CVP Visit Report - May 3-2012

2010 CVP Companion Village Project 5th Visit Year Two May 03, 2012 Village Kitowo Pastor Hezron Kiswaga Companion First Evangelical Lutheran, Rush City Attendees 11 Weather for the past month Dry Reporters Gabriel, Don and Karen . Purpose of the visit • Demonstrating on how to take yield measurements Topics 1. Greetings Don delivered greetings on behalf of First Evangelical Lutheran - Rush City, Saint Paul Area Synod and US Ag Advisory Committee 2. Review of the handouts o 5th Visit handout o Yield recording sheet 3. Demonstrations It was demonstrated on how to measure the 10 m row (in three different locations within the demonstration plot and neighbors farm), this was demonstrated by using a 10 m string. Farmers were instructed to count the number of corn plants and ears. Yield recording sheets were provided. Plots information • The corn plot looks very good this year. The instructions have been properly followed. Generally there has been good management to the plot. We expect people will start adopting the farming techniques after visiting this plot. High yield is expected here • In the bean plot, there has been bean disease when plants were in earlier stage. Spraying was done which help to control the disease. The plants look good. We instruct them to do weeding in the bean plot Conclusion We did not have much time for questions in the meeting because of the rain. It started raining and we had to go back to the Pastor’s house. However before we left Don insisted the importance of timely weeding. He also reminded them that the yield data are very important in evaluating the effectiveness of the program.

Kitowo-1st Ev. Luth., Rush Cty, MN-CVP Report Jan 18-2012

2010 CVP
Companion Village Project
4th Visit Year Two
January 18, 2012

Village Kitowo
Pastor Hezron Kiswaga
Companion First Evangelical Lutheran, Rush City
Attendees 8
Weather for the past month Rainy
Reporters Gabriel and Roger
It is a raining day. We conducted the demonstration meeting in the Pastor’s house. Few people have attended today. There is a funeral in the village. Someone has passed away and the villagers have gone to attend the funeral.
Purpose of the visit
• To deliver bean seeds, fertilizers and pesticides
Topics
1. Greetings
Roger delivered greetings from First Evangelical Lutheran, Rush City and St. Paul Area Synod.
2. Review of the handouts,
 4th visit instructions
• Discussion about germination, Replanting, Pest, weeding after planting, monthly weeding after tasseling
3. Demonstration
The field demonstration could not be conducted. We gave them instructions and leave handouts for them to review. The instructions were about planting and fertilization of beans, fertilizers second application in corn and insecticide Application.
4. Delivery.
We delivered been seeds, fertilizers and insecticides
Item Beans Fertilizers (Corn) Fertilizers (beans) Pesticides Sprayer
Variety/Type CAN NPK Thionex Hand sprayer
Amount 30kg 2Bag 2 bags 1 Liter 16Litre

Corn and Bean Plots Discussion
Corn has been planted. We could not visit the plot because it was raining heavily. Bean will be planted this week.

Questions
 Herbicides are sold in shops. We heard that they reduce weeding burden to farmers. Is it good idea to use them?
Herbicides are the chemical that kill weeds in the fields. There two types those which are selective and those which are non-selective. Yes, herbicides reduce weeding burden to farmers. Before you use them you know the instructions on how to use them and which rate to apply. We know most of the farmers are not able to buy so many inputs in their farms that is why we teach manual weeding. However if you enough money you can buy and use them. Just remember to follow instructions.

Conclusion
Members of this Parish are interested in establishing the Saving and Credit Cooperative Society (SACCOS) so that it may help them in financing agricultural activities. We told them that we will contact Institute of Microfinance to see the possibility of establishing that type of cooperative.

Kitowo-1st Ev. Luth., Rush Cty, MN-CVP Report for Sept 12, 2011

2010 CVP
Companion Village Project
Visit Report
6th Visit first year
September, 12 2011
Village Kitowo
Pastor Hezroni Kiswaga
Companion First Evangelical Lutheran Church
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
Both corn and beans have been harvested. Corn and bean yield they got could have been better than it is if they could have used the right spacing we recommend them to use.

Crop Corn Beans
Yield per ½ acres 7 bags 1 bag and 4tins

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. Discussions about the farming season
They like the corn and bean variety. At the beginning the plants did look great. At the middle of the season drought came and most of the plants did not make it.
5. Adaptation
The pastor said that people like to adopt what we teach them but the problem is high amount of fertilizer we recommend. We told them in case of inadequate fertilizer they should increase the spacing between plants with respect to amount of fertilizer in hand.
Comments/questions
 They suggested keeping the same planting time like last year for both beans and corn.
 They expect to correct the problem with spacing at the time when they will be planting for next season
Conclusion
So long as this is their first year with this project the yields they got are encouraging and we hope that they will put more effort next year and they will get more than this year.

Kitowo-1st Ev. Luth., Rush Cty, MN-CVP Report for June 1, 2011

2010 CVP
Companion Village Project
Visit Report
5th Visit 1st year
June, 1 2011

Village Kitowo
Pastor Hezroni Kiswaga
Companion First Evangelical Lutheran Church
Attendees 9
Weather Sunny
Reporters Nafeti, and Mang’ulisa

Purpose of the visit
The purpose of the visit is to demonstrate and give instructions on yield measurement.

Greetings
Pastor Lunodzo Mang’ulisa introduced the Ag. Institute staff and went on with the greetings from the Iringa diocese. He also encouraged them to follow the instructions while working with the demonstration plot.


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 demonstrated how to collect data from corn and bean plot by measurin10 m row and counting 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 the yield data should be obtained.

Plots information
Corn and beans were not yet harvested and crops are almost ready for harvesting. Both plots had weeds they didn’t weed because they said that crops were matured.

Comments
We told them to keep weeding the plots even after harvesting so that they can prevent weeds to make seeds for the next growing season.

Conclusion
On behalf of the congregation pastor thanked us for the training we are doing and visiting them several times a year. We encouraged them to collect the data as we instructed them to do.

Kitowo-1st Ev. Luth., Rush Cty, MN-CVP Report for Jan 19, 2011

2010 CVP
Companion Village Project
Visit Report
4rd Visit 1st year
January 19, 2011

Village Kitowo
Pastor Hezron Kiswaga
Companion First Evangelical, Rush City
Attendees Male 2 Female 7
Weather Sunny
Reporters Nafeti, Roger and Pongolani

Purpose of the visit
• Deliver fertilizer for 2nd application
• Deliver bean seeds and NPK fertilizer for planting beans
• Deliver pesticides ( Thionex) and Sprayer
• Give instructions on bean planting and 2nd fertilizer application on the corn plot


Greetings
Roger delivered greetings from St. Paul Area Synod and Iringa Diocese. Roger also gave a summary of what we are instructing them to do on our demonstration plot and the importance of utilizing these techniques on their own farms.

Review of the handouts
We gave them and went through the handouts for the 4th visit containing detailed information on;
• The important of regular weeding
• Planting bean seeds and NPK fertilizer placement
• 2nd fertilizer application
• Pesticide application and instructions on how to use the sprayer.

Delivery

Type/Variety Amount
Bean seeds Urafiki 30 kg
Fertilizers NPK 2 bags
CAN 2 bags
Pesticides Thionex ½ Liter
Sprayer pump Knapsack Capacity: 5 Liter





Demonstrations

Corn plot
The corn Plot was planted, they had a very good germination and the plot has very good looking corn. They had a little problem with following the recommended spacing between rows and with plants. We demonstrated the methods they have to use for 2nd application of CAN fertilizer.

Bean plot
Beans will be planted in the beginning of February and we did demonstration of NPK fertilizer application and bean planting. Because they had problem of spacing when planting corn we told them to follow the recommended spacing when planting beans.

Questions from the audience

1. They asked if we can show them practically how to plant beans.
We conducted the meeting in the church and explained the activities of the day. Then we conduct demonstration of either planting or fertilizer application or both.

2. Why do we do 1st application of fertilizer in beans and not both 1st and 2nd application?
CAN and UREA are the nitrogenous fertilizers which are used for 2nd application. With beans after they reach a certain growth stage they start converting the atmospheric nitrogen using the symbiotic relationship with root nodule bacteria to provide nitrogen needed for plant growth.

3. What are the effects of intercropping, using stored seeds from the previous year and the use of inorganic fertilizers?
Intercropping enhances competition for nutrients, moisture and sunshine between different plant species as they have different root system and leaf canopy.

Using seeds stored from the previous for local varieties encourages seed born diseases. Using stored hybrids seed from last year results in reduced vigor.

For inorganic fertilizer use the right kind of fertilizers as recommended from soil analysis results and recommended rate.


Conclusion

We told them to plant beans using the recommended spacing and also encouraged them to learn and take back the practices and use on their own farms.

Kitowo-1st Ev. Luth., Rush Cty, MN-CVP Report for Oct.29-2010

2010 CVP
Companion Village Project
Visit Report Year One
3rd Visit
October 29, 2010
Village Kitowo
Pastor Hezron Kiswaga
Companion First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Rush City
Attendees Male 4 Female 8
Weather warm, Dry
Reporters Gabriel and Phil

Purpose of the visit
• Delivering seeds and fertilizers
• Demonstrating corn planting and fertilizer applications

We arrived in Kitowo afternoon coming from Pommern. We met Parish members waiting for us. We conducted the meeting in the church and then we drove to the plot.
Greetings
Before we began the demonstration, Phil 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
• 3rd Visit Instruction
• Plant population with 60 cm. rows and Fertilizer applications
• Fertilizer needs template

Demonstrations
o Planting and fertilizer applications
We drove to the plot at the center of the village. We demonstrated on how to place seeds and how to apply fertilizers. We insisted that they should not place seeds and fertilizers together. There should be at least 5cm apart.
o Seeds and fertilizers
We delivered 2 bags of NPK and 4 bags of corn seeds
Crop Seeds Fertilizer
Varieties Amount Type Amount
Corn H628 8kg (2 bags ) NPK 100kg (2 bags)

Questions from the audience
 Are we going to use the two bags of fertilizers for beans too?
No, the two bags brought have to be used to the corn plot only (instructed in the handout). In December we will come back with another 2 NPK bags for bean plot and 2 CAN bags for the second applications in corn plot
 We are having “leaf eating insects” when plants are in early stages?
We will bring insecticides called Thionex for the demonstration plot. It is an effective insecticide; you should use the same kind in your farms too.
 We have never use NPK for corn. We have been using it in Peas only, why do you recommend us to use in corn?
NPK fertilizers can be used in most of the crops. The recommendations based on the soil analysis we have conducted. The NPK supplies Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium and your soil needs all of this nutrients
 We heard that fertilizers destroy soils, is that true?
No, that is not true. Fertilizers do not destroy soil. What will destroy your soil fertility is the wrong usage of fertilizers. If you apply more than what is recommended or if you apply the wrong king of fertilizers, you are destroying the fertility of your soil.

Conclusion
We left Kitowo in the evening. We told them to follow all the instructions especially the spacing and fertilizer application. We will be back in January for more instructions.

Kitowo - CVP Report Oct 13-2010

2010 CVP
Companion Village Project
Visit Report Year One
2st Visit
October 13, 2010

Village Kitowo
Pastor Hezron Kiswaga
Companion First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Rush City
Attendees 17
Weather Dry
Reporters Gabriel and Pastor Lunodzo

We arrived in the afternoon. We were with the District Pastor of this area. We met the parish members already in the church.

Purpose of the visit
• Measuring the demonstration plots
• Delivering rain gauge

Topics
1. Review of the handouts
o 2nd Visit Instructions
o DIRA and Institute of Agriculture Village Plot Agreement
o Plot Management FAQs
2. Demonstrations
o Rain gauge
We instructed them on how to record rain using a rain gauge. One set of rain gauge was handed to the pastor, they were asked to start record in the coming rainy season.
o Plots
We instructed them on how to measure the 1acre plot using miter tape instead pacing. We did not have enough time to measure their plot. We asked Pastor and the District Pastor to supervise the measuring process. We asked them to measure two ½ acres, one for corn and another one for beans.

Questions/Comments
 The District Pastor asked all of the members of this Parish to fully participate in the program. The demonstration plot should be used as the learning tool.
 They asked if there is special way to lay the crop residues in the farm
We told them that the crop residues can be laid in the farm in any way which a farmer finds suitable for him/her. It is better to spread them all over the farms that they should act as mulching. The important thing is they should not be burnt because they are required to add organic matter of the soil and reduce soil erosion



Conclusion
This is the area of people with knowledge about modern farming. Some of the agronomic practices we teach have been practiced here for a while. We hope they will participate in the demonstration plot and adopt new techniques quickly. Late in the afternoon we started a journey back to Iringa.

Kitowa - CVP Report Mar 23-2010

2010 CVP
1st Visit, Year one
March 23, 2010


Village Kitowo
Pastor Hezron Kiswaga
Companion First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Rush City
Attendees 15
Elevation 1793m
Weather The area has normal rainfall seasons, although there is sometimes a delay in the first rain.
Reporters Gabriel, Ibrahim, 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
Roger gave the greetings from St.Paul Area Synod and First Evangelical Lutheran Church. Rev. Lunodzo Mang’ulisa introduces the project by encourage people to participate fully in the project.
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 app. 3,000. They farm corn, beans, sunflower, peas, cowpeas and tomatoes. The corn seeds used here are local varieties and improved varieties; Hybrids (H625, H628, H615 and H614). Also they have been reusing bean seeds of improved varieties which were introduced in this area, years ago. Fertilizers used here are DAP, TSP, Urea, CAN, Minjingu Phosphates and Cow manure. The corn yield is 5 - 10 bags/acre and bean yield is 2.5bags/acre. We told them that the aim of the demonstration plot is to enable them to learn the techniques which will lead into harvesting 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 congregations 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
• They were worried that if they leave crop residues in the farm after harvesting, they will have problems at the time of planting because it will be difficult to use hoes to make holes for seeds
We told them, if the crop residues become the problem it should be put between the rows at the time of planting but they should not be burned
• They asked if it’s okay to use these crop residues to make compost
We told them, it’s okay. Whoever has the ability to make compost using crop residues we encourage him/her to do so.
• They said in some parts of the village there are very heavy clay soils. With this type of soil, creeping of weeds in the dry season will be difficult and if they do not dig the land they are worried that the harvest will not be good.
We told them that we teach minimum tillage because we do not want farmers to fail to plant at the right time because of failure to get tractor, oxen or enough hand labor to dig the land. However we have tried the minimum tillage in the places with the same kind of soil and it has worked fine. We are going to give a try in their area too using the demonstration plot.
• The plant population of 33,000 plants/acre for corn seems like too many plants per acre, they are worried that plants will be competing for nutrients and become very thin and fail to produce big ears.
We told them that this plant population goes together with fertilizers usage. Those who cannot afford enough fertilizers we advice them a little bit less plant populations. With enough nutrients in the soil, the plants will not compete.

Conclusions
Other members of the congregation suggested to their fellow members to try first what we are going to teach them, then they will be in good positions to ask more questions. We asked pastor to invite everybody in the village. We told him that in our next visit, we would like to see even village leaders attending the demonstrations.