Magome - CVP Visit Report - Feb 4-2013

2013 CVP Companion Village Project 4th Visit Year Two February 4, 2013 Village Magome Pastor Samwel Kasuga Companion Elim Lutheran Church Foundation Attendees 23 Weather for the past month Cloudy and Wet Ag Institute staff Roger, Pongolan and Venance Introduction It was cloudy in the sky and the land was wet when we arrived at Magome where we met a big audience of 23 attendees waiting to receive the teaching. We took a look on the pyrethrum seedlings which were taking up after transplanting which took place a week ago. The pastor told us they have another plot of pyrethrum transplants at Ikelamo which is a preaching point of the Parish. 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 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, bean and pyrethrum plots discussion Corn was planted in November. The plot was well weeded and insecticide already applied. Corn plants looked well. Generally the plants looked good and well-spaced. Beans will be planted later in March. Pyrethrum was just transplanted a few days ago. Questions/Comments from Audience The attendees asked a few questions on fertilizers. The first question was about the 2nd application of NPK cereal on corn, the reason for not doing 2nd application on beans. The parishioners also wanted to know why we do not recommend any fertilizer on pyrethrum plants. Conclusion The parishioners are interested in learning more about good farming methods and are hard workers. You can see that in the attendance and the way they ask questions. We hope they can perform well if we succeed to provide them the appropriate corn seed.

Magome - CVP Visit Report - Oct 18-2012

2012 Companion Village Project 3rd Visit, Year Two October 18, 2012 Village Magome Pastor/Evangelist Samwel Kasuga Companion Elim Lutheran Church Foundation Attendees 14 Weather for the past month Dry and cool Reporters Location Rev. Mang’ulisa, Pongolan, and Venance 080 04.994S 0350 58.008E 1829m above sea level Upon arrival, we saw members of the church very busy outside the church burning a pile of bricks they made for a church building. They stopped the brick burning activity for a while so that we could do the meeting and let them continue with the brick work after we had finished. 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 corn demo plot is close to the church; it was already weeded. 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. Rain gauge We asked the parishioners to give us the rainfall record data for the past year; and reminded them the importance of keeping rainfall data for future use and thus they must record whenever it rains. We provided more rainfall record sheets for them to continue recording the amount of rainfall. 4. Delivery We delivered corn and bean seeds and fertilizers as indicated in the table below: Item Corn Beans Fertilizers for corn Fertilizers for beans Variety TMV Uyole 96 NPK cereal for basal application For side dressing NPK winner for planting Amount 8 kg 40kg 2 bags 2 bags 2 bags NPK 5. Pyrethrum seeds They had seeds of pyrethrum which they were expecting to sow in a few days to come. Conclusion They want to try two types of corn seed and two types of bean seeds in their plot to compare their performances so that they can be in a better position for making choices. They will plant the seed we gave them and another locally found in the village for both corn and beans. We accepted their idea and let them go ahead with the trials and be carefully to keep records.

Magome CVP Visit Report - Sept 4-2012

2011 CVP Companion Village Project 6th Visit Year One September 4, 2012 Village Magome Pastor Samwel Kasuga Companion Elim Lutheran Church Foundation Attendees 07 Weather for the past month Dry Reporters Pongolani 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. The yield record was as follows: Crop Corn Beans Yield per ½ acres 5.7 bags(40 tins and 8 litres) 1 bag (7 tins and 3 litres) Some amount of corn estimated to be about one bag was rotten. 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 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 season. The corn variety planted had a problem of rotting though the rotting was not severe. They suggested for a change of corn variety to a variety which can resist rotting. We agreed and thought of buying them a variety of corn which was planted at Ipalamwa parish. They said the beans grew well but were affected by blight disease, therefore, asked for a change if possible. Alternatively they thought of trying the local type which is found in the village because it is not affected by the blights. 5. Adoption The parishioners were still learning the practices since they were in the first year of the program. The expectation is that they will begin adopting some techniques in the second year of the program. Comments/questions  The parishioners showed interest by asking many questions about insect pests, diseases, insecticides, corn varieties and crop subsidies. We answered their questions and advised them on general crop management to reduce pests and diseases on the farm.  They were excited about bee keeping program and said they have plenty of land suitable for that purpose. A few of them were keeping bees locally. Conclusion The parishioners were interested and eager to learn good farming methods. They said were paying attention to” modern agriculture” radio program broadcast by Radio Furaha every Friday night as well.

Magome CVP Visit Report - May 16-2012

2012 CVP Companion Village Project Visit Report 5th Visit 2nd year May 16, 2012 Village Magome parish Pastor Samwel Kasuga Companion Elim Lutheran Church Faundation Attendees 14 Weather Cloudy and moist Reporters Don Rev. Mangu’lisa, Pongolani and Venance 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 Their corn looked well, though the yield expected will not be as high as anticipated in February when we visited. The dry spell that occurred after side dressing with CAN fertilizer in February – March, stressed the crop leading to the formation of small ears. The corn plot was weed free and the space between lines and between plants was much close to recommendation. Bean plants looked very well in a weed free plot. The plants were in lines at proper spacing between rows and between plants. Bean plants were close to flowering stage. Comments Parishioners at Magome village seem to be hard workers and they are motivated to do well in the demonstration plot. Attendees were inquisitive to learn the methods of good farming by asking many questions which were answered accordingly. They wanted to learn about how they can control pests in the plot and they were taught how to do that. Conclusion Magome is among the parishes which lie high on the mountains where corn tends to rot due to excessive rains. It is not known whether the rain will continue to cause the rotting this time, the truth will be unveiled in the 6th visit.

Magome-Elim Luth Foundation-CVP Visit Report- Jan 24-2012

Companion Village Project
4th Visit Year 1
January, 24.2012

Village Magome
Pastor Samwel Kasuga
Companion Elim Lutheran Church Foundation
Attendees 13
Weather for the past month Good amount of rainfall to support growth of crops
Institute Staff Venance, Rev. Mang’ulisa, and Edman
Purpose of the visit
• Delivering fertilizers, pesticides and bean seeds
Topics:
Review of the handouts, 4th visit instructions;
• Discussion about germination, Replanting and Pest control
• weeding after planting
• Monthly weeding after tasseling
1. Demonstrations: There was a demonstration on planting and fertilization of beans on rows 30cm apart and 10cm between plants. Also there was a demonstration on how to do second application of fertilizer on corn.
2. Insecticide Application. We instructed them on how to apply the insecticide correctly on both corn and beans and the rates to apply.
3. Delivery: The following items were delivered;

Item Fertilizers Insecticide Bean seed Hand sprayer
On maize For beans
Variety/Type CAN NPK Thionex 35 EC Uyole 96
Amount 2bags 2bags 1 Litre 30kg 1

Discussion and conclusion
Although Magome village had joined the CVP this cropping season, their performance was going on very well. Their corn field looked well, rows and plants were correctly spaced. They were advised to prepare their bean field by continued weeding and observe planting spacing as discussed and demonstrated.
They asked a good number of questions which were answered accordingly.
Members are working hard and show great interest in learning recommended farming practices. When asked about how many are practicing the taught techniques in their personal plots, 4/13 (about 31%) said they had begun to practice at a smaller scale.

Magome - Elim Lutheran - CVP Report Nov 11-2011

2011 CVP
Companion Village Project
3rd Visit, Year one
November 11, 2011

Village Magome
Pastor Samwel Kasuga
Companion Elim Lutheran Church Foundation, Scandia
Attendees
Weather 21
Rainny
Reporters Pongolani and Rev. Lunodzo 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 Fertilizers
Variety Amount (kg) Type Amount (bags)
H6303 8 NPK 2

Conclusion
The plot has been prepared for planting. Since they are farming in the slopes of the maintains, they were advised to make terraces to prevent soil erosion and fertilizers wash

Magome-Elim Lutheran Foundation-CVP Visit Report for Oct 12, 2011

2011 CVP
Companion Village Project
2nd Visit, Year one
October, 19 2011


Village Magome
Pastor Samwel Kasuga
Companion Elim Lutheran Church Foundation, Scandia
Attendees
Weather 15
Sunny
Reporters Nafeti, Pongolani and Rev. Lunodzo Mang’ulisa

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 them. We gave them instructions on how to read the rain gauge and record the results.
• Plots
The plots are outside the church and we were supposed to measure them and we didn’t measure the plots because they were not done with clearing the land. Next visit we will measure the plots and give them instructions on planting and fertilizer application.

Questions/ Comments from Audience

 Leaving crop residues practice causes a lot of residues to remain on the field, how should we handle excess residues?
They can make some piles of those residues and make them to decompose in some places within the field and later after decomposing they can distribute to the farm (compost manure).
 The most available fertilizer is DAP, why are you recommending NPK during planting?
We told them the importance of applying NPK during planting as it contains Nitrogen, phosphorus and Potassium which are highly needed by plants and the available levels in the soil is not adequate for the plant growth while DAP have only Nitrogen and Phosporus. However use the available fertilizers in case you do not get NPK

Conclusions/Recommendations
The Pastor and members were very thankful for the project and they said; for starting they will clear the land and they will encourage more people to attend the training so that they can learn how to grow more crops.

Magome-Elim Lutheran Foundation-CVP Visit Report for Mar 18, 2011

2011 CVP
1st Visit, Year one
March, 18 2011


Village Magome
Pastor Samwel Kasuga
Companion Elim Lutheran Church Foundation
Attendees 17
Elevation 1807 M
Weather They normally get enough rain to raise their crops.
Reporters 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 delivered greeting from DIRA and introduces the Ag Institute staff and encouraged people to participate fully in the project. Roger gave the greetings from St. Paul Area Synod and Elim Lutheran Church Foundation and went through the practices we teach and recommend on our demonstration plots we have. We had representative from the pyrethrum company present and they explained the status of the pyrethrum company of Tanzania which is based in Mafinga- Iringa region. They also assured farmers of the stable market for their produce.

2. Handouts
The handouts were distributed to all then reviewed
• CVP Plot record of events
• DIRA – Institute of agriculture agreement
• Chronological Plot Management handout
• CVP Instruction – 1st Visit

3. Agricultural background of this area
The village has a population of 902 people and about 259 families. The grow
corn, beans, peas, Irish and sweet potatoes, bananas, fruits, tea and pyrethrum.
Farmers grow mostly local varieties of corn and few hybrid varieties and they grow
bean varieties which were introduced in the area a long time ago. They harvest an average of six bags of corn per acre and an average of three bags of beans per acre. We told them that using the practice we are going to teach and demonstrate to them we expect to harvest more than 20 bags of corn and ten bags of beans.











4. Soil sampling
After the meeting in the church we went outside and together with the members of congregations 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 analysis

Comments/questions from audience
1. Soils are different from one part of the village to another, how can the soil samples taken are representative of the whole village?
We cannot take soil samples from every parts of the village; however we believe that the soil from one part of the village will not be very different from soils of another part of the same village.

2. They asked if we have plans do training regarding livestock.
At the moment we are training people to produce food crops, though we encourage people to keep livestock which will provide manure to fertilize their farm but we don’t provide training regarding livestock keeping.

3. Should they apply fertilizers during planting or do a 2nd fertilization?
We provide training and demonstration on fertilizer application at planting and when crops are ready for 2nd fertilizer application.

4. There are government demonstration plots but they are not visited regularly.
We think that the demonstration plot will be different because we are going to visit them regularly and discuss how to solve various problems which will arise.

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