Mkimbizi - Immanuel Luth CVP Report - May 14-2013

2013 Companion Village Project 5th Visit, Year Four May 14, 2013 Village Mkimbizi Pastor/Evangelist Bryson Msigwa Companion Immanuel Lutheran Church Attendees 5 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: Measurement of 10 meters in the corn and bean fields. The attendees were given an opportunity to demonstrate on how to measure 10 m in three different portions within the field, and instructed to do the same in their own field for comparison purposes. Then after measurement, they were asked to count number of plants, corn ears in the 10 meters and then they should harvest and record how many liters/kilogram of grains in the form given by the institute of agriculture. Conclusion: Their corn plot looks dry but not ready to be harvested. For beans they harvested but not yet threshed.

Mkimbizi - CVP Visit Report - Jan 28-2013

2013 CVP Companion Village Project 4th Visit Year Four January 28, 2013 Village Mkimbizi Pastor Bryceson Msigwa Companion Immanuel Lutheran Church Attendees 17 Weather for the past month Warm and moist Ag Institute staff Location GPS read. Pongolan and Venance 07043.456S 035043.244E 1597m asl Introduction We met a big audience of seventeen attendees busy weeding their corn plot located near the church. The corn was growing well but showed some nutritional deficiency already and required application of an insecticide without further delay. Therefore, we advised them to apply the insecticide and do second application of fertilizer immediately. 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 and Bean Plots Discussion Corn was planted in December 2012. The plants looked good and well-spaced. Beans will be planted later in the month. Questions/Comments from Audience The attendees took time to observe a few plants which were affected by corn stalk borers and distinguish them from those which were diseased by maize streak virus. They were taught how to handle each case differently. Conclusion If rain continues to rain well we hope they will have good yields because the parishioners are following the teaching relatively well this year.

Mkimbizi - CVP Visit Report Nov 27-2012

2012 Companion Village Project 3rd Visit, Year Four November 27, 2012 Village Mkimbizi Pastor Bryson Msigwa Companion Immanuel Lutheran Church Attendees 08 Weather for the past month Dry Reporters Location GPS reading Pastor Mang’ulisa, Pongolani and Venance Altitude: 1604m above sea level 07043.453S O37043.245E Introduction Upon arrival, we met eight members of the church six of them females and only two males. They were in the plot with their hoes in hand making preparation for the coming season. Purpose of the visit • Delivering seeds and fertilizers • Demonstrating planting and fertilizer application Topics covered • Review of the handouts - 3rd Visit Instruction - Plant population and Fertilizer applications • Demonstrations: Planting and fertilizer applications; The attendees were given an opportunity to demonstrate on how to plant seeds and how to apply fertilizers which they did precisely. However, they were cautioned not to place seeds and fertilizers together. Seeds and fertilizers The following inputs were delivered:- Item Corn Beans Fertilizers for corn Fertilizers for beans Variety Pioneer Uyole Njano NPK cereal Thionex NPK winner Amount 4bags 40 kg 2bags 1 litre 2 bags Comments/Questions There were no questions or comments from the parishioners. Conclusion Mkimbizi Parish is doing the demonstration for the fourth year. The success for the past three years has been little. This year they changed the mode of doing the work; they have assigned the whole work to the members of preaching point under Pastor Bryson Msigwa who seem to be enthusiastic with the work and eager to learn.

Mkimbizi CVP Visit Report - May 25-2012

Companion Village Project Visit Report 5th Visit 3rdnd year May 28, 2012. Village Mkimbizi Parish Pastor Ambrose Mwakikoti Companion Immanuel Lutheran Church Attendees 03 Weather Warm and clear 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 Members of this parish are in the 3rd year of practicing the CVP; therefore, we asked them to demonstrate how to carry out yield measurement. They demonstrated precisely by measuring a 10m row at three different locations, counting the number of plants and ears and recording the numbers in the yield record form. They marked the measured rows by fixing sticks. Plots information The corn was completely dry; the plot was weedy and rows had big gaps between plants. According to the pastor, many plants died during the dry spell in February – March. They had harvested beans and used it already. According to the pastor, they took yield measurement before harvesting the beans. Comments The Pastor and the few members of the church, who attended the demonstration, agreed to work hard to follow the farming practices taught at the demonstration plot; weeding was cited as typical example of farming practices which they have to follow closely. Conclusion The parishioners do not expect to harvest much this year because of the dry spell which hit the region in February – March stressed the crop leading to decreased production. Probably they will harvest less than the 8 bags harvested last year in their half acre plot. The important part though, is that they acknowledge that the farming methods they learn at the CVP had improved their crop productivity in their own plots.

Mkimbizi - Immanuel; CVP Visit Report Jan 27-2012

2009 CVP
Companion Village Project
4th Visit, Year Four
January 27, 2012

Village Mkimbizi
Pastor Ambrose Mwakikoti/ Braison Msigwa
Companion Immanuel Lutheran, St. Paul
Attendees 5
Weather for the past month (Rain has stopped for two weeks now)
Reporters Gabriel, Rev. Mang’ulisa

Purpose of the visit
• Delivering fertilizers and pesticides
Topics
1. Review of the handouts,
 4th visit instructions
• Discussion about germination, Replanting and Pest
• 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. Delivery.
We delivered been seeds, fertilizers and insecticides
Item Fertilizers for Corn Pesticides
Variety/Type CAN Thionex
Amount 2Bag 1 liter
Bean seeds and fertilizers were delivered in November, 2011

Discussion and Conclusion
Corn was planted in November 28, 2011. The germination was not good in some parts of the plot. It has been dry and sunny for a while now. The plants look dry stressed. Weeding is needed and plants have to be applied nitrogenous fertilizers. Beans have been planted close to the Parish church.

Conclusion
We instructed them to do weeding and apply fertilizers. There is the new Pastor in this preaching point. We hope he will manage the plot and supervise the farm activities here closely. We asked them to use the activities in their farm so they may get high yields.

Mkimbizi - Immanuel, St. Paul - CVP Report Nov 17-2011

2009 CVP
CompanionVillage Project
3rd Visit Year Three
November 17, 2011

Village Mkimbizi
Pastor Ambrose Mwakikoti
Companion Immanuel Lutheran, St. Paul
Attendees 3
Weather for the past month Dry
Inst staff Don, Pongolani and Rev. Mang’ulisa

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

Topics
• Greetings
Before we began the demonstration, Don delivered greetings from St. Paul Area Synod, Immanuel Lutheran and US Institute of Ag advisory committee
• 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 planting and apply fertilizer in the demonstration plot. 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 40kg NPK 4


Conclusion
This plot is now going into the third year. We expect them to have good experience and hence they will well manage the plots as instructed by the institute. Pastor and Parish members said they were grateful for the program in their parish.

Mkimbizi - Immanuel; CVP Visit Report for June 7, 2011

2009 CVP
Companion Village Project
5th Visit Year Three
June 07, 2011

Village Mkimbizi
Pastor Ambrose Mwakikoti
Companion Immanuel Lutheran, St. Paul
Attendees 5
Weather for the past month Dry
Reporters Gabriel, Don and Karen

We went to the preaching point of this Parish where the plot is located. We drove with Pastor and few members of the congregation to the plot.
Purpose of the visit
• Explain and demonstrate how to take yield measurement
Topics
1. Greetings
Don delivered greetings from Immanuel - St. Paul, Saint Paul Area Synod and US Ag Advisory Committee. He spoke about the importance of getting the right yield measurements and explained why they are highly needed.
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 miter tape, we used spray paint to mark the demarcations within which the measurements should be taken. These measurements are to be taken from both corn and beans.

Plots information
Corn plot looks better than that of last year; the ears are big and well filled. They are matured but not yet dried. The variety introduced here is drought resistant variety.
The bean plot has been harvested. The yields are not as higher as expected. They are thinking of moving the plot to a place where it can be easily managed.
Comments
 On behave of his congregation, Pastor expressed thanks to their companion congregation for the training
 The evangelist said that people have started to adopt the techniques after seen the demonstration plot. Many people in town have small farms outside the town. In those farms, they practice the techniques taught.
Conclusions
The corn plot this year looks better than that of last year. There are progressive developments in the way they follow instructions and apply the techniques. We encouraged to keep on doing better.

Mkimbizi - Immanuel; CVP Visit Report for Feb 7-2011

2009 CVP
Companion Village Project
Visit Report
4th visit Year One
February 7, 2011

Village Mkimbizi
Pastor Ambrosi Mwakikoti
Companion Immanuel Lutheran, Saint Paul
Attendees Male 3 Female 5 (1st time attendees: 2)
Weather for the past month Dry
Reporter Gabriel and Rev Mang’ulisa

This is one of the dry sites in Iringa; we had to deliver bean seeds and fertilizers earlier in the season. Therefore in this visit we delivered pesticides only. In this visit we met the Evangelist Hezron Maahaki and Treasurer Braita Nkyami, Pastor was not around. He had other responsibilities somewhere else.

Purpose of the visit
• Bean planting demonstration
• Fertilizer applications demonstration
• Bean seeds and fertilizers delivery

Topics
1. Going through handout with attendees
 4th Visit handout
2. Demonstrations
We demonstrated how to plant beans in the appropriate spacing and how to make fertilizer application to the beans. We also demonstrated how to make the second application of fertilizer to the corn.
3. Delivery
Bean seeds and fertilizers were delivered on the January 18. Today, we delivered pesticides only. The seeds and fertilizers delivered were:
Type/Variety Amount
Bean seeds Wanja 30kg
Fertilizers NPK 2 bags
Urea 1 bags
Pesticides Thionex ½ Litre

4. Plots
Corn
We did not get into the corn plot which is in the preaching point of this Parish, about 4km from here. Last month we visited the plot with the visitors from Immanuel Lutheran, St. Paul. The corn was at knee high, and second application was already done. The plants look nice. However evangelist told us that the plants were attacked by leaf eating insects. We gave them pesticides to control that type of insects.

Bean
Bean plot has been planted since January 19.

Comments/Questions
 Since rain has stopped for a while, can we plant beans anyway?
Yes, you can plant beans but be careful of not mixing fertilizers and seeds
 Since rain has stopped for a while, can we do the second application of fertilizers in corn?
Yes, you can apply fertilizers in the corn as long as the corn is at knee high. Make sure you observe the 5cm distance from the plant to were you make holes for the fertilizers application
 The evangelists advice parish members who attended the meeting to adopt the techniques and plant early in the season to utilize the whole rains obtained in the rainy season

Conclusion

We conducted demonstration outside the church. We encouraged them to take care of the plot and adopt the techniques in the coming farming season.

Mkimbizi - Immanuel; CVP Visit Report for Nov. 10-2010

2010 CVP
Companion Village Project
Visit Report
3rd Visit 2nd Year
November, 10 2010

Village Mkimbizi
Pastor Martin Haule
Companion Immanuel Lutheran.St.Paul
Attendees Male 4 Female 3
Weather Sunny
Reporters Nafeti,Phil, Pongolani

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

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 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. The demonstration plot is at the preaching point Kihesa kilolo but they wanted us to demonstrate at Mkimbizi where by assistant pastor and the evangelist from the preaching point where the plot is located also attended the training.
o Seeds and fertilizers
We delivered 2 bags of NPK and corn seeds.

Crop Seeds Fertilizer
Varieties Amount Type Amount
Corn Pioneer 3253 8kg (4 bags ) NPK 100kg (2 bags)







• Questions and Comments;
• Why continuous use of UREA is not recommended?
Urea lower soil PH so continuous use will may lead to low yield
• Can we use two seeds per hole?
No we recommend one seed per hole so that plants can not compete for nutrients, moisture and sunshine.
• Corn variety last year only had one ear and had some diseases should we be using other varieties of corn.
This season we are going to use different corn variety from that of last year, last year was Pioneer 325 and this year Pioneer 3253.
• Can they use manual instead of commercial fertilizers?
The use of manure is highly encouraged especially for planting and use commercial fertilizers for side dressing or second application. Manure releases nutrients slowly while at some growth stage plants require more than what can be released from manure so at that point commercial fertilizers are to be applied.
• If we leave crop debris on ground termites would eat corn seedlings; what do we do?
Just spray insecticide to kill the termites
• People are saying that we can grow more on less land than before
• Pastor said people want to use our methods but they don’t have money to buy fertilizers.

Conclusion

• 2009 yield: 4.3 bags corn half an Acre
• Pastor not present, assistant pastor Martin Haule and 3 Evangelist attended and congregation was not well informed that there could be a meeting
• Shamba darasa located at preaching point but we did demonstration at Mkimbizi where they were able to find people.

Mkimbizi July 26, 2010

2010 CVP
Companion Village Project
Visit Report
6th Visit Year One
July 26, 2010


Village Mkimbizi
Pastor Ambrose Mwakikoti and Ass. Pastor Martin Haule.
Companion Immanuel Lutheran Church
Attendees 4
Weather for the past month Dry
Reporters Ibrahim, Gabriel and Naferti

Purposes of the visit
• To collect the yield measurement
• To deliver grain storage chemical “Shumba”
• To do the 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. Yield records
(i) Harvesting
Crop Amounts in bags/plot(1/2 Acre) Remarks
Corn 4 bags and 2 tins

Beans 1 bag


(ii) Record in 10 m rows for Corn

Location Amount in litres Number of plants
1st 10 meters 9.5 50
2nd 10 meters 10 44
3rd 10 meters 10 50

NB: They forgotten to record beans yield in 10 meters, we really insisted them it is very important for them to record what we have instructed.

3. Storage
We instruct them how to store grain for home usage and marketing at the time of high price. We instructed how to mix grain storage chemicals “shumba” and the appropriate amount recommended per bottle. We left the pesticides to them to mix with their harvested grains.

4. Discussion about their growing season.

We discussed about problems occurred through their growing season, such as how the seeds given to them behave, in terms of germination, diseases, amount of rainfall received, current corn and beans price with reference to future price after harvesting season.
• Prices
The current corn price is 35,000/= per bag and price goes up to 49,000/= TShs per bag (2 months later), for beans is 80,000/= per bag and goes up to 140,000/= per bag.
• Corn
Corn is already harvested, shelled and packed in bags.
• Beans
The yield is not good due to the drought that occurred, but still they said that variety yielded more than what they normally get from their farms.

Comments/questions
 They asked where they can buy certified bean seeds.
We told them, bean seeds are available in the research farms such as Uyole and Dabaga seed farm. A good thing for these research farms they can ship via public buses at a reasonable price.
 They asked do research farms produce different varieties or not?
We told them they do, with an example we were able to buy several varieties that were distributed to all CVP sites.
 They said the program has been helpful to many congregation members.

Conclusion
We thanked all people who have been attending and doing a work in the plots. We insisted them to keep good records.

Mkimbizi - CVP Report May 12-2010

2010 CVP
Companion Village Project
Visit Report
5th visit Year One
May 12, 2010

Village Mkimbizi
Pastor Ambrosi Mwakikoti, Haule
Companion Immanuel Lutheran, Saint Paul
Attendees
Weather for the past month Dry
Reporter Gabriel, Ibrahim, Rev Mang’ulisa

We went to the parish to pick Pastor and evangelists. We met one pastor, the other pastor is about to get married so he went to attend marriage meeting. We drove to the preaching point where we met to ladies waiting for us.

Purposes of the visit
• Instructing how to take yield measurements
• To deliver a tin and Liter for yield measurement

Topics
1. Rain records
The rain records were kept by another pastor who was not present. I told them, I will go next time to get them.
2. Review of Handouts
o 5th visit handout was reviewed
o Yield measurement sheet was reviewed and two copies were provided for yields recording.
3. Demonstration
It was demonstrated how to take the yields in 10m in different three rows. We told them to record the number of plants (and of ears for corn) and volume in liters in the yield sheets provided. To get good comparison, we asked them to do the same in one of the neighbor’s plot(s).
.
Plots
• Corn plot
We visited the corn plot. The effect of drought can be seen. However the corn looks better than the corn in the neighbor’s farm.
• Bean plot
The bean did not reach maturity. They dried out before even forming pods. There will be no beans to harvest.

Comments/questions from audience
 As we were moving around the farm, we saw one side of the farm with different corn with the other parts of the farm. Pastor was wondering what might cause that situation
We told him that the part with different corn has a little bit of sharper slope than the rest of the farm. It seems like there has been more soil erosion here which has eroded the nutrients from this part of the farm. Mulching will reduce soil erosion and fertilizers will add up the nutrients lost
 Although there has been drought in this area, members said that the corn seed we gave them perform better and the plot looks different from other neighbors’ farms.
We told them together with planting drought resistant varieties; the other factors were minimum tillage and crop residues which help to conserve moisture in the soil.
Conclusions/Recommendations
The parish is in urban area; however the plot is located in the preaching point. Pastor told us some of the members have farms outside of town. The demonstration plot has been an interesting subject to learn. We delivered one tin and one liter for taking yield measurements.

Mkimbizi - CVP Report Jan 18-2010

2009 CVP
Companion Village Project
Visit Report
4th visit Year One
January 18, 2010

Village Mkimbizi
Pastor Ambrosi Mwakikoti,
Martin Haulle, Assistant Pastor
Companion Immanuel Lutheran, Saint Paul
Attendees 12 (5 Men, 7 Women)
Weather for the past month Rainy for one month and dry for the past couple of days
Reporters Gabriel, Alfred

This is a parish which is within Iringa municipality. When we arrived there we met two pastors, one evangelist and one lady. We had to wait for a while because we were told members from their preaching point which is somehow out of the municipality are coming. Later on three ladies arrived. As we started the meeting the audience kept on increasing.
Purpose of the visit
• Bean planting and fertilizer application demonstrations
• Bean seeds, fertilizer and pesticides delivery
Topics
1. Corn plot and Rain Records
Corn Seed variety planted Pioneer
Planting date December 17, 18, 2009
Replanting date Nil
First weeding January 13, 15 and 18, 2010
Pests/Diseases Nil
We checked the rain records in the box file. They have been recording as we instructed however the rain gauge sheets were not yet in the box file. We told Pastors that they should put the sheets in the box file.
2. Review of Handouts
o Bean seeds and fertilizer delivered 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 seed 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
We instructed them how to use pesticide called Thionex for controlling plant damaging insects.

4. Fertilizers bean seeds and pesticides
The congregation was given 2 bags of NPK for bean and 2 bags of CAN for corn. The bean seed variety delivered is known as “Uyole 96” (40kg). The variety is suitable for low altitude areas. We left one bottle of Thionex pesticides in case of damaging insects’ outbreak.
Comments/questions from audience
 They asked if the pesticide (Thionex) we gave them can be used in both corn and beans.
We told them Thionex can be used in both corn and beans.
 Once they have harvested the beans, should they use some of the beans as seeds?
We told them it is important to buy seeds at the beginning of every farming season. Using the beans which they harvest as seeds will not give them good yields like the improved seeds which are sold in the shops and research centers.
 One lady asked what she should do to produce improved seeds with the same quality like those sold in the shops and research centers.
It is very difficult to produce improve seeds with the same quality as those sold in the shops and research centers because that requires breeding knowledge and techniques. Moreover unless one is producing seeds as a business enterprise it is time consuming and more expensive than buying the seeds from the shops and research centers.

Conclusions/Recommendations
We told them they should weed their bean plot as soon as possible. We told them if they had been following our instructions about monthly weeding even if there no crops in the farm they would have easy weeding work now. In the meeting, I asked them a few questions as a review of our teaching. Many seemed to remember what we have been teaching them. I asked them how many have started to practice what they see in the demonstration plot, most of them said they have not but they will adapt them in beans. One lady said she has been farming beans, and this year she will take all the techniques we have taught today. Others said they will buy and use the seeds we have introduced. I told them that they should start to adopt even a few techniques. They said they will plant the seeds we have introduced. We went with few members and pastor to visit their corn plot in the preaching point. It looks nice.

NB:
• 1 bag of NPK is 50kg and 1 bag of CAN is 50kg

Mkimbizi CVP Visit of Nov 16-09

2009 CVP
Companion Village Project
Visit Report
3rd visit Year One
November 16, 2009

Village Mkimbizi
Pastor Ambrosi Mwakikoti
Companion Immanuel Lutheran, Saint Paul
Attendees 5 (3 Men, 2 Women)
Weather for the past month Sunny and dry
Reporters Gabriel Malima, Phil Larsen, Alfred Somela

We planned to carry out the demonstration in the preaching point. We drove to the preaching point with a Pastor and Treasurer of the Parish.
Purpose of the visit
• Planting and fertilizer application demonstrations
• To deliver seed and fertilizer
Topics
1. Greetings
Phil derived greetings from Immanuel Lutheran (Saint Paul), Saint Paul Area Synod and US Advisory Committee
2. Going through the handouts
o Fertilizer need template
o Plant population handout
o Fertilizer application handout
3. Demonstrations
It was demonstrated how to measure inter row spacing (60cm) and intra row spacing (20cm). Using a string and a hand hoe, it was demonstrated how to plant and apply fertilizer. One seed was put after every 20 cm and by using a bottle cap, fertilizer was applied 5cm from the seed in each side.
4. Fertilizer and seed delivery
According to the soil analysis of the soil of this area, the type of fertilizer recommended for planting is NPK (10-18-24). The congregation was given 2 bags of fertilizer (NPK) and 4 bags of Pioneer 3253 maize seed. The seed variety Pioneer 3253 is drought resistant and, hence, is suitable in this area.
5. Rain gauge
We had to repeat the instructions on how to take the readings from the Rain gauge after finding out that they have not started to record rainfall in spite of having rains for couple of days last week.

Comments/questions from audience
 They said that they have been planting without using specific inter and intra row spacing.
We told them using specific inter and intra row spacing will improve their yield because specific spaces reduce competition among the plants.
 They ask with the minimum tillage, they see the possibility of having shallow roots, therefore, questioned how the plant is going to support itself on the ground in case of the wind blowing.
We told them, the roots of the plant will be deep enough to support the plant. We have done this in the last year and the plants were not blown over by the wind.

Conclusions/Recommendations
We had very small audience. This is a parish which is in the Iringa Municipality. Parish members are farmers and also workers in the offices. Monday being a working day, most of them have gone to the offices. However we hope these few members of the parish we met they will pass the instructions to others
NB:
• 1 bag of NPK is 50kg and 1 bag of seed is 2kg

Mkimbizi - Immanuel, St. Paul

2009 CVP
2nd visit, September 29, 2009

Village
Mkimbizi
Pastors
Martin Haule, Ambrose Mwakikoti
Companion
Immanuel , St. Paul
Attendees
7 (4 women)

This is only 10 years old congregation and has the 1400 members with about 600 attendances on Sunday. Ibrahim introduced Don, Karen and Gabriel. Handouts were given to all (DIRA Institute of Agriculture Village Plot Agreement, CVP Chronological Plot Management of Crops Planted, Frequently Asked Questions and Recording sheet). It was checked out what events have been recorded in the CVP record of events.
Review
Handouts quickly reviewed:
· DIRA – Institute of agriculture agreement
· CVP plot management FAQs
· CVP Plot record of events

Demonstrations:
· It was demonstrated how to measure an acre using actual length measurements (63.5m by 63.5m) instead of using pacing (70 by 70)
· We made 1m stick and give them to use for measuring their fields
· The Rain gauge and a recording sheet were given to Pastor, we explained the advantages of having rain records, where to place the rain gauge and how and when to read it ( after every 24hours)
One woman said that she cultivated 6 acres last year and harvested 3 bags. “This year” she said “I will follow the instructions from the Institute!” Since this is somehow an urban congregation, the plot is at the preaching point. It has been scheduled the next visit to meet at the preaching point so as to get time to measure the plot.

Mkimbize - 1st Visit

March 11, 2009
Village: Mkimbize
Pastor: Ambrose Mwakikoti
Associate Pastor: Martin Haulle
Companion: Immanuel Lutheran Church, St. Paul
Elevation: 1610 meters

This morning we drove to Mkimbizi, an urban parish in Iringa not far from Tumaini. We were told that most of the members from Mkimbize work in offices in Iringa and would not be available for the meeting. A thought for future meetings with urban parishes is whether the meetings should be held on Saturday. Even though they work in town, many parishioners have small farms where they grow crops to supplement their income and provide food for their families. The people in this parish don’t rely only on farming for their income and food, but there was still interest in learning new farming techniques.

After tea we started the meeting in the church. People arrived throughout the meeting, but by the time we were done there were 15 attendees. After a brief introduction, Ibrahim went through the handouts:
1. DIRA – Institute of Agriculture Village Plot Agreement
2. Plot Management
3. Chronological Plot Management of Crops Planted in December of 2009
4. Frequently Asked Questions
5. Record of Events

Comments and questions were:
· Pastor Ambrose Mwakikoti said that he was thankful for the CVP program. He said that usually the parish is asking members to give of their resources to support the church; this program is a chance for the church to give back to its members.
· The average yield in the area is between 5 to 7 bags of corn per acre with a maximum of 10 bags per acre. They were excited to learn that using the techniques from the CVP program at Mgongo we were able to harvest over 15 bags per acre. Because they have better soil and more moisture than Mgongo they can expect to get even better yields.
· They asked us about using fertilizer; their experience is that fertilizer is detrimental to the soil and the plants. Ibrahim responded that just like medicine, if one took all the pills they received from a doctor at once they would likely get sick and could kill themselves. But if you took the medicine as prescribed one would get well. If you use the wrong fertilizer, if you use the wrong amount, or if you wrongly apply the fertilizer it can give bad results, but if properly applied fertilizer will increase yields.
· Other fertilizer questions:
o They asked about the kind of fertilizer we were recommending and when to apply it
o We said that we needed to wait until the results of the soil test were done
o They know about NPK and Urea
o We said we would likely recommend NPK at planting and Urea or CAN at the knee high stage of corn. This us usually 50 to 60 days after planting.
· Questions about soil samples:
o They asked why we took soil samples at two depths. One foot is as deep as the roots go. The shorter rooted plants such as beans have roots that go about six inches deep, while corn has roots that go about 12 inches deep.
o They asked if the soil samples taken at the parish church would apply to the preaching points also. We told them that based on last year’s soil analysis, soils in the general area (Mgongo area or Dabaga area) were similar.
· They wondered why we were coming in March when they don’t usually plant till December. After the presentation he said he understood why we came now to take soil samples and to teach the improved techniques so that everything would be ready when it came time to plant in December. He said usually when it comes time to plant people are scurrying around trying to figure out what to do, with this program you are teaching us how to plan ahead.
· There were questions about using manure.
o We said that they may still need to use fertilizer that it would depend on the quality of the manure.
o Manure is usually high in nitrogen (N), but low in phosphorus (P) and potassium (K).
o They asked how much should be applied. We said that unless you use a truck to haul the manure, you should put as much as you can.
· They asked what kind of seed will be used in the CVP plot. We said Pioneer, and they were glad because they were familiar with that seed.
· There were questions about plant spacing:
o Will the spacing recommendations be the same for long and short corn? We answered yes.
o They have been planting in rows that are 80 t0 90 cm apart.
o We said we wanted residue put in rows 60 cm apart so that corn could then be planted between the residue rows that are 60 cm apart.
· They asked questions about why we recommend crop rotation. We said we wanted to switch between a legume (beans) and a non legume (corn). The legumes fix nitrogen in the soil that is a help for the corn the next year. The beans and corn have different length of roots, beans are shorter than corn. This way they use different layers of the soil.
· Question about if we don’t burn will diseases and pest be present in the crop. Not burning allows organic matter to build up in the soil which helps hold moisture and nutrients. We said that growing corn every year will allow diseases and pests to flourish. Crop rotation helps break the cycle of pests and disease.
· There were questions about intercropping:
o We recommend growing only one crop at a time
o They agreed that the plot would be easier to weed
o They have experienced higher yields when growing only one crop at a time
· They have been planting two seeds per hill to keep the rodents from eating all the seed. We asked if they were able to train the rodents to eat just one seed from each hill they dug up (laughter). We said that instead of planting two seeds per hill they should replant areas where the seeds were eaten or did not germinate. That is another reason why it is important to keep good records so that seven days after planting one can check emergence and replant where the seeds didn’t come up.

The plot is located at one of the preaching points (Kihesa-Kilolo) located a little ways north of Mkimbize just west of the main road to Nduli. The church at this preaching point is under construction, but from the looks of it, it will be a pretty big church. The pastors said that parishioners from this preaching point spend more time farming than those from the other two preaching points.

Photo link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/21557421@N08/sets/72157615073666921/detail/