Mwatasi - Ag Inst Extension Report - Apr 24-2013

TUMAINIUNIVERSITY – IRINGAUNIVERSITYCOLLEGE INSTITUTE OF AGRICULTURE 2008 Companion Village Project 5th Year 2nd Ex. Visit April 24, 2013 Village Mwatasi Pastor/Evangelist Elias Kadinda Companion Trinity Lutheran Church Attendees 22 Weather for the past month Cloudy and Wet Reporters Ibrahim, Mang’ulisa, Peter and Venance We had the experience of good attendance when we team up with the Institute of Microfinance; therefore we had Peter from the Microfinance Institute with us when we went to Mwatasi. We met a big audience of 22members of the Parish at the church waiting to begin the meeting. Purpose of the visit • To conduct lesson two of the extension education network and share ideas about the topics taught. Topics covered Lesson two of Extension Education Network: Plant Diseases • The concept of plant diseases • Causes of plant diseases • Disease symptoms • Common methods used to control plant diseases • Some common diseases around Iringa region • Cited examples of common corn and bean diseases, symptoms and ways to control Questions/Comments The Parishioners asked a number of questions and answers were provided through discussion. Question: Potatoes plants wilt before they mature, what causes that problem? Answer: The disease is likely to be verticillium wilt. Verticillium wilt is a fungal disease that lives in the soil. It invades susceptible plants through their roots and spreads through the plant’s vascular system. The disease can’t be cured once it enters the plant. The disease remains in the soil after you remove the plant, so don’t plant another susceptible species in the same area. You can reduce the disease by use tolerant cultivars, fertilizing on schedule, using a low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus fertilizer. Prune off dead and dying branches. Do crop rotation. Question: Some corn plants have white broken lines on the leaves, what disease is that? Answer: The disease may be maize streak virus which is caused by a virus. The viral disease is spread by jumping insects. It has no treatment but can be minimized by use of tolerant varieties, crop rotation and control of leaf hopping insects. Those plants which are white on the whole plant are probably born with genetic disorder. Question: Small black insects are seen clamping on the bean leaves more abundant on the underside of the leaves Answer: The insects are bean aphids and can be removed by insecticides such as thionex 35 EC. Mix 40mls of the chemical with 20l of water and spray on infected leaves. Question: Minjingu Fertilizer does not make plants look good, but we are advised to apply it on our farms Answer: The quantity of nutrients in minjingu is lower than in the NPK and the nutrients are released more slowly, therefore takes a longer time to show an effect on crop plants. After the question – answer session, it was a turn for the Microfinance person to lead a discussion about SACCOS. Mwatasi Parishioners were ready for SACCOS. Conclusion The discussion went on very lively with participants responding actively.

Mwatasi-CVP Visit Report Nov 7-2012

2012 Companion Village Project Extension Program, 5th Year 1st Visit November 07, 2012 Village Mwatasi Pastor/Evangelist Elias Kadinda Companion Trinity Lutheran Church Attendees 09 Weather for the past month Dry Reporters Fred, Pongolan, and Venance We went to Mwatasi to conduct an extension class accompanied by Fred from Minnesota. Upon arrival, we met 09 members of the church waiting to begin the discussion. We made introductions; Fred conveyed greetings from Trinity Lutheran Church and the Advisory Committee in US to the people of Mwatasi. He gave a brief explanation on the evolution of extension education and its purpose. After the introductions, we invited the attendees to actively participate in the discussion on the fertilizers and seed topics which they were all familiar to. It was very interesting to hear them contribute ideas of their understanding about the topics. Purpose of the visit • To introduce extension program and share ideas about the topics to be taught. Topics covered • To explain fertilizer details and answer FAQ’s about fertilizers • To explain seed details and answer FAQ’s about seeds The details about fertilizers and seeds were covered through discussion involving them/participatory method whereby my role was to lead, provoke them by asking questions and let participants explain and ask questions too. Some important issues covered on fertilizers included:  types of fertilizers locally available, when to apply them, pros and cons of each type  clarification on the myth that “fertilizers are poisonous” to the soil and hence to the consumers of fertilized crops  fertilizer application frequencies and its side effects  simple ways of detecting nutrient deficiencies in the field without necessarily taking the soil to the lab for analysis  effect of excessive fertilization in the field  differences between CAN and Urea fertilizers in terms of functions  How best can one integrate the use of manures and industrial fertilizers?  Other methods besides fertilization that can be used to improve soil fertility in Iringa region Some important issues covered on seeds included:  Good quality seed as the foundation for high expected yield  Hybrid seeds productivity decrease in successive years  The importance of using high quality seed in order to maximize expected crop yield The attendees showed a great interest on the discussion and posed some questions/issues of concern. They suggested for livestock husbandry to be taught in the next extension network. Conclusion The extension program being conducted for the first time was perceived as interesting and educative to the farmers. The members were thankful to the supporting congregations for having a vision to continue providing them with the useful knowledge.

Mwatasi CVP Visit Report - May 21-2012

2012 CVP Companion Village Project Visit Report 5th Visit 4th Year May 21, 2012. Village Mwatasi Parish Pastor Elias Kadinda Companion Trinity Lutheran Church Attendees 07 Weather Cloudy and cool Reporters 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 Since this is their fourth year of practicing CVP, we decided to ask the members of the congregation to explain how they would go about measuring yield. One of the members volunteered to explain as follows; that he would take a 10m piece of string and use it to measure a 10m row, count the number of plants and number of ears within the measured row and record them. He would then harvest the ears from the measured row, thresh them and measure the volume of the grains and record in liters. He said he would repeat the exercise at two more places. The explanation given by the member of the congregation was precise and accepted by us and other members as the right procedure to take yield measurement. Then we went to their plot to see. Plots information This is one of the areas lying on the upcountry side characterized with excessive rain which causes rotting of the corn after maturity. Parishioners split the corn plot into two halves where they planted two varieties of corn to compare their performance and rotting problem. In one part, they planted the seed given to them by the Agricultural Institute and the other part was planted with the local seed. The bean plot was under contours which is good for reducing soil erosion. Earlier planted beans looked better than the beans planted later; all plants were approaching flowering. There were big gaps between plants. Comments It is good that they have the two varieties to compare and see which one performs better in their environment. We advised them to observe the performance and rotting property of the two varieties and finally compare the yield so that they can have a choice of which seed to use for the next growing season. Conclusion They want to try two varieties of beans which they can study to make comparison and come up with a choice of the variety which is appropriate to their local condition.

Mwatasi-Trinity,Stillwtr., CVP Report Jan 19-2012

Companion Village Project
4th Visit Year 4
January, 19.2012

Village Mwatasi
Pastor Pascal Kadinda
Companion TrinityLutheran Church
Attendees 09
Weather for the past month Good amount of rain to support crop growth
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

Conclusion
Members were reminded to apply the insecticide immediately and continue weeding their corn and bean plots. When asked about if they were ready to apply the agricultural practices taught in the CVP in their own plots, 5/9 (about 55%) said they had started to apply.

Mwatasi-Trinity - CVP Report Nov 21-2011

2008 CVP
Companion Village Project
3rd Visit Year Four
November 21, 2011
Village Mwatasi
Pastor Lucas Kadinda
Companion Trinity, Stillwater
Attendees 13
Weather for the past month Dry
Staff Pongolani & Rev. mang’ulisa

Purposes
• Delivering seeds and fertilizers
• Demonstrating planting and fertilizer application
Topics
• Review of the handouts
Review of the handouts
- 3rd Visit Instruction
- Plant population and Fertilizer applications
- Fertilizer needs template
• Demonstrations
o 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.
o Seeds and fertilizers
The following were delivered
Seeds Fertilizers
Variety Amount (kg) Type Amount (bags)
H6303 8 NPK 2
o Corn rotting issue
We instructed them to plant two varieties in the demo plot: the improved variety and the local variety. It is know that the local variety do not rot as improved variety. For the case of improved variety (Hybrids), they should do late planting. Aim is to allow the crop to mature the same time the rain season ends. This might prevent or reduce the rooting incidents.

Conclusion
Last year their plots had better improvements. It is expected to have more improvements this year. They should follow instructions and manage well the plots.

Mwatasi-Trinity,Stillwtr., CVP Report for Sept 15, 2011

2008 CVP
CompanionVillage Project
6th Visit Year Three
September 15, 2011
Village Mwatasi
Pastor Lucas Kadinda
Companion Trinity, Stillwater
Attendees 8
Weather for the past month Dry
Reporters Gabriel & Rev. Mang’ulisa
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. The yield this year has been lower than those of the last year, spacing were wider than recommended and the area experience drought this year
Crop Corn Beans
Yield per ½ acres 3 bags 1 bag 2 tins
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 season
The corn plot was good however after maturity ears started to rot. There has been severe rotting problem. We are planning to change the variety next planting season. Beans performed well. The plots are in the steep slopes. We told them to make terraces in every after 10m. The terraces will reduce soil erosion and hence improve the fertility of the land.
5. Adaptation
5 attendees said they have been practicing some of the techniques we have been teaching then. They could not give the feedback of their farms because they have not yet harvested.

Comments/questions
 Although fertilizers were applied, the yields some of the plants were very think, some were yellowish and in some part of the farm the yields were not good
Since the plots are in the steep slopes, there is possibility that fertilizers applied had been eroded down to the slope. There should be terraces in every after 10m that will reduce soil erosion of the farm
 There is a problem with the finance of the agricultural activities in the village. We advised them to establish saving and credits cooperatives that will help them in agricultural finance.

Conclusion
We thank them for the good job they are doing. We told them that we will look for other corn varieties or other ways that might reduce the rotting problem.

Mwatasi-Trinity,Stillwtr., CVP Report for June 13, 2011

2008 CVP
Companion Village Project
5th Visit Year Three
June 13, 2011
Village Mwatasi
Pastor Pastor
Companion Trinity, Stillwater
Attendees 38
Weather for the past month Rainy
Reporters Gabriel, Don and Karen

Long drive to Mwatasi. We met the parish members in the mass service. It is the day after Pentecost; according to the Lutheran traditions most of the congregations will hold mass service in the morning of this day. At the end of the service, the Pastor introduces us to the Parish members. After the service we started demonstration meeting in the church before we walked to the plot for further demonstration.
Purpose of the visit
• Explain and demonstrate how to take yield measurement
Topics
1. Greetings
Don delivered greetings from Trinity-Stillwater, 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 is matured but not yet dried enough to be harvested and stored. The spacing are wide, we told them that this will significantly reduce the high yield we expected them to get. We recommend fertilizers applications and close spacing because that gives the high yield. The bean plants are still green. The plots are in slopes. In both plots the effect of soil erosion is obvious seen. Plants in the upper land are not as good as those in the lower land. Fertilizers might have been washed to the low land. We told them that to prevent soil erosion and fertilizers wastage, they should make terraces after every 3m.
Comments
 They said they hope the corn seed variety we have introduced will perform better because it has not started to rot as that of last year. However they are still observing the performance of the plots.
Conclusions
We told them we will be back in August. They should record the yield as instructed and keep the records. We hoe the yield data and rainfall data will help us to understand the performance of the plot and take necessary corrections.

Mwatasi - Trinity Lutheran, Stillwater CVP Visit Report 1/18/2011

2009 CVP
Companion Village Project
4th Visit Year Three
January 18, 2011

Village Mwatasi
Pastor Elias Kadinde
Companion Trinity, Stillwater, MN
Attendees Male 5 Female 4
Weather for the past month Rainy, Cloudy
Ag Institute staff Gabriel and Pastor Mang’ulisa

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 the fertilizer application to the beans. It was also demonstrated how to make the second application of fertilizer to the corn.
3. Delivery
Type/Variety Amount
Bean seeds Uyole 96 30kg
Fertilizers NPK 2 bags
CAN 2 bags
Pesticides Thionex ½ Liter

4. Plots
Corn
Corn is about 8 inches tall. The Pastor said they have nematodes problems that destroy plants’ roots. The plot looks good, though the germination was not good due to the unexpected rain delay at planting time. Most of the members here were very happy with the yield they got last year and are determine to work better in their farms this year.
Bean
They said the beans seeds have been brought at the right time this year. They promised to adopt the bean planting techniques

5. Discussion
Pastors stood up and said that the members of his congregation have adopted the techniques and they are now farming according to how we do in the demonstration plot. He asked as to prepare a schedule to visit a few farms to see improvements. He also said that he has been getting questions from other villagers about the bean plots as it was so good last year.


Comments
 Pastor said that their area has nematodes problems that eat and destroy the plants that are in early stages.
We told them that we expect with the crop rotation the problem will be reduced. However, if they see the signs of the pests they should inform us and we will use nemicides to control that.
 People are interested with improved bean seeds we introduced last season. Where can they buy the seeds?
The bean seeds are produced by the Government Research Institute called Uyole and we can help linking them with the institute so that they may be able to purchase seeds from them

Conclusion

The Pastor and members of the congregation are very happy with the program. He has asked us to visits parish members’ farms to see how they adopt the techniques when we do the next visit. We told them we shall see how we can include that in our schedule.

Mwatasi-Trinity,Stillwtr., CVP Report for Oct 28-2010

2008 CVP
Companion Village Project
3rd visit Year Three
October 28, 2010
Village Mwatasi
Pastor Elias Kadinde
Companion Trinity, Stillwater, MN
Attendees Male 4 Female 4
Weather for the past month Dry, sunny
Ag Institute staff Gabriel, Fred and Pastor Mang’ulisa

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

Greetings
Before we began the demonstration, Fred 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 walked to their plot which is on the slope of the mountain. We demonstrated on how to place seeds (Both corn and beans) and how to apply fertilizers. We insisted that they should not place seeds and fertilizers together.

o Seeds and fertilizers
We delivered 2 bags of NPK and corn seeds H6303

Crop Seeds Fertilizer
Varieties Amount Type Amount
Corn H6303 8kg (4 bags) NPK 100kg (2 bags)

o Discussion about last season
They thank the institute of agriculture and their companion congregation (Trinity, Still water) for the program. They said some of them have been adopting the techniques. They requested the microfinance program start so that they can be able to get small loans. They said most of them are willing to change the way they farm to modern farming however they do not have enough capital to buy inputs (seeds, fertilizers and pesticides).



Questions/comments from the audience
 What should we do to get more crops as we tried last year and the yield were not as good as expected
Last year you had rotting disease. Moreover spacing was wider than what is recommended in the corn field and replanting was not done. This year you should follow all the instructions properly. We are trying to get the seeds of the corn variety which is resistant to the rotting disease
 Pastor said that they had problems with planting and spacing in the demonstration plot last year because there were many volunteers working in the farms and some did not follow the instructions. This year the church will chose small group of people to work in the farm. The rest will be observers.

Conclusion
They asked us to visits even members’ farms next time to we come here. We told them that will depend with our schedule. We asked them to follow the instructions so that they may have good yield in their plots.

Mwatasi July 22, 2010

2010 CVP
Companion Village Project
Visit Report
6th Visit Year Two
July 22, 2010


Village Mwatasi
Pastor Elias Kadinde
Companion Trinity, Stillwater, MN
Attendees 5
Weather for the past month Cloudy and Rainy
Reporters Ibrahim, Gabriel and Lunodzo

In this visit we were accompanied by Mr. Greg Grothe from Thrivent who is dealing with micro-finance program in Iringa. The Mwatasi village has been spitted into two villages now. There are two local governments governing the villages. Both of the village leaders from these governments attended our demonstration today.

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
Corn has been harvested. Unfortunately they did not count number of plants in 10m rows. Beans have not been harvested yet.
Amounts in bags/plot
( ½ Acre) Yield in 10m in 3 lines( For further analysis) Remarks
Corn 5 bags 2 tins Litres 2.5 6 10 Yield higher than local varieties
No. of plants Yield has been reduced by rotting
Beans Litres
No. of plants

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 season
• Corn
The corn variety (H614) planted in the demonstration plot somehow tolerates continuous rainfall of this area. However they had to harvest earlier before complete drying because some of the ears start to rot. The variety yield 2 ears something which the villagers were happy about. However spacing were longer that what we recommended, that has somehow reduced the yields here.
• Beans
The bean variety “Uyole 98” performs better here. The variety tolerates continuous rain and coldness. The bean plot has not been harvested yet however they expect to get high yield.

Comments/questions
 We taught them that the wider spacing than what recommended and rotting have significant reduction in the yield.
 The Parish members said that the variety performs better than the local ones. They were glad that they are getting farming training and hope to improve their yields in the future. They express their sincerely gratitude to the Institute and their companion congregation for the demonstration plot and training visits to their village.

Conclusion
We encourage them to store their grains for the high pricing season. Moreover we told them to start thinking of forming cooperatives so that to get good price in the grain market and acquire loans from financial institutes.

Mwatasi - CVP Visit - May 20-2010

2010 CVP
Companion Village Project
Visit Report
5th Visit Year One
May 20, 2010


Village Mlowa
Pastor Lunogelo Mbwilo
Companion Christus Victor, MN
Attendees 7
Weather for the past month Rainy
Reporters Ibrahim, Gabriel and 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.
Topics
1. Greetings
Pastor Lunodzo gave greetings on behalf of the DIRA, Christus Victor, Saint Paul Area Synod and US Ag Advisory Committee for volunteering to provide fund and to implement of Ag training program
2. Went through the handouts
o 5th Visit handout
o Yield recording sheet
o Rain record sheets to know the amount of rain received during this season
3. Demonstrations
We demonstrated how to measure the 10 m row (in three different locations within the demonstration plot and neighbors farm) for the yield determination, this was demonstrated by using a 10 m string, how to measure and count the number of corn plants and ears. After shelling they are supposed to measure the amount of grain by using one liter container that was given to them by the institute of Ag. These measurements are done to both corn and beans.

Plots information
Beans plot is a little bit good; however this is due to shortage of water for irrigation. They are interested with bean variety introduced to them. Beans are still in the field, not yet harvested although they are matured enough and about to start drying.
Corn are already harvested and piled at pastor’s house.



Comments
 The drought affected the corn and beans besides using irrigation, the amount of water for irrigation depends to the amount of rain received in the catchment areas(where the river flow starts)
 We had few people who attended the meeting, because they are busy harvesting their crops. The last three days Elephants came to attack /eat their crops so they spend nights to scar the animals by making noise through beating iron sheets or metal containers.

Questions from audience and answers

 They asked how to control pests such as birds eating matured corn (kernels)
We told them, to use string around the corn field, they said they did it. But when we went there we found out they only kept string around the plot, so we told them they should also put in the middle as well. This will prevent the birds to fly directly in the plot.
Ø They were wondering why we are teaching them to measure yield from 10 m within the rows in three different locations.
This will give them an ability to estimate their yield for the whole plot.

Conclusions/Recommendations
We appreciated them for working on the plots and encouraged them to practice what we are teaching them for their life improvement.

Mwatasi

2008 CVP
Companion Village Project
Visit Report
4th visit Year Two
January 20, 2010


Village Mwatasi
Pastor Elias Kadinda
Companion Trinity, Stillwater
Attendees 18
Weather for the past month Rainy then Dry for couple of days
Reporters Gabriel, Alfred

Is this visit we were accompanied by the District Pastor of this area Rev. Inubi Sanga. He asked us to take him so that he may participate in the demonstration and learn more about the project.

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 November 18, 2009
Replanting date November 27, 2009
First weeding January 08, 2010
Pests/Diseases Rodents, Armyworms
We checked the rain records in the box file. The records have been written down as it was 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
Pastor told us that they bought pesticides (Thionex) by their own and applied to the field to control the cutworm. We gave them a bottle of Thionex to add to what the already have.

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 known as “Uyole 96” (30kg). We also gave them 1 bottle of Thionex pesticide.

Comments/questions from audience
 Pastor told us there was a rodent problem at the time of replanting and most of the seeds planted at this time were eaten by the rodents.
We told them we would like that whenever there is disease or pests’ outbreak they inform us immediately. In case of rodent problem, if they would have told us we could help them to control the rodent. However rodents can be controlled by monthly weeding as we instructed in our first visit.
 Pastor said he is thinking of moving the plot a little bit far from nearby the church and neighborhood next year because there are people in that neighborhood who keep hogs and the piglets sneak out of the pig house and destroy crops especially corn
We told him the reason we want the plots to be near by the church is that we want them to be easily accessible with all members when they attend Sunday services. We told him to do all he can to control the piglets problem by talking with the owners because we love to see that plot in it’s the same location next year.
 The district Pastor insisted on the importance of practicing what they learn from the demonstration plots. He asked his members to use effectively what they learn and apply the techniques to their own farms because this will enable them to get high yields.

Conclusions/Recommendations
In the corn plot, the plants look nice. However the failure of replanted seeds to germinate was seen. I told them that this will significantly reduce yields to the plot. I insisted on the importance of following closely our instructions. At the end of the meeting we asked them few questions as a review of our demonstration. Four including Pastor said they have started to use the techniques on their farms. Pastor said he was not aware of most of the techniques before he moved here. However since he has started to use them, he has been able to save time in tillage and the plants look real nice.

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

Mwatasi CVP Visit of Nov 13-09

2009 CVP
Companion Village Project
Visit Report
1ST Visit-YEAR TWO
November 13, 2009


Village Mwatasi
Pastor Elias Kadinda
Companion Trinity, Still water
Attendees 7 (4 Women, 3 Men)
Weather for the past month Rainy
Reporters Gabriel Malima and Phil Larsen


The pastor is new here. He has 2 months since he started to work to this Parish. However he has been updated about the CVP plot by the last Pastor.

Purpose of the visit
• Planting and fertilizer application demonstrations
• To deliver seed and fertilizer
Topics
1. Greetings
Phil delivered greetings from Trinity (Stillwater), the 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 placed every 20 cm and by using a bottle cap, fertilizer was applied 5cm from the seed on each side.
4. Fertilizer and seed delivery
According to the soil analysis of the soil of this area, the type of fertilizer recommended was NPK (10-18-24) . The congregation was given 2 bags of NPK and 4 bags of H614 maize seed.







Comments/questions from audience
 We had a discussion about corn varieties they have been farming here. They said the main problem they have is corn ear rotting before harvesting. This must be cause by a fungal disease. We told them to try the variety H614. One member said he has once used that Hybrid and he did not get the corn disease problem. We hope H614 will do well in this area.

Conclusions/Recommendations
They promise to follow all the instructions this year.

NB:
• 1 bag of NPK is 50kg and 1 bag of seed is 2kg

Mwatasi-6th CVP Visit - Aug 25-2009

Ag Inst – Mwatasi
6th CVP Visit
(Partner – Trinity, Stillwater, MN)
Aug 25, 2009
Pastor Upendo Ndendiya

Notes about this crop:
Remember the corn crop at Mwatasi is one of the best in the CVP Program.
The reasons for this include:
They followed the Ag Institute’s recommendation for everything in a timely manner. The corn was very tall and the ears were well filled out.

The number of people attended was 5 people only; they recorded almost all events as instructed by Institute of Agriculture. They already harvested and shelled the corn; yield obtained is 29.5 Tins equivalent to 4.2 bags per ½ an acre. They said that they had a very nice looking corn in the field but the yield is lower because after corn matured started to rot due to high moisture in the area( Note; Mwatasi is located in a high altitude and normally experience heavy rains) They had similar disease of Mold or fungal like Kilolo. They harvested rot corn and put into bags (as they were instructed in the 5th Visit) so that we can estimate the percentage damage caused by disease.

I stressed about doing things in a timely manner that is why when you look ears of corn harvested are well filled out and good kernels.

They recorded down the different between their local varieties of beans (Red) Vs the Uyole Mkt we introduced to them, that the local variety yielded more beans but less weigh as compared to Uyole Mkt.

Total beans harvested was 3 tins and 14 Kg, they do believe poor yield was due to heavy rains, too much wind during the flowering stage which knocked down some of flowers and poor seeds or old seeds given to them because a lot of bean plants died.
-Uyole Mkt harvested amount 1 tin and 4 Kg
-Uyole 96 harvested amount 2 tins and 10 Kg

(Note 2 varieties were introduced to them as mentioned above)

For corn, a lot of corn after matured they rot but matured early than their local varieties. They trusted the H628 will work okay for them for selling roast corn, normally big truck come in the village and buy ears of corn before they dry and ship in cities e.g. Dar es Salaam and sell roasted corn. Most of them said they will grow this variety when they want to sell roast corn, but they would like to introduce a different variety for harvesting dried corn for food/ making Ugali.

Suggested Seed Variety:
- Corn H614
- Beans Uyole 96
-
(Note; It is nice to hear how farmers now knows what variety to be grown for what purpose and explaining the reasons of why the problems occurred in their field)

Records:

Demonstration plot
Ø Up side of the plot, 10 meters- harvested amount 3.5 Kg or Liters of shelled corn
Ø Middle of the plot, 10 meters- harvested amount 3.75 Kg or liters of shelled corn
Ø Down the plot, 10 meters- harvested amount 3.75 Kg or liters of shelled corn.
Neighbor’s Farms:
Ø 1st neighbor – 10 meters- harvested amount 3.5 Kg or liters of shelled corn.
Ø 2nd neighbor – 10 meters – harvested amount 3.5 kg or liters of shelled corn.
Ø 3rd neighbor – 10 meters – harvested amount 3.75 Kg or liters of shelled corn.
Ø Normal church farm- harvested amount 0.75 Kg of shelled corn in 10 meters.
Ø Pastor’s farm(very close to our demonstration plot- harvested amount 0.75 Kg of shelled corn

Plot of Beans:
Ø First 10 meters- harvested amount 0.75 Kg or liters of shelled beans.
Ø Second 10 meters- harvested amount 0.5 Kg or liters of shelled beans.
Ø Third 10 meters- harvested amount 0.5 Kg or liters of shelled beans.

Neighbor’s records:
Ø They didn’t record.

The price of One tin of corn is 3,000/= TShs. Equivalent to 21,000/= TShs per bag.
The price of one tin of beans is 15,000/= TShs. Equivalent to 105,000/= TShs/bag.
Note: Both prices are due to August, 2009 in village.

Mwatasi - 4th CVP Visit

Partner: Trinity, Stillwater, Minn.
Pastor: Upendo Ndendya’s
Monday, January 26, 2009
13 people in attendance
Met in the church

Today was a review of what’s happened with the plots, a demonstration of how to make the second application to corn, and how to prepare the rows, plant and fertilize the beans.

The corn was planted on November 28th. They have observed some insects, and we gave them a bottle of Thionex. The corn must be doing fine, because they said that farmers from the community have commented as they have walked past the plot. The plot is located on a fairly steep slope not far away from the church. When we visited the plot the corn was doing fine, a lot better than neighboring fields. It was on average waist high, with some shoulder high.

We brought with us 100 kg of NPK, 100 kg of CAN, 1 bottle of Thionex, 8 kg of Uyole 2003 bean seed, and 8 kg of Uyole Mkt bean seed.

We discussed the importance of weeding regularly, and the fact that lack of weeding can be the greatest deterrent to yield. We also reemphasized the correct weeding technique that is clipping the weeds off just below the surface.

We conducted our survey of plant populations and found that the rows were usually 60 cm apart, some as far as 65 cm. There were on average 12 plants per 300 cm of row or an average of one plant every 25 cm. This plot was one of the most consistent and closest to the plan of 20 cm apart in the row of the plots that we have looked at so far. The attendees were impressed that we placed so much emphasis on the correct spacing of rows and plants within a row. We explained that our goal was to use high plant populations with fertilization to achieve higher yields, but that we needed to be sure that there were high plant populations.

After going through the handout we asked if there were any questions, and when there were none Ibrahim asked if there were any benefits to farmers in the community from our visits and discussions. A number of items were raised:
· How to measure fertilizer, that is two caps per corn seed, etc.
· How far apart to place the corn and bean seeds.
· How far from the seeds to place the fertilizer.
o One attendee said that he had used fertilizer in the past, but that he had placed the seed and the fertilizer in the same hole (Spot), the seed didn’t germinate, and when he dug up the seed it was shriveled up.
o Now he knows how to place the seeds and fertilizer correctly.
· A better understanding of the different types of fertilizer.
· The reason to use CAN vs. Urea.
· They asked about getting soil samples on their farms, and we suggested that they use the results and recommendations from the sample that was taken from the CVP plot.

We demonstrated how to make the second application of fertilizer (CAN) to corn. They are planning on doing it January 28, which is this week. The two caps per plant should be 5 cm away from the corn plant on the uphill and downhill side of the plant.

We discussed and demonstrated how to plant the beans. Because they get a lot of rain in Mwatasi they will plant the beans in March with a plan to harvest in July and August. We marked the hoe at 50 cm and 9 cm and discussed the fact that 9 cm was the width of one’s fist. Ibrahim demonstrated how to clip the weeds and place them in rows 50 cm apart. He then dug a row (trench) with the corner of the hoe and showed how to place the bean seeds 9 cm apart, and then how to place one cap of fertilizer (NPK) between the bean seeds. They said that they usually planted two bean seeds per hole, and that they were 15 cm apart.

Photo link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/21557421@N08/sets/72157604580600254/detail/