Nduli - CVP Visit Report - Apr 22-2013

2008 CVP Companion Village Project 2nd Visit of Extension Network Program April 22, 2013 Village Nduli Pastor Laiton Muyinga Companion Christ the King Lutheran, New Bringhton & YARA Co. Attendees 20 Weather for the past month Dry Inst staff Gabriel and Micro-finance staff (Itiweni, Peter and Magreth) On this visit, we were accompanied by Micro-finance institute staff. The meeting was organized to conduct two trainings; Agricultural training and Micro-finance (SACCOS) training. The trainings were conducted in the village hall nearby the church Purpose of the visit • Extension education: Plant diseases Topic • Review of the handout We went through the extension network handout which is about plant diseases • Discussion We discussed about plant diseases of both corn and beans. The discussion focused on the causes of plant diseases, disease symptoms and plant disease control. Common plant diseases found in Iringa region were addressed. Farmers were advised on how to control them. Questions/Comments from the audience  Where should we buy pesticides from? Pesticides are sold almost in all agro-chemical shops. We advised you to buy pesticides and other agricultural inputs from reliable and registered agro-chemical shops. When you buy make sure you get required instructions and you read expire date.  We have a problem with the seeds. This year the DK corn seeds were not good. The germination were poor and the performance was not good. What should we do? This might be the case of fake seeds introduced in the market. As the market of improved seeds expands, there has been unfaithful people, using he opportunity try to get maney by paking seeds, put the name and log of famous companies. Again, we advise you to buy agricultural inputs from reliable and registered agro-chemical shops. When you buy take a receipts. If you have a receipts it will be easy to report and make follow up when the seeds bought are discovered as fake seeds.  Our areas is dry areas. We have termites problem that attack and damage young plants. What should we do? We can control termites using a pesticides. The pesticides is sold in the agro-chemical shop. It is in liquid form, you dilute with water and spray to the infected areas. Go to the shop and ask for pesticides that can control termites. Do not burn the crop residues to control termites  We have problem with certain type of weeds. They make yellow or red flowers, they are small and usually grow in corn fields. This type of weeds once infested the filed corn plants become weak and someties fail to produce a crop. How can we control this weeds? The weeds are called striga (Striga spp) or witch weed. The weed is considered one of the major problem weeds in Tanzania causing 40-90% yield losses in maize and other susceptible cereals. Most of the area affected are those with low fertility characterized by very low organic carbon and very low nitrogen. There are three solution for striga: 1. The application of nitrogenous fertilizers is known to reduce the severity of Striga infestation and enable some level of maize production. 2. Other solution is to plant Striga resistant “IR maize”. 3. Incorporation of legumes in the cropping cycles reduce and control striga in the farm (Crop rotation). Conclusion The meeting was good. After the agricultural training, farmers were training on SACCOS and micro-loans. We told them that the next extension meeting we will be held n August/September.

Nduli - CVP Visit Report - Jan 10-2013

2008 CVP Companion Village Project 4th Visit Year Five January 10, 2013 Village Nduli Pastor Laiton Muyinga Companion Christ the King Lutheran, New Bringhton & YARA Co. Attendees 14 Weather for the past month Rainnny Inst staff Gabriel and Roger In this demonstration meeting, we were joined by the Extension Agent of this area Mr. Avit Shirima Topics 1. Greetings Roger delivered greetings from Christ the King Lutheran, New Bringhton and St.Paul areas synod 2. Review of the handouts  4th visit instructions • Discussion about germination, Replanting and Pest • Weeding after planting • Second fertilizers application 3. Demonstration on second fertilizer application on corn There were only few people who had never attended demonstration on planting and fertilizer application. Those who have been attending the meetings demonstrated before others. 4. Insecticide Application. We delivered a bottle of pesticides and demonstrated the ratios to be used for pesticides application. 5. Delivery. We delivered fertilizers and insecticides Item Fertilizers for Corn Pesticides Variety/Type NPK Thionex Amount 2Bag 1 bottle Demonstration plots Corn was planted on December 20, 2012. Spacings were propwerly followed and plants look good. Beans will be planted in the the mid of January. The plot for bean has already been planted. Questions/Comments from Audience  If I don’t have enough fertilizers, can I skip the first aplication and apply later? Yes you can do that, however we recommend you to apply animal manure if you do not have industrial fertilizers for the second application  Whe plants turn yellow, what kind of disease is that? Yellowish in the plat leaves is not necessarily the indication of the presence of disease. In the areas with sandy soils like here, yellowish in the plant leaves is common and in most cases is the indication of nutrients deficiency especially nitrogen. Remember to fertilizer the soil and leave crop esidues to increase organic matter in the soil Discussion and Conclusion We told them that we will be back in March/April for the Extension network visit. We asked them to apply second application of fertilizers when the plants get at knee high. There were sign of leaf eating insects. We instructed them to apply pesticides as asoon as possible. The demonstration plot has been here for four years, we expect the instructed will be followed properly.

Nduli-CVP Visit Report Nov 5-2012

2012 Companion Village Project Extension Program, 5th Year 1st Visit November 05, 2012 Village Nduli Parish Pastor/Evangelist Laiton Muyinga Companion Christ the King Lutheran Church Attendees 16 Weather for the past month Dry Reporters Fred, Pongolan, and Venance We went to Nduli to do the first extension class with many questions in mind about the acceptance of the program which was very different from the previous program which included input package. Probably there wasn’t much difference to the Nduli Parish because fertilizers are provided by Yara Fertilizer Company. Upon our arrival, we were overwhelmed by the big number of attendees; there were 16 members of the village (12 women and 4 men) anxiously waiting to attend the meeting. In the meeting, they asked questions, shared experience and gave opinions on fertilizers and seed topics covered. Purpose of the visit • To introduce extension program and share ideas about the topics to be taught. • Deliver fertilizers provided by Yara Fertilizer Company and corn seeds from the CVP program for the demonstration plot Topics covered • To explain fertilizer details and answer FAQ’s about fertilizers • To explain seed details and answer FAQ’s about seeds After introductions, Fred briefly explained the evolution and purpose of extension education in the US about 100 years ago and its translation to our parishes today. Then 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 and 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 higher expected yields  Hybrid seeds productivity decrease in successive generations  The importance of selecting high quality seed in order to achieve maximum yield The attendees showed a great interest on the discussion and posed some questions/issues of concern. Below are some concerns raised in the meeting:- Termite problem; they mentioned termite as a growing problem in some parts of the village especially when a farmer attempts to leave crop residues on the field. Crop rotation could be part of the solution; however, it is limited in villages with small land such as Nduli where crop rotation is not possible. Pastor Laiton was planning to make a termite control trial by putting the anti-termite available at TFA in 1.5ft deep holes after every 6m apart as an attempt to control termites. We are looking forward to learn from his trial. Minjigu Rock Phosphate (MRP); members wanted to know the working efficiency of MRP. We provided a brief explanation about the slow working of MRP to release the required plant nutrients and thus the delay in showing impact after its application. Crop residues blown by wind; they expressed a concern about strong winds removing some crop residues which are left on the field after crop harvest. We advised establishing windbreaks where possible, though it seems not possible at the demo plot just outside the church at Nduli but can be done in other places.

Nduli - CVP Visit Report - July 30-2012

2012 CVP Companion Village Project 6th Visit Year Four July 30th, 2012 Village Nduli Pastor Laiton Muyinga Companion Christ the King Lutheran Church Attendees 13 Weather for the past month Dry & Clear Reporters Rev. Mang’ulisa, Pongolan and Venance Purposes of the visit • To collect the yield measurement • To deliver grain storage chemical “Shumba” • End of season discussion and planning for the next farming season Topics 1. Review of the handouts • 6th Visit instruction handout • Yield recording sheet 2. Harvesting Both corn and beans have been harvested. The corn harvest is good despite the dry spell which occurred between the end of January and March this year. The dry spell occurred at critical stages for the corn development, we were all afraid that they would lose all the corn but it seems the crop residue management and other techniques adopted worked well to rescue the crop. Congratulations to the pastor and the parishioners for the good job they have been doing. The yield was as shown in the table below: Crop Corn Beans Yield per ½ acres 12.8 bags (77tins and 4 liters) 1.75 tins (10 tins and10 liters) 3. Storage The Pastor complained of insect infestation in corn which began from the field. Two types of insects; the beetle of the genus Sitophilus and the flying moth Sitotroga cerealella are prominent. The pastor and the parishioners are aware of the insects and had taken care already by mixing the grain with ‘shumba’ a storage pesticide provided to them by the institute which acted well to halt the insect activity. There was no further insect activity at the time of the visit. Corn variety is good. It yields higher than the local variety. Bean crop has been low due to the dry spell. 4. Adoption Most of the parishioners have been adopting some of the techniques. District Pastor showed us his yield which he got from his farm after using the techniques. Kisinga, a preaching point of the parish harvested 11bags from an acre after adopting some techniques from the demonstration plot. Comments/questions  We shared their enthusiasm for good performance despite the drought which exists in their area  We advised them to take care of the insects as soon as they appear by using the right insecticide at the correct dose. Conclusion We congratulated them for the good job they have done in the demonstration plot. We encouraged them to adopt the techniques taught and apply them in their own plots. This is probably the leading parish which has been doing very well in the plot and many members are adopting the techniques. They are doing other money earning activities such as honey harvesting & processing, peanut butter making and cooking oil extraction. The Pastor, has been selected to participate in the famous farmers’ day in Mbeya popularly known as” Nanenane agricultural Fair” to show their products and demonstrate on how they do it.

Nduli - CVP Visit Report - May 9, 2012

2008 CVP Companion Village Project 5th Visit Year Four May 9, 2012 Village Nduli Pastor Laiton Muyinga Companion Christ the King Lutheran, New Bringhton Attendees 5 Weather for the past month Dry Inst staff Gabriel, Karen and Don Pastor’s house construction is going on. We met Pastor, Parish secretary and few women in the church. We went around seeing the sunflower oil milling, and the silo. In this visit we were accompanied by Ms. Itiweni Luhwago of the Microfinance Institute – Tumaini University. Purpose of the visit • Demonstrating on how to take yield measurements Topics 1. Greetings Don delivered greetings on behalf of Christ the King Lutheran, New Bringhton, Saint Paul Area Synod and US Ag Advisory Committee 2. Review of the handouts o 5th Visit handout o Yield recording sheet 3. Demonstrations Pastor and other parish leaders is now expert in taking the yield measurement. This Parish has been one of the best parishes in running the program. We did small presentation on how to take the yield measurements, to remind them the procedures. Plots information • In some parts of the farm, effects of the corn plants affected by drought can be seen.. Some of the corn ears are not properly filled. However, in the whole demo plot, instructions have been followed and the plot is clean from weeds. Pastor and the Parish members have done a good job here. • Beans are now drying. The plot was late planted because of the rain problems. The plants have been planted in proper spacing. Yield might be low due to drought that has affected this area Practicing the techniques According to the number from the Pastor, up to now 168 people have adopted the techniques in their farms. These farmers are now practices some or all the farming techniques which they have learnt from the demonstration plots. Conclusion The agricultural training program has been very successful in this village. We thank the Pastor for the good management and the parish members for handling the demo plots as instructed.

Nduli-Christ the King; CVP Visit Report Jan 31-2012

2008 CVP
Companion Village Project
4th Visit Year Four
January 31, 2012

Village Nduli
Pastor Laiton Muyinga
Companion Christ the King Lutheran, New Bringhton
Attendees 7
Weather for the past month (Rain has stopped for three weeks)
Inst staff Gabriel, Roger, Venance and Steve
In this visit we were accompanied by Steve Clarke, crop storage expert from Compatible Technology, USA.
Purpose of the visit
• Delivering fertilizers and pesticides
• To talk about corn storage and the use of grinders

Topics
1. Demonstration
Pastor is an agricultural expert by now. We expect him to teach and instruct his parish members at the time of planting beans and applying fertilizers/pesticides in the crops
2. Seeds and fertilizers
The following have already been delivered before this visit
Item Fertilizers for Corn Pesticides
Variety/Type CAN Thionex
Amount 2Bag 1 liter
Bean seeds and fertilizers were delivered in November, 2011

Corn Plot
Corn looks good. Spacing is good, weed management is good and almost all instructions have been properly followed.
Corn storage
Steve asked questions about storage and responded to their questions. We visited at mud silo and metal silo and collect samples for recording. Steve instructed on how to collect the samples to determine the condition of the stored crops. In both cement silo and metal silo corn is fine. The crop has been stored since August, 2011. There is no insect or rodent damage. There is no sign of molding or rotting. It is an indication that the cement silo and metal silo are one of the best ways to store crops. These are the storage techniques planned to be introduced to the farmers in Iringa by the Institute of Agriculture.
Grinder
Women group demonstrated on how they make pinnate butter using the small hand grinder, how they pack them and sell. The grinder was made by Compatible Technology Company.

Conclusion
In this visit, Steve Clarke from Compatible Technology spent most of the time talking with the parish members about storage and other post harvest handling of the crops. Pictures show Parish members taking corn out of the cement silo ready for selling.

Nduli- Christ the King -- CVP Report Nov 17-2011

2008 CVP
Companion Village Project
3rd Visit Year Four
November 17, 2011
Village Nduli
Pastor Laiton Muyinga
Companion Christ the King Lutheran, New Bringhton
Attendees 15
Weather for the past month Dry
Inst staff Don, Rev.Mang’ulisa and Pongolani

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 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
Floods
The Nduli area got heavy rainfall on the December 11. In some parts of the village, there were a flood which was unexpected situation in Nduli. The rainfall caused part of the plot to be swept out by the flooded water (see the pictures). Seeds and fertilizers were washed out. We visited the area and advised them to do replanting as soon as possible. The replanting was done few days later.

Conclusion
This is one of the place where demonstration plots are doing very well. Pastor and parish members are very committed to the program. We expect the same success this year too.

Nduli-Christ the King; CVP Visit Report for July 26, 2011

2008 CVP
CompanionVillage Project
6th Visit Year Three
July, 26 2011
Village Nduli
Pastor Laiton Muyinga
Companion Christ the King Lutheran, New Bringhton
Attendees 10
Weather for the past month Dry
Reporters Nafeti, and Pongolani

Purposes of the visit
• To collect the yield measurement
• To deliver grain storage chemical “Shumba”
• End of season discussion and planning for the next farming season

Topics
1. Review of the handouts
• 6th Visit instruction handout
• Yield recording sheet
2. Harvesting
Both corn and beans have been harvested. The yield this year has been higher than those of last two years.

Crop Corn Beans
Yield per ½ acres 12 bags 3 bags

3. Storage
We instructed them on how to store grain for home usage and for selling at the time of high price. We instructed how to mix grain storage pesticides “shumba” and the appropriate volume of grain per bottle recommended. We left the pesticides to them to mix with their harvested grains.
4. Discussions about the farming season
They like the corn and bean variety. During the growing season they managed the plots as they were instructed that is why they harvested more than normal farmers could harvest. When they planted they experienced drought but leaving crop residues on the ground helped to retain moisture.
5. Adaptation
Majority of the attendees said they have been practicing some of the techniques we have been teaching them. They have been experiencing higher yields than they usually used to farm. The parish also ranked first in Iringa municipal and they were invited to attend the zonal agricultural fair in Mbeya and they were given a place to display the crops they are producing.


Comments/questions
 How long they should store the grain when mixed with pesticides before they can use? If they use shumba as storage pesticide they should keep for six months before they can use. And if they use pesticide apart from shumba they should read the instructions to see how long they should store.
 They wanted to know if the institute has plans to start buying crops from farmer. We told them that currently there are no such plans we are teaching they how to grow more and store the produce so that they can sell at the time when prices are higher.

Conclusion
We congratulated them for the good job they have done in the demonstration. We encouraged them to adapt the techniques.

Nduli-Christ the King; CVP Visit Report for June 7, 2011

2008 CVP
Companion Village Project
5th Visit Year Three -- June 07, 2011
Village Nduli
Pastor Laiton Muyinga
Companion Christ the King Lutheran, New Bringhton
Attendees 4
Weather for the past month Dry
Reporters Gabriel, Don and Karen
Before we went to Nduli we stopped in one of the Hardware store and buy Aluminum sheet. The institute of Agriculture is working on researching the better storage facilities for the local farmers which might reduce post harvest crop loss and help the farmers to store their crops and sell when price goes up. Nduli is one of the place where one of the locally made storage facility (Grain silo) is been built. The aluminum sheets will be used for building shading structure for the silo.
Purpose of the visit
• Explain and demonstrate how to take yield measurement
Topics
1. Greetings
Don delivered greetings from Christ the King-New Bringhton, 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 good. Spacing has been properly followed; 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 and the measurements were taken as instructed. The yields are good.
Comments
 They asked if we what methods farmers in USA use to store their crops
Farmers in USA store their crops in big metal silos which allow warm are to pass through the grains and dry them to the right moisture content. Moreover some do put their crops in the big grain elevators which are own by co-operatives or individual businessmen. The elevators have been constructed in such a way grains are stored for long time without been damaged. However those facilities are not available in Tanzania, farmers are advised to sun dry well their crop and put storage pesticides before they store their crops.

Conclusions
This parish has been very good candidate for these agriculture training program. They work hard, follow instructions and they get good results. Pastor told us many people have been adopting the techniques. We encouraged them to keep the good work.

Nduli - Christ the King CVP Visit Report Jan. 7, 2011

Companion Village Project
Visit Report
4th visit Year Two
January 7, 2011

Village Nduli
Pastor Laiton Muyinga
Companion Christ the King, New Brighton
Attendees 3 Male 1 Female (1st time attendee: None)
Weather for the past month Sunny and Dry
Reporters Gabriel and Rev. Mang’ulisa

This area is dry, we had to deliver bean seeds and fertilizers early in the season. Today we delivered only pesticides
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. 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
CAN 2 bags
Pesticides Thionex ½ Litre

4. Plots
Corn
Corn plot is good. Spacing has been properly followed. Pastor told us replanting was done but the germination delayed due to lack of rain. It has been dry here for a while now. The corn leaves are folded due to strong sunlight and dryness.
Bean
Beans were planted since January 27. As we walked at the bean plot we saw that germination was still taking place.

Discussion
Pastor told us that people have been very much interested in the demonstration plots. As they walk across and see the plots, they ask number of questions to him about the techniques and type of seeds used. He has been providing farming education to the Parish members and other villagers

Comments/Questions
 They said that they have seen many pests especially insects in the corn this year
We told them that is probably due to the change in the weather. However applying pesticides will help controlling them.

Conclusion

Their plots are well taken care of. Pastor told us he and other parish members have been adopting the techniques. They have seen the increase in yields in their farms and are very interested with the types of corn and beans seeds we are introducing to them.

Nduli-Christ the King; CVP Visit Report for Nov. 11 (or 9th?)-2010

2010 CVP
Companion Village Project
Visit Report
3rd Visit 3rd Year
November, 11 2010

Village Nduli
Pastor Laiton Myinga
Companion Christ the King
Attendees Male 4 Female 7
Weather Sunny
Reporters Nafeti,Phil, Itiweni, Pongolani

Purpose of the visit
• Delivering seeds and fertilizers
• Demonstrating corn planting and fertilizer applications
• Provide information on Micro-finance institute

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
The demonstration plot is outside the church. We demonstrated on how to place seeds and how to apply fertilizers. We insisted that they should not place seeds and fertilizers together. There should be at least 5cm apart.
o Seeds and fertilizers
We delivered 2 bags of NPK and corn seeds.

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








Questions from the audience
• How to apply manure on our farms?
Manure can be applied in the field by spreading them on the surface of the soil.
• What kind of spacing to use with manure?
Use the same spacing as recommended for commercial fertilizers and take into consideration the amount of manure you have.
• We need seeds that are drought tolerant, are those we use in the demo plot right ones?
We plant seeds which we do think that they are suitable for that area. The seeds we use in our demo plot are the short duration ones.
• Comments on what have you learned:
-The yield is increasing
-You can get more crops from a smaller area
-Use of improved varieties will give better yield than local varieties
-Planting takes long time but we get higher yield
-They can see the importance of crop residue in adding organic matter to the soil.
• Other things we should be teaching.
Have oil extraction classes

Conclusion
• Pastor Laiton Myinga and the Treasurer were present
• Yields: 2009 corn 11 bags and 2010, corn 8bags and 5tins beans.

Nduli August 10th, 2010

2010 CVP
Companion Village Project
Visit Report
6th Visit Year Two
August 10th, 2010


Village Nduli
Pastor Laiton Muyinga
Companion Christ the King
Attendees 14
Weather for the past month Dry
Reporters Ibrahim and Gabriel

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 8 bags Good yield

Beans 5 tins Low yield


(ii) Record in 10 m rows for corn

Location Amount in litres Number of plants
1st 10 meters 3.75
2nd 10 meters 5.25
3rd 10 meters 3.5

(iii) Record in 10 m rows for Beans

Location Amount in litres Number of plants
1st 10 meters 0.75
2nd 10 meters 1
3rd 10 meters 0.5

NB: They forgotten to record number of plants 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 30,000-35,000/= per bag and price goes up to 45,000/= TShs per bag (3 months later), for beans is 160,000/= per bag and goes up to 210,000/= per bag.
• Corn
Corn is already harvested, shelled and packed in the bags.
• Beans
The beans is already harvested, thrashed and packed in the bag. 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. People are adopting the techniques and eight (8) people who attended this meeting today have already practiced techniques taught.
 They asked and wanted to know between corn varieties that bear one ear Vs two ears, which is good?
We told them variety choice mainly depends to the weather, if the weather is suitable to the two ear corn variety then they should plant and if the weather is suitable for one ear corn variety then they should plant it.

Conclusion
We thanked all people who have been attending and doing a work in the plots. We insisted them to keep good records. They harvested 26 bags of corn from the church farm (2 acres). They did follow all the technique taught through demonstration plots.

Nduli-CVP Visit May 19-2010

2010 CVP
Companion Village Project
Visit Report
5th Visit Year Two
May 19, 2010


Village Nduli
Pastor Laiton Muyinga
Companion Christ the King
Attendees 8
Weather for the past month Dry
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, Christ the King, 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 a 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 are already harvested, they were fine but the drought happened at grain filling stage, yield won’t be good.
Corn also was already harvested and piled in the church store.




Comments
 They already harvested both beans and corn, but not yet shelled.
 The drought affected the corn and beans, so the yield is as not as good.




Questions from audience and answers

 They asked if the how they can determine the amount of rain.
We told them, the rain gauge that was given to them will help to determine the amount of rain received. To get better results, they have to record effectively.
 They due to existence of draught for several years now, are there any possibility of the Institute to construct dam or Irrigation scheme?
The answer is no, the Institute is only able to provide training for the time being however we reminded them discuss with government leaders and see if there is possibility.
 They are about to plant beans this month, how should they apply fertilizer?
They should apply during the planting time. We recommended them to place fertilizer 5 cm away from the seeds. For beans they should put “seed, seed, fertilizer, seed, seed, fertilizer etc”

Conclusions/Recommendations
We appreciated them for their turn up to the meeting and encouraged them to practice what we are training them for the better life improvement.

Nduli-CVP Visit Jan 12-2010

2010 CVP
Companion Village Project
Visit Report
4th Visit Year two
January 12, 2010


Village Nduli
Pastor Laiton Muyinga
Companion Christ the King
Attendees 8
Weather for the past month Heavy Rain
Reporters Ibrahim, Gabriel, Roger and Alfred

Purpose of the visit
• Planting bean and fertilizer application demonstrations
• Demonstration on second fertilizers application in corn
• Deliver fertilizer bags, Bean seeds, bottle spray, and insecticides
Topics
1. Greetings
Roger gave greetings from Christ the King, Saint Paul Area Synod and US Ag Advisory Committee
2. Went through the handouts
o 4th Visit handout
o Quiz handout
o Rain record sheets.
3. Demonstrations
We demonstrated how to measure inter row spacing (30cm). Using a string and a hand hoe it was demonstrated how to make a trench for planting the bean seeds. One seed was placed after every 10 cm. It was demonstrated how to place one full bottle cap of fertilizer between 2 seeds i.e. Seed-seed-fertilizer-seed-seed-fertilizer etc.

4. Fertilizer and seed delivery
According to the analysis of the soil of this area, the type of fertilizer recommended was NPK (10-18-24) for bean seed planting. The congregation was given 2 NPK bags and 40 Kg of bean seeds, variety of bean seeds delivered is WANJA-(drought resistance variety). We also delivered 1 bag (50 Kg) of UREA for second fertilizer application to corn field.



Comments
 The District Commissioner (Government leader) he visited Nduli in December, 2009 specifically to see a demonstration plot, he was impressed of what is happening and he said he will order the government Ag officers in his district to come and learn from Nduli.
 When Roger and I visited Nduli several days before our special visits we found out corn were showing yellow strips on the leaves, that is the sign of Sulfur deficit so we brought the fertilizer that contain sulfur and we applied in a little plot within the demonstration plot to see what will happen.
 After observing the bean seed we delivered, they were happy to see the seeds were in the good condition as compared to the local seeds they have been using.

Questions from audience and answers

 They asked where they can get bean seeds for their own farm.
We gave them cell phone number of the seed dealer (Uyole Research Farm)
 If they don’t have enough fertilizer as we recommend what they can do?
We suggested to them to use manure (compost) or to go for large spacing that will give them minimum plant population per area.

Conclusions/Recommendations
We emphasized the importance of following instruction because the success of the program depends upon them following what we instructed. They promised to follow all the instructions.

Nduli CVP Visit of Oct 28-09

Companion Village Project
Visit Report
1st visit Year Two
October 28, 2009

Village Nduli
Pastor Laiton Muyinga
Companion Christ the King, New Brighton
Attendees 27 (9 Men, 18 Women) 19 newcomers
Weather for the past month Sunny and Dry
Reporters Gabriel and Ibrahim


Purpose of the visit
• Planting and fertilizer application demonstrations
• To deliver seed and fertilizer
• To deliver a rain gauge
Topics
1. Greetings
Fred delivered greetings from Saint Paul Area Synod (Christ the King) and US Advisory Committee
2. Review of Handouts
o Fertilizer need template was filled and left to the box file of the congregation
o Plant population handout was reviewed
o Fertilizer application handout was reviewed
3. Rain gauge
They were given Rain gauge and a recording sheet, we explained the advantages of keeping rain records, where to place the rain gauge and how and when to read it.
4. 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 on each side.
5. Fertilizer and seed delivery
According to the soil analysis for this area, types of fertilizer recommended are NPK (10-18-24) and CAN (27-0-0). The congregation was given NPK (2 bags). They were told how to apply this fertilizer at the time of planting. CAN will be delivered later. Corn Seed variety delivered is DK 8031(4 bags). This is a drought resistant variety.
Comments/questions from audience
 Pastor asked why the size of the bean seed was so small last year despite using fertilizers and improved seed varieties
We told them that might be caused by drought during last farming season and bean diseases that occurred last year.
 They asked if they can use small plots to grow corn for transplanting when there is poor germination in their production fields.
We told them, it is difficult to transplant corn especially in the area where there is not enough rain like Nduli. We also told them to replant using seeds where there is no germination within one week.
 They asked since with the ratio of 1:1 (NPK :CAN) fertilizer is put on two sides of the seed/plant, 5 cm from each side, how will the fertilizer be applied in the ratio of 2:1 (NPK:Urea)
We told them with this ratio NPK will be applied in the same way since it will be in the same amount with that in the ratio of 1:1 however Urea will be applied on one side of the plant only.
Conclusions/Recommendations
Phil asked them
 How do they feel with the project and what advantages have they gotten so far?
i. Pastor said he has used the agronomic practices taught by the Institute. He did not use fertilizers however he was able to get 10 bags of corn/acre instead of 6 bags that he got in the past.
ii. Another member of congregation said he used the agronomic practices taught by the Institute and applied Urea only and he was able to get 11.5 bags of corn/acre compared to 5 bags he used to get.
 How have other people in the village heard about the project?
i. Village leaders have been informed by the pastor about the project and encourage people to attend
ii. People including one Muslim (who attended the meeting) have seen good looking crops at the demonstration plot and have asked the pastor about the seed and fertilizers that were used.


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

Nduli-6th CVP Visit - Sept 1-2009

Ag Inst – Nduli
6th CVP Visit
(Partner – Christ the King, New Brighton, MN)
Sept 1st, 2009
Pastor: Layton Muyinga.

Notes about this crop:
Number of people attended; 15, there were 3 people who attended the meeting for the first time and we had all people from each preaching points except one preaching point and they informed the pastor about their absence.

The corn crop at Nduli is one of the best in the CVP Program besides having weather problems in this year.
The reasons for this include:
They followed the Ag Institute’s recommendation for everything in a timely manner. The corn was tall and the ears were well filled out.
They harvested corn and were already shelled, yield obtained is 67.5 tins equivalent to 9.6 bags of shelled corn from half an acre.

One of the people who attended the seminar explained to audience that, he cultivated Five acres and harvested only six bags of shelled corn.

Amount of beans harvested was 9 tins and 7 liters; they would like to have a different beans variety specifically a drought resistance variety.

Records:
Demonstration plot;
Ø First 10 meters- harvested amount 8.5 Kg or liters of shelled corn
Ø Second 10 meters –harvested amount 6.0 Kg or liters of shelled corn
Ø Third 10 meters – harvested amount 5.0 Kg or liters of shelled corn
Average in 10 meters in a row is 6.5 Kg or 6.5 liters of shelled corn.

Neighbor’s records:
They didn’t record; we recommended them to record next season.

Nduli – 4th visit

Partner: Christ the King, New Brighton, Minn.
Wed., January 28, 2009
Pastor: Laiton Muyinga

Roger was incapacitated and did not participate in the visit today.

The plot looked very good except that it hasn’t had enough rain. Even without rain the plot looked better than surrounding fields in the community. The corn was very dry and the leaves were curled. They have not had any rain from January 2 till now (the 28th). The average row spacing was 60 cm, and there were an average of one plant every 25 cm of row.

Today we delivered 100 kg of NPK, 100 kg of CAN, 16 kg of Uyole Market seed. I bottle of Thionex had been previously delivered.

Ibrahim went through the hand outs. He emphasized the importance of weeding, that lack of weeding can be the biggest deterrent to crop yield. He also emphasized seed spacing at planting, since we are trying to fertilize high plant populations to maximize yield it is important to properly space the seeds so that we actually get high plant populations.

Ibrahim asked if they have experienced any benefits from the teaching we have done and the demonstrations that have been conducted. Some of their responses were:
· Appropriate fertilizer use, this helps him to be able to take a loan to purchase fertilizer to use on his farm without hesitating.
· Plant spacing, planting one seed per hole has resulted in more vigorous plants on his farm.
· One farmer said he is old and regrets that this program came along very late in his life. He is happy with this CVP program help, the rows look great.
· Putting crop residue in rows and letting it incorporate into the soil.
· Minimum tillage.
· Less expensive practices.
· They like not burning.
· She is happy with single crop in one area
· She understands very well about proper weeding.

Ibrahim demonstrated the placement of the second application of fertilizer (CAN) 5 cm on each side of the corn plants. The fertilizer should be placed 5 cm from the plant along side of the row and not in the row. Ibrahim demonstrated how to plant and fertilize the bean seeds. First dig a row or trench with the corner of the hoe, or if the ground is hard dig a continuous trench by digging at 90 degrees to the direction of the trench. Place the bean seeds 9 cm apart, or about the width of one’s fist, and then place one cap of fertilizer between the bean seeds. Finally cover the bean seeds and fertilizer with soil.

Photo link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/21557421@N08/sets/72157604418504820/detail/