Ng'ang'ange CVP Visit Report - May 22-2012

Companion Village Project Visit Report 5th Visit 4th year May 22, 2012. Village Nga’nga’nge Parish Pastor Simon Msula Companion Roseville L utheran Church Attendees 09 Weather Cloudy and cold 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 We demonstrated how to measure the 10 m row (in three different locations within the demonstration plot) for the yield determination; this was demonstrated by using a tape measure, sticks were fixed at the beginning and at the end of the 10m row in order to mark the row in which plants were counted and recorded. Plots information The Corn plot is far away from the church. The corn plants were too widely spaced between lines and plants. The plants were at maturing stage. Parishioners had already harvested beans and used it. The beans harvested measured about 4 buckets (about 80kg) only which is very little as compared to other villages in the production of the same crop. Just to make comparison, Wasa Parish harvested about 390kg (more than 4.8 times as much). Comments My assumption is that, there is less impact of the CVP because the demonstration plot is located at a distance far from the church where parishioners and other village members can’t observe what is going on in the plot. The distance is a hindrance for the members to go to work as well. It’s unfortunate that they could not find a site for the CVP near the church because the soil was unsuitable. Conclusion It seems CVPs located near the churches where parishioners and other villagers can see make more impact than plots located far away from people’s eyes.

Idasi PreachPt-Ng'ang'ange

2012 CVP Companion Village Project Visit Report 5th Visit 1st Year May 3, 2012. Village Idasi parish Pastor Daudi Kisoma Companion Roseville Lutheran Church Attendees 06 Weather Rainy and wet 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 We demonstrated how to measure the 10 m row (in three different locations within the demonstration plot) for the yield determination; this was demonstrated by using a tape measure, tassels from plants within the 10m were removed to mark them for easy identification at the time of harvesting. Plots information Idasi is one of the Parishes which are difficult to reach, therefore visited a few times in a year. We got stuck in the mud a couple of times before we finally called the villagers for rescue. Despite lack of some important information on good agricultural practices, their Corn looked well. The spacing between lines was bit wider than recommended and some gaps between plants resulting from failure to replant. The ears were big and impressive to look at. Parishioners were enthusiastic about their plot. They had not planted their beans yet, they were hoping to plant beans at a plot in front of the church before the end of May. Comments It is encouraging to watch their corn plot though it is their first year to participate in the program. We are optimistic that they will perform better in the second and subsequent years. The location of the corn plot and the place where they will plant beans provide a good spot for all Parishioners and other villagers to observe the agricultural practices taught. Conclusion We told them to continue weeding until when the corn is about to be harvested. We also advised them to adhere to the planting of corn at a spacing of 60cm between lines and 20cm between plants, 30cm between lines and 10 cm between bean plants.

Ng'ang'ange - Roseville Lutheran; CVP Report Jan 27-2012

Companion Village Project
4th Visit 4
January, 27.2012

Village Ng’ang’ange
Pastor Simon Msula
Companion Roseville Lutheran church
Attendees 06
Weather for the past month Good amount of rainfall 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 -

They had changed the position of their plot from adjacent to the church to about 2km away.
Conclusion
Adoption of good crop husbandry practices is still far. Rows were too widely spaced than should be and even the distance between plants was too wide. They were advised to be more carefully when they plant beans so that they can maintain correct pacing.
They were advised to borrow a hand sprayer and use it to spray insecticide before they get their own.

Ng'ang'ange - Roseville Lutheran - CVP Rpt - Nov 24-2011

2008 CVP
Companion Village Project
3rd Visit Year Four

November 24, 2011
Village Ng’ang’ange
Pastor Simon Msula
Companion Roseville Lutheran
Attendees 11
Weather for the past month Rainy
Staffs Rev.Mang’ulisa and Pongolani

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

Topics
• Review of the handouts
The handouts contain instructions were reviewed
- 3rd Visit Instruction
- Plant population and Fertilizer applications
- Fertilizer needs template
• Demonstrations
o Planting and fertilizer applications
Demonstration on how to plant and apply fertilizers was conducted. They participated in planting and applying fertilizer in the demonstration plot.
• Seeds and fertilizers

Corn Seeds Fertilizers
Variety Type Amount (bags)
Local Variety NPK 2
o Corn rotting issue
We instructed them to plant Local variety in the demo plot. The local varieties do not yield high but they have high ability to tolerate continuous rainfall. This will prevent or reduce the rooting incidents after maturity.

Conclusion
There have been low improvements in these plots. Management has been a problem here. The parish members were told importance of taking good care of the demonstration plots. The training conducted in these plots can help to increase productivity hence to improve their livelihoods.

Idasi-Ng'ang'ange-Roseville Luth.; CVP Report for Sept 28-2011

2011CVP
Companion Village Project
2nd and 3rdVisit Year, Year One
September 28, 2011

Village Idasi
Pastor Simon Msula
Companion Roseville Lutheran, Roseville
Attendees 15
Weather for the past month Dry
Reporters Gabriel, Rev. Mang’ulisa and Pongolani

Since this is distant located village and the road conditions are not reliable during the rain season, we had to deliver corn and bean seeds this time of the year. Upon our arrival, people started to gather in the church which is on the top of the hill. There was no Evangelist; we had two church elders who helped us to organize the demonstration meeting. In this visit we went with the Micro finance personal, Itiweni Luhwago.

Purposes of the visit
• To measure the plot
• To demonstrate on planting of corn and beans
• To deliver corn seeds, bean seeds and fertilizers
Topics
1. Review of the handouts
• 3rd Visit Instruction
• Plant population with 60 cm. rows and Fertilizer applications
• Fertilizer needs template
2. Demonstration
o Planting and fertilizer applications
The demo plot is outside the church. We measured the plot then demonstrated on how to plant and how to apply fertilizers. We insisted that they should not place seeds and fertilizers together. There should be at least 5cm apart. The spacing is 60×20cm for corn and 30×10cm for beans. Fertilizers should be applied to both corn and beans.
3. Rain gauge
We instructed them on how to record rainfall. We gave them a rain gauge and ask them to start recording as soon as the rain starts.
2. Delivery
We delivered corn and bean seeds and fertilizers
Item Corn Beans Fertilizers for corn Fertilizers for beans
Variety H6303 Uyole 96 NPK CAN NPK
Amount 4bags 30kg 2 bags 2 bags 2 bags

Conclusion
We might make another visit to this area in this year; however this will depend with the road situation. We told them that they should communicate with us on the progress of the demonstration plots. Whenever there pests and disease they should call us and we will send pesticides for controlling them.

Ng'ang'ange - Roseville Lutheran; CVP Report for Sept 14-2011

2008 CVP
Companion Village Project
Visit Report
6th Visit 2nd Year
September, 14, 2011

Village Ng’ang’ange
Pastor Simon Msula
Companion Roseville Lutheran church
Attendees 9
Weather Rainy
Reporters Nafeti, Gabriel, Rev. Mang’ulisa and Pongolani
Pastor introduced to us that they have plans to farm 10 acres of corn as the parish project using the techniques we teach and use on the demonstration plot and he invited us to visit the farm and give advice.

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 have been harvested and they didn’t plant beans in March and they are planning to do that this month.
Crop Corn Beans
Yield per ½ acres 2bags

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.
4. Discussion about the farming season
The corn variety which was grown last season had the problem of rotting after maturity. We discussed with them and it looks like in that area most of this improved varieties of corn have the problem with rotting which makes most of the farmers if not all to use the local corn varieties. Plans for the coming season is to divide the corn plot into two parts and plant one improved corn variety and one part local variety and use the same methods of production we recommend.
5. Adaptation
They like the techniques and some of said that they are using some of them but the problem they face is money to buy inputs. And the pastor said they will farm their parish farm using the methods we are teaching them to enhance farmers adaptation.

Comments/questions
 They could have harvested more corn this year but they ended up with low yield because of corn rotting and poor germination after planting. We think also of doing late planting so that corn matures during the dry season and escape the rotting.
 They plan to move the plot to another location within but within the village area. We told them to find an area where more people pass and see the progress of the plot and learn from that.
 Pastor raised the issue of active participation during management of the CVP plot because it seems few people carry the work and others doesn’t attend.
Conclusion
We encouraged them to participate during the training session and doing the scheduled activities. Fully participation will enhance not only the yields but their understanding of the techniques.

Ng'ang'ange - Roseville Lutheran; CVP Report for June 13-2011

2010 CVP
Companion Village Project
Visit Report
5th Visit 2nd Year
June, 13, 2011
We arrived at Ng’ang’ange and find that people were in the church and we joined them for the service and after the service they invited us go on with the training. We went through the handouts and thereafter we went to the plot for demonstration.

Village Ng’ang’ange
Pastor Simon Msula
Companion Roseville Lutheran church
Attendees 25
Weather Cloudy
Reporters Nafeti,Mang’ulisa and Pongolani

Purpose of the visit
• Explain and demonstrate how to take yield measurement
Topics
1. Greetings
Pastor Lunodzo Mang’ulisa introduced the Ag. Institute staff and went on with the greetings from the Iringa diocese.

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) for the yield determination, this was demonstrated by using a tape, we used spray paint to mark the demarcations within which the measurements should be taken.

Plots information
In the corn plot, the spacing was affected by germination failure at the beginning of the season. We told them that this will affect the yield they are going to get.
Beans will be planted next month (July)

Comments
• They are getting enough rain but corn yield doesn’t look good and they suggested shifting the plot to another location; we told them the important of keeping the plot the same place in order to see the benefits of organic matter accumulation. Though, we think we should allow them to shift the plot to other location and see if the yield will improve
• They suggested to plant local varieties of corn instead of improved varieties; we explained to them the benefits and qualities the improved varieties have compared to local varieties and we told them that’s why we insist them to plant improved corn varieties.

Conclusions:
We told them we need the yield data for the benefit of the whole program and for the success of the demonstration plots next season. We expect them to do a better job in collecting the data.

Idasi-Ng'ang'ange-Roseville Luth.; CVP Report for Mar 24-2011

2011 CVP
1st Visit, Year one
March, 24 2011


Village Idasi-Ng’ang’ange
Pastor Simon Msula, Daudi Kisoma ( evangelist)
Companion Roseville Lutheran church
Attendees 43
Elevation 1835 M
Weather They get adequate rain
Reporters Nafeti, Gabriel, Roger, Rev. Lunodzo and Pongolani

Purpose of the visit
• Introducing the CV project to the congregation
• Taking the soil samples for soil analysis
• To deliver box file and a hand hoe
Topics
1. Introduction
Rev. Lunodzo Mang’ulisa delivered greeting from DIRA and introduces the Ag Institute stuff and encouraged people to participate fully in the project. Roger gave the greetings from St. Paul Area Synod and Roseville Lutheran Church and went through the practices we teach and recommend on our demonstration plots we have. Roger also explained the relationship we are trying to establish with the pyrethrum company of Tanzania and encouraged farmers to grow the crop because market for it is available.

2. Handouts
The handouts were distributed to all then reviewed
• CVP Plot record of events
• DIRA – Institute of agriculture agreement
• Chronological Plot Management of Crops Planted in November/December 2010
• CVP Instruction – 1st Visit

3. Agricultural background of this area
The village population is 720, with 200 families. Farmers here grow corn, beans, finger millet, peas, and Irish potatoes. Famers use local varieties of corn and beans. Most of the famers do not use fertilizers. The corn yield here is 5 bags/acre and beans is 1-2 bags/acre normally mixed with corn. We told them that the aim of the demonstration plot is to let them to learn the techniques which will enable them to harvest more than 20bags of corn/acre and at least 10 bags of beans/acre.






4. Soil sampling
After the meeting in the church we went outside. Together with the members of congregation we took soil samples from 4 points around the church, places where the demonstration plot is expected to be. Two types of samples were taken, from 6 inches depth and 12 inches depth. The samples will be taken to the laboratory for soil analysis

5. Simon Msula testimonial
Pastor Simon Msula encouraged people to incorporate these techniques on their own farm. He gave a testimonial where he said that he planted hybrid seed and applied fertilizer on a little over half an acre of corn. He got 15 bags from his small plot, but the tops of some of the cobs were rotten. However, even after culling out the rotten cobs he had 8 bags of good corn. This year he has planted again following our recommended practices, he said the corn looks real good and he is expecting a good harvest.




Comments/questions from audience

1. They have a problem with coach grass and with new land. So with minimum tillage how are they going to handle that?
In the new land digging of the weeds and spreading then under the sun is probably a good idea. After starting farming the land, monthly weeding by clipping the weeds especially during the dry season with a lot of sun shine will help to reduce the creeping weeds infestations.

2. We asked them if they are using commercial fertilizer on their farms.
They said that they are not applying fertilizers on their farms and we told them we are going to use fertilizers on the demonstration plot which will provide learning opportunity to them on what kind of fertilizer to use and at what rate of application.

Conclusions
We emphasized the importance of following instructions because the success of the program depends upon them following what we instructed. Also we encouraged them to visit Ng’ang’ange Parish station to see the progress of the demonstration plot there. Pastor Simon Msula gave them his experience with the demonstration plot located at the parish.

Ng'ang'ange - Roseville Lutheran; CVP Report for Jan 18-2011

2009 CVP
Companion Village Project
Visit Report
4rd Visit 2nd Year
January 18, 2011

Village Ng’ang’ange
Pastor Simon Msula
Companion Roseville Lutheran Church
Attendees Male 2 Female 6
Weather Cloudy
Reporters Nafeti, Roger and Pongolani

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

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

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

Delivery

Type/Variety Amount
Bean seeds Urafiki 30kg
Fertilizers NPK 2 bags
CAN 2 bags
Pesticides Thionex ½ Liter

Demonstrations

Corn plot
Corn Plants were planted and they had problems with rainfall after they planted which resulted into some seeds failing to germinate. They did replant in the holes where seeds didn’t germinate and still they faced the same problem of some not germinating. We demonstrated the 2nd fertilizer application.


Bean plot
Beans will be planted in March and we demonstrated how to plant them in terms of spacing between plants and lines and how to put NPK fertilizer during planting.


Questions

1. Corn seeds when planted using fertilizers doesn’t germinate, what is the cause of that?
If corn seeds are planted as we recommend that fertilizer should be 5cm from seed there is no possibility of fertilizer killing the seed even if there is not enough moisture in the soil. But if you place both seed and fertilizer in the same spot and there is inadequate moisture in the soil there is the possibility of seeds not germinating as fertilizer will drain water from seed through Osmosis.

2. What is preferred to add in the soil between manure and commercial fertilizers?
Incase if you are able to find enough manure to apply then we highly encourage you to use manure because manure in addition of adding nutrients in the soil also improves soil organic matter, soil structure and also control soil erosion.

Comments;
Pastor made a comment on the possibility of moving the plot to another location next season because they think the problem with corn germination is due to the kind of soil. The soil in this plot does not hold water not because of lack of organic matter, and also because it was previously a forest.

Conclusions:
We encouraged them to attend our meetings in large numbers and to inform all villagers’ when we visit so that they can attend the trainings and benefit from what we teach them.

Ng'ang'ange - Roseville Lutheran; CVP Report for Oct 28-2010

2010 CVP
Companion Village Project
Visit Report
3rd Visit 2nd Year
October, 28, 2010

Village Ng’ang’ange
Pastor Simon Msula
Companion Roseville Lutheran church
Attendees Male 5 Female 6 ( Had a funeral)
Weather Sunny,beautiful,cool
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
The demonstration plot is right at the church where people are able to see the progress of the plot which will accelerating technology uptake. 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. Corn seeds will be delivered later (they are not yet available in the shops in Iringa town).

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







Questions and comments


• Concern about ear rot last year, occurred after maturity and Pastor Msula suggested that we should establish variety trials for high altitude areas.
We are doing variety trial at Mgongo for low land areas of Iringa and in future we are going to consider about having variety trial at Lulanzi where seeds suitable for high land areas will be tested.

• Replanting after that did not germinate; do they need to dig another hole?
In case of enough rain make a hole or Use hoe handle to make a hole and place seed in a hole but no need of additional fertilizer.
• We have insect eating corn and bean roots;
Use crop rotation to break the life cycle of insects, use insecticide apply according to instructions
• In case if hard soil is it recommended to practice minimum tillage?
Yes it is recommended except in the case of hard pan you can plough to break the hard pan for one year and then go on with minimum tillage.

Conclusions:
This year we are going to use a different corn variety from the one we planted last year in order to avoid the problem of ear rot. The plot which last year was planted corn should be planted beans this season and that which beans were planted to be planted corn this season.

Ng'ang'ange CVP Visit - May 14-2010

2010 CVP
Companion Village Project
Visit Report
5th Visit Year One
May 13, 2010


Village Mlafu
Pastor Daison Mpesa
Companion Our Saviour’s, Still water
Attendees 32
Weather for the past month Dry
Reporter Gabriel, Ibrahim, Rev. Mang’ulisa

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

Topics
1. Rain records
We checked the records and write down in our notebook for analysis. In this season the village got enough rainfall.
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 sheet provided. To get good comparison, we asked them to do the same in one of the neighbor’s plot(s).
.
Plots
• Corn plot
Corn plot looks fine. The ears are not dried enough to be harvested. Members of the congregation are happy with the corn variety we have introduced to them. Good yield is expected in this plot.
• Bean plot
The beans are in the flowering stage. There are two parts of the plot, each has different planting date. We told them, next time they should make sure they have the same panting date in the whole plot. There are leaf-eating bugs; we instruct them to spray the pesticides (Thionex) we gave them called. This will prevent flower damage by these bugs.

Comments/questions from audience
 They asked what corn plants should be counted and what should not be counted?
We told them that as instructed in the handout, the corn plants which should be counted are those with ears to be harvested
 How about the rotten corn, should they be counted too?
The rotten corn which will be discarding should not be counted because they will not contribute in the volume measurements. However they should be put in the records so that we may not how many ears rot. Knowing the number of rotten ears will help us to determine the suitability of the variety

Conclusions/Recommendations
We did not have village leaders today. We asked Pastor to invite them to attend our next meeting. We delivered one tin and one liter for taking yield measurements.

Ng'ang'ange CVP Visit of Nov 3-09

2009 CVP
Companion Village Project
Visit Report
3rd visit Year One
November 03, 2009


Village Ng’ang’ange
Pastor Simon Msula
Companion Roseville Lutheran, Roseville
Attendees 16
Weather for the past month Sunny and dry
Reporters Gabriel Malima and Phil Larsen


We did not deliver the seed (H 6303) today. We placed an order at the shop in Iringa but they have been unable to deliver despite repeated promises. The shopkeeper told us we will get the this morning, then she told us she lost communication with the truck shipping the seeds from Mbeya. We had to move on with our visits and send the seed by bus to the villages later after it arrives.

Purpose of the visit
• Planting and fertilizer application demonstrations
• To deliver seed and fertilizer
Topics
1. Greetings
Phil delivered greetings from Roseville Lutheran, 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 fertilizers recommended are NPK (10-18-24) and CAN (27-0-0). The congregation was given 2 bags of NPK. CAN will be delivered later.


Comments/questions from audience
 They told us they have been planting corn in rows with 3 ft spacing between rows and 1 ft from between plants and they were wondering if the spacing of 60cm and 20cm works.
We emphasized that we are asking them to do things differently from the past and ask that they follow our instructions closely. The methods we are recommending have been tested and have worked in the past.
 They asked us, since the government has recommended Minjingu phosphates and DAP. These types of fertilizers have been subsidized by the government hence they are cheap and readily available. Why do we tell them to go for NPK?
We told them that we have given them a fertilizer recommendation in accordance with the soil analysis of the soil samples taken from their area. We advised them to buy the recommended fertilizer to get good yields and to conserve their soil fertility.

Conclusions/Recommendations
Their plot is new cleared land. Most of the plot has been burnt because it had big chucks of thorn bushes and “itch” grasses. We told them next year they should not burn the crop residues and dried weeds. They said they usually get 3-4bags/acre with no fertilizers. We told them that they will be able to get more if they follow our recommendations.

NB:
• 1 bag of NPK is 50kg and 1 bag of seed is 2kg
• Seed and other 4 bags of NPK were transported to the village on November 15, 2009. We gave the seed to the Pastor who was in town for seminar. We could not get the H 6303, instead we gave them H 628.

Ng'ang'ange - Roseville Lutheran, Roseville, MN

2009 CVP
2nd visit, October 1, 2009

Village
Ng’ang’ange
Pastors
Simon Peter Msula
Companion
Roseville Lutheran, Roseville
Attendees
18

This parish had larger turn out of women (10 out of 18 attendees). The Pastor started talking to the audience. He talked about the value of time, telling them to keep track of time and they will get their work done. We introduced ourselves. Don delivered the greetings from USA. We distributed the handouts to all.
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 and instructed them how to use it.
With them we measured a 0.5 acre adjacent their church. They have church farm that is not able to be reached by vehicle, and the second half acre will be there. The plot at the church is the newly cleared. It had big piles of grass and thorn bushes. After some discussion it was decided they will pile the largest portion of brush and grass and burn it in one or two points. However they should not burn everything leave the land uncovered after that. We thanked them for the hard work they did, however we told them we were not happy because most of the work was done by women! The Pastor gave us a bag of corn to deriver to the Kidabaga’s pastor.

Ng’ang’ange - 1st Visit

March 2, 2009
Village: Ng’ang’ange
Pastor: Simon Msula
Companion: Roseville Lutheran Church, Roseville
Elevation: ~1,800 meters
Attendees: 29

When we arrived at Ng’ang’ange we had tea with Pastor Simon Msula in his home. As we walked from the church to his home he rang the bell, a tire rim suspended from a scaffold, with an iron bar. I’m sure this was a warning to his parishioners that the guests had arrived. Over tea he told us some amazing stories about himself and what he used to do. After being an evangelist at a preaching point, he worked construction in Kenya, on the Dar to Zambia highway and on the hydroelectric dam. He said that he was driving a bulldozer at the dam project when it rolled over the side. They had to dig him out from under the dirt and the dozer. He said that was when he dedicated his life to being a pastor. He told of days when he had been a hard drinker, the homemade liquor, and fights in bars. He told how they would test the homemade alcohol to see if it was ethanol or methanol. They would dip their finger in the liquid and then light it, if it burned it was ethanol and if it didn’t it was methanol.

After tea we went to the church where he rang the bell for a second time, and people started to appear. There were 29 people in attendance at the meeting. After a greeting and an introduction Ibrahim went through the five 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

The meeting lasted an hour and fifteen minutes. The audience was attentive and asked questions. The pastor commented that; "he was extremely thankful that this program was coming to his village, because he sees that members of his congregation are not always able to grow enough food to feed their family, and he hopes that this program will teach them how to grow more food for themselves.” He was especially thankful to Roseville Lutheran Church for supporting the CVP at Ng’ang’ange.

By now it had stopped raining and we went out to collect soil samples. The site of the plot was an area just outside the church that was now growing in grass and brush. We told them that they should start preparing the plot soon so that they can kill the grass and brush and prepare the soil. The soil did have quite a bit of organic matter, so we will see if that makes any difference. We collected samples at two depths from three locations in the plot.

At Ng’ang’ange comments were:
· Pastor Simon Msula said: “He was thankful for the CVP Program, and thankful that his people won’t have a problem of no food. It is like getting a new morning.”
· One gentleman said: “he was thankful for the program, and felt they would learn a lot to help them get out of poverty. He hoped there would be no more hunger in his home.” He is currently farming three acres, but he has to buy food for his family because he can’t raise enough on his land. He is trying to buy more land to grow crops. He was surprised when told about the 15 bags per acre yield at Mgongo, and hoped that could be accomplished at his farm.
· When we talked about intercropping and our recommendation that they only grow one crop at a time, one villager described that he planted four seeds of corn, a couple seeds of beans and some pumpkin seeds all in the same hole. We explained why intercropping results in more competition and actually reduces yield. His response was: "maybe that was why he wasn't getting very good yields from his fields."
o An additional comment was that it is harder to weed when many crops are grown in the same field.
· An older woman said that people are still farming using the same old ways she learned as a child. She didn’t see success from the old ways. This program will help her to learn new ways to farm.
· When asked about the average yield of corn in the area, the parishioners said that it was two to three bags per acre. They were surprised to hear that Mgongo produced 15 bags of corn per acre.
· Questions were raised about fertilizer, that it could have detrimental effects. 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. Fertilizer if wrongly applied can give bad results, but if properly applied will increase yields.
· Ibrahim asked a question would they rather be given a bag of corn or taught how to grow 10 bags of corn, they responded they would rather be taught. He then said would they rather be given a bag of corn or be taught to grow a bag of corn, and they responded that they would rather be taught. Better to train them than to give them corn. This reinforces their hunger to learn new and better ways to do things.

Photo link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/21557421@N08/sets/72157615035494505/detail/