Nyanzwa - Easter Luth - CVP Visit Report - May 4-2013

2009 CVP Companion Village Project 5th Visit Year Four May 04, 2013 Village Nyanzwa Pastor Luhwano Mwafute Companion Easter Lutheran Attendees 10 Weather for the past month Dry Reporters Gabriel and Venance In this visit, we were companied by Rev. Paul Harries and Itiweni Luhwago and Peter of Microfinance. We held a meeting in the Pastors’ house and discuss various village matters including agriculture and irrigation issues. Demonstration plots This is dry area and all farmers here depend on Irrigation. The type of Irrigation conducted here is farrow irrigation where by the farm plots are connected with ditches and water is allowed to flow from one plot to another. The corn has been harvested and stored in the Pastor’s house. The corn yields this year have been increased. Pastor had positive comment on the performance of the plot this year. Crops The crops that can be grown in this village are corn, beans, onions and sunflower. The villagers requested that the agricultural training program should be extended to the fifth year. They also asked that the demonstration crop should include onion and sunflower. They preferred onion demonstration plots Irrigation The village has been experiencing drought from one season to another. The water stream highly depended by villagers for irrigation and drinkable water. During the discussion, villagers suggested that there should be dam construction project. They said that they have already spoken with the government officials about this dam construction, and the government has promised to assist them. However, they have not heard back from the government since then. The dam will provide water for irrigation and drinkable water Conclusion At the end of the meeting, the villagers prepare an action plan on how to make follow up on the dam construction issues and agricultural program. We told them that we (institute of agriculture) will discuss on how to establish onion demonstration plot and look at the possibilities and logistics to do that. Somehow there is improved demonstration plot this season.

Nyanzwa CVP Visit Report - Jan 29-2013

2013 Companion Village Project 4th Visit, Year Five January 29, 2013 Village Nyanzwa Pastor Luhwano Mwafute Companion Easter Lutheran Church Attendees 4 Weather for the past month Dry Reporters Location GPS reading Ibrahim and Rev. Mang’ulisa Altitude: 585m above sea level 07021.231S O36017.049E Introduction Nyanzwa is located in the valley, surrounded by mountains all around covered with shrubs. Also Nyanzwa is considered dry land and hence majority of people/farmers depends on irrigation for farming rather than rainfall. Last years’ crop yields were not good, due to shortage of rainfall. Therefore families now don’t have enough food to eat. Purpose of the visit • Delivering insecticides (1litre) and fertilizers (2 bags of NPK) • Demonstrating second fertilizer application and spray of insecticides Topics covered 1. Review of the handouts - 4th Visit Instruction - Plant population and Fertilizer applications 2. Demonstrations: Insecticides and second fertilizer applications: The attendees were given an opportunity to demonstrate on how to spray and how to apply fertilizers which they did precisely. However, they were cautioned not to place fertilizers very close to plant stock. Conclusion: It seems the drought situation is always happening year after year, so they shifted the plots to irrigation zone.

Nyanzwa - CVP Visit Report Nov 22-2012

2012 Companion Village Project 3rd Visit, Year Four November 22, 2012 Village Nyanzwa Pastor Luhwano Mwafute Companion Easter Lutheran Church Attendees 13 Weather for the past month Dry and hot Reporters Location GPS reading Pongolani and Venance Altitude: 585m above sea level 07021.231S O36017.049E Introduction We drove past the dry valley of Nyanzwa to meet a big audience of 13 people both females and males waiting at the church. The audience included a village agricultural officer and a school teacher. The pastor told us that the village was already suffering of hunger. Some families were surviving on porridge made out of a little corn flour and a sweetening agent. Corn grain is scarce and a tin is sold at 15,000/=tshs. Cattle do not do well except goats. The pastor thought the year is much more difficult than the past year. Purpose of the visit • Delivering seeds and fertilizers • Demonstrating planting and fertilizer application Topics covered 1. Review of the handouts - 3rd Visit Instruction - Plant population and Fertilizer applications 2. Demonstrations: Planting and fertilizer applications: The attendees were given an opportunity to demonstrate on how to plant seeds and how to apply fertilizers which they did precisely. However, they were cautioned not to place seeds and fertilizers together. 3. Delivery Seeds and fertilizers The following inputs were delivered:- Item Corn Beans Fertilizers for corn Fertilizers for beans Variety Pioneer Uyole Njano NPK cereal Thionex NPK winner Amount 4bags 40 kg 2bags 1 litre 2 bags Comments/Questions The first comment was about mixed cropping. A member of the gathering wanted to know why we deny mixed cropping; we explained for the reason of optimization but then thought of being flexible under their situation to cover the big risk of zero yields in Nyanzwa. They suggested buying a water pump for the demonstration plot and using it to water at least one acre seriously to rescue the situation Conclusion: It seems the drought situation is discouraging people to the level that they have become desperate, they no longer have any hope of any growing crops.

Nyanzwa CVP Visit Report - Aug 30-2012

2009 CVP Companion Village Project 6th Visit, Year Three August 30, 2012 Village Nyanzwa Pastor Luhwano Mwafute Companion Easter Lutheran Attendees 12 Weather for the past month Dry Reporters Gabriel and Rev. Mang’ulisa In this visit we were accompanied by Ms Itiweni Luhwago, personnel from Microfinance Institute of Tumaini University. She came here to meet and talk with the leaders of the Parish and leaders of the saving and Credits Cooperative Society of this village. 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: The yields of both corn and seeds are very poor. Both crops were late planted and management was not good. 3. Storage: We trained them on the storage of food crops. Since they depend on selling onions and buy corn from near by villages, we told them they should buy the corn and beans now before the prices have risen. We instructed them to mix grain storage pesticide “shumba” and the appropriate volume of grain as recommended. The storage pesticides can be used for both corn and beans. 4. The past farming season Corn and bean plots have not performed well. This has been occurring every year due to drought condition and poor management of the demonstration plots. Although the seed varieties are drought resistant, without good management they can not performed well. Comments  Pastor said, although the demonstration plots have not performed well, some of the techniques have been adopted by the some people. They have learned to close spacing, minimum tillage and leaving the crop residues to minimize water loss from their farms Conclusion The parish has not been doing a good job in managing the plots. However we were encouraged by the reports about people who are now adopting the good farming techniques. We advised them to save food for domestic uses to prevent hunger I their village.

Nyanzwa - CVP Visit Report - May 14-2012

2008CVP Companion Village Project 5th Visit Year Four May 14, 2012 Village Nyanzwa Pastor Luhwano Mwafute Companion Easter Lutheran Attendees 9 Weather for the past month Dry Reporters Gabriel and Don In this visit we were accompanied by Ms Itiweni Luhwago, personnel from Microfinance Institute of Tumaini University. She visited here to talk with the leaders of the Parish and leaders of the saving and Credits Cooperative Society of this village. Purpose of the visit • Demonstrating on how to take yield measurements Topics 1. Greetings Don delivered greetings on behalf of Easter Lutheran, Saint Paul Area Synod and US Ag Advisory Committee 2. We visited the demonstration plots. The crop situation does not look good. Pastor said that there has been drought. Although the plots are in the irrigated area they have not been receiving water from the river. The reasons we were told was that there has been competition of water for irrigation. Many people are farming in this area thus water is not enough. However management of the plots has not been good. It was delayed planted thus by now plants are stunted. There will be poor yields from the demo plots. 3. Review of the handouts o 5th Visit handout o Yield recording sheet 4. Demonstrations Although plants are few and stunted, we told them that we need to know how much they are going to harvest. We instructed them on how to take the yield measurements from the plots (from 10 meter rows in both corn and beans. Conclusion The program has not been successful yet in this village. There is a problem of the demonstration plots management and drought. When drought resistant crops introduced, they were not successful because many villagers are not familiar with them hence they were not well received. We told them that we will go back in July/August to take the harvest records.

Nyanzwa - Easter Lutheran; CVP Report Jan 23-2012

Companion Village Project
4th Visit 4
January, 23.2012

Village Nyanzwa
Pastor Luhwano Mwafute
Companion Easter Lutheran
Attendees 09
Weather for the past month Hot & Dry
Reporters Venance, Rev. Mang’ulisa, and Edman

Upon arrival, we were welcomed by the parish pastor, 5 other church members, 2 primary school teachers and the extension worker of the village. This area is among areas which suffer from drought; therefore part of its corn field is grown with sorghum; plants around looked wilting. After introductions, we went through the guideline as follows;

Purpose of the visit
1. Review of the handouts, 4th visit instructions
• Discussion about germination, Replanting and Pest control
• Monthly weeding before planting
• Monthly weeding after tasseling
2. Demonstration on second fertilizer application on corn. Demonstration on planting and fertilization of beans on rows 30cm apart and 10cm between plants.
3. Insecticide Application. We instructed them on how to apply the insecticide on both corn and beans and the recommended rates to apply.
4. Delivery.
We delivered been seeds, fertilizers and one liter of Thionex 35 EC insecticide.

Item Beans Fertilizers for Corn Fertilizers for beans
Variety Macia and wanja Urea NPK
Amount 1 Bag 2 bags

Members had some questions which needed answers. They asked about the pre - harvest period for bean leaves to be used as a vegetable after insecticide application and the answer came from manufacturer’s instruction that for beans the pre – harvest period is 2 – 4 days.
Also they had a comment about the mode of applying N fertilizer on corn. They thought applying in a complete circle would be more appropriate. My answer was applying N fertilizer in a complete circle is the most appropriate only that it is laborious, if farmers can do it, it is OK.
NB. Bean seeds to be sent before March.
Conclusion
Members were reminded to follow correct spacing, do monthly weeding and apply correct amount of insecticide at the right time.
When asked about whether they apply the agricultural practices taught in the demo plot in their personal plots, 4/9 present (44%) said they have started to apply the practices though their major limitation is inability to purchase fertilizers. But generally their major limitation is drought condition which is prevalent in their area.

Nyanzwa - Easter Lutheran; CVP Report for Aug 1-2011

2010 CVP
Companion Village Project
Visit Report
6th Visit 2nd Year
August, 01 2011

Village Nyanzwa
Pastor Luhwano Mwafute
Companion Easter Lutheran
Attendees 7
Weather Sunny, warm
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
They have harvested corn and they got very low yield because of drought. They have not yet harvested beans as they are still on the field.

Crop Corn Beans
Yield per ½ acres 1 bags and 3tins

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
The only thing which affected production during the season was drought which lead to poor germination and growth of the plants.
5. Adaptation
Pastor Mwafute is one among those who are utilizing the techniques and he said incase of enough rainfall they can have high yield compared to normal ways of farming they are used to. Several people also said they have seen the difference in terms of yield increase.
Comments/questions
They have been experiencing problems with animals (Livestock) eating crops while still on the field and crop residues after harvesting. As a village we told them that they should put some regulation to control animals and/or they should trade crop residues with manure.

Conclusion
We encouraged them to do better next farming season by leaving crop residues as much as they can on the field.

Nyanzwa - Easter Lutheran; CVP Report for May 27-2011

2010 CVP
Companion Village Project
Visit Report
5th Visit 2nd Year
May, 27 2011

Village Nyanzwa
Pastor Luhwano Mwafute
Companion Easter Lutheran
Attendees 9
Weather Sunny
Reporters Nafeti, Don, Karen, Mang’ulisa and Pongolani
We held the meeting at the demo plot not as usual meeting inside the church first and later to the demo plot for demonstration. We had few people attending the training because majority of the people went to irrigate their farms.

Purpose of the visit
The purpose of the visit is to demonstrate and give instructions on yield measurement.

Topics
Greetings
Pastor Lunodzo Mang’ulisa introduced the Ag. Institute staff and he also delivered greeting from the Iringa diocese. Don delivered greetings from St. Paul area Synod and US Ag.Isnstitute Advisory Committee. Done also explain the important of the yield data we are expecting to take from the demo plot.

Went through the handouts
• 5th Visit handout
• Yield recording sheet
• Rain record sheets to know the amount of rain received during this season

Demonstrations
We measured the 10 m row and counted the number of plants (in three different locations within the demonstration plot) for the number of corn ears and yield determination, this was demonstrated by using a meter tape, and the spray paint to mark the demarcations within which number of corn ears and yield information should be obtained. Also we told them to use the same instruction when they will be taking yield data from the bean plot which they expect to plant on the irrigated land.

Comments
We insisted them to keep weeding every month in order to prevent the weeds from turning into seeds. Because they left some weeds without weeding them and they are about to turn into seeds which will cause more weeds for next season.

Conclusion
We insisted the important of harvesting the 10M row we marked for data taking and then they should go on harvesting the whole plot and record the total yield.

Nyanzwa - Easter Lutheran; CVP Report for Jan 31-2011

2009 CVP
Companion Village Project
Visit Report
4rd Visit 2nd Year
January 31, 2011

Village Nyanzwa
Pastor Luhwano Mwafute
Companion Easter Lutheran
Attendees Male 16 Female 11
Weather Sunny, warm
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
Greetings were delivered from the St. Paul Area Synod and the Iringa Diocese by Roger Blomquist. 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
• 4rd Visit Instruction with sufficient information on the important of regular weeding, bean planting, fertilizer placement and pesticide application.

• Delivery
Type/Variety Amount
Bean seeds Wanja 40kg
Fertilizers NPK 2 bags
CAN 2 bags
Pesticides Thionex 1 Liter

Demonstration

Corn;
The have severe drought which existed before planting the corn plot and has continued after planting. As a consequence of the severe drought the corn plot had poor germination and those which germinated are not looking good because of lack of soil moisture. They did replant seeds where the corn didn’t germinate and ended up with poor germination there also.


Beans;
Beans will be planted as soon as they get rain from the beginning of February.




Questions

1. Why do we use two bottle caps of CAN and one for UREA during 2nd fertilizer application?
UREA has a higher nitrogen content than CAN, UREA 46% N and CAN 26% N.

2. At what time should pesticide be applied on the corn plot?
Pesticide should be applied once you observe the signs of insect damage on the plot.

Comments
More than ten people said they have started using the practices on their own farms. They generally said that using our techniques they harvest more crops than what they used to harvest previously.

Conclusion
We need rainfall in order to get the expected results of not less than twenty bags of corn. The area is facing severe drought condition at the moment and people are praying to get rainfall.

Nyanzwa - Easter Lutheran; CVP Report for Nov 4-2010

2010 CVP
Companion Village Project
Visit Report
3rd Visit 2nd Year
November, 04 2010

Village Nyanzwa
Pastor Luhwano Mwafute
Companion Easter Lutheran
Attendees Male 7 Female 4
Weather Sunny, warm
Reporters Nafeti,Phil, Itiweni, Pongolani

Purpose of the visit
• Delivering seeds and fertilizers
• Demonstrating corn planting and fertilizer applications
• Delivered rain gauge
• Describe micro-finance Institute (Itiweni)

Greetings
Before we began the demonstration, Phil delivered greetings from St. Paul Area Synod and US Institute of Ag advisory committee
Review of the handouts
Together with them we went through the handouts
• 3rd Visit Instruction
• Plant population with 60 cm. rows and Fertilizer applications
• Fertilizer needs template

Demonstrations
o Planting and fertilizer applications
We demonstrated on how to place seeds and how to apply fertilizers. We insisted that they should not place seeds and fertilizers together. There should be at least 5cm apart.
o Seeds and fertilizers
We delivered 2 bags of NPK and corn seeds. Sorghum and cowpeas will be delivered at planting time.

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








Questions and comments
• If two seeds are to be planted per hole what is the recommended spacing?
We don’t recommend two seeds per hole in order to avoid nutrients, moisture and space competition.
• When should they use DAP or CAN and which is better?
DAP is used for planting and CAN is used for side dressing
• When should we do side dress?
Do side dressing when plants are knee size high or after 60 days from planting.
• What have you learned?
Proper planting, Plant population, we are learning a lot at no cost


Conclusion
They had a water distribution meeting for irrigating their farms which reduced the attendance.

Nyanzwa July 19, 2010

2010 CVP
Companion Village Project
Visit Report
6th Visit Year Two
July 19, 2010


Village Nyanzwa
Pastor Luhwano Mwafute
Companion Easter Lutheran Church
Attendees 7
Weather for the past month Dry
Reporters Ibrahim

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 Harvested but not yet shelled

Beans Not yet harvested


(ii) Record in 10 m rows for Beans

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

NB: They forgotten to record corn yield in 10 meters, we really insisted them it is very important for them to record what we have instructed. For beans; they are almost getting to the flowering stage.

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

4. Discussion about their growing season.

We discussed about problems occurred through their growing season, such as how the seeds given to them behave, in terms of germination, diseases, amount of rainfall received, current corn and beans price with reference to future price after harvesting season.
• Prices
The current corn price is 35-42,000/= per bag and price goes up to 60,000/= TShs per bag (3 months later), for beans is 60,000/= per bag and goes up to 140,000/= per bag.
• Corn
Corn is already harvested however not yet shelled. I reminded them that we will need the yield record as soon as possible.
• Beans
The beans looks good, however they are about to reach a flowering stage. They don’t get enough water for irrigation. The beans variety introduced looks okay for their area.

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. Few people who don’t come to church once they saw the bean plot they took measurements on the spacing recommended and went to use it in their farms.

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

Nyanzwa - CVP Report May 17-2010

2010 CVP
Companion Village Project
Visit Report
5th Visit Year One
May 17, 2010


Village Nyanzwa
Pastor Luhwano Mwafute
Companion Easter Lutheran Church
Attendees 200
Weather for the past month Very Dry
Reporters Ibrahim, Gabriel and Lunodzo

We went with Pastor Paul Harris from Easter Lutheran and Mwandelema- veterinarian from DIRA who is responsible for livestock keeping- He addressed the issues related to Dairy goat keeping.
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, Easter Lutheran Church, 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 not yet planted, they will plant beans at the irrigation sites end of May, 2010.
Corn not yet harvested, but they didn’t perform better due to excessively drought.





Comments
 We had a large number of people a little bit over 200 villagers; we also had people and village government leaders from near by village called Igunda. People are appreciated the program and they believed the crops could have been good but because of draught they don’t look good.
 They will plant beans end of this month (May) because they are going to irrigate.
 The drought affected the corn plot and they are not going to have a better yield.
Questions from audience and answers

 They asked 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 told us normally they experience draught, is 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.

Nyanzwa - CVP Report Jan 15-2010

2010 CVP
Companion Village Project
Visit Report
4th Visit Year One
January 15, 2010


Village Nyanzwa
Pastor Luhwano Mwafute and District Pastor Gideon Mhenga
Companion Easter Lutheran
Attendees 11
Weather for the past month Raining
Reporters Ibrahim and Roger

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 Easter Lutheran, Saint Paul Area Synod and US Advisory Committee
2. Went through the handouts
o 4th Visit handout
o Quiz handout
o Rain record sheets.
3. Demonstrations
We demonstrated on how to measure inter row spacing (30cm). Using a string and a hand hoe, it was demonstrated on 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 planting bean seed. 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 2 bags of CAN for second fertilizer application to corn field. Corn was planted on December 30th, 2009.




Comments
 In the group of 11 people who attended the meeting, five (5) people already started practicing the techniques we taught them from the moment we started the training in March, 2009. This is good to be happened and that is the reason why we have been insisting people to practice all the techniques.

 We had a primary school representative (a teacher) who attended the meeting. When the school management heard from the pastor about our Ag seminars they were happy and decided to send a representative and hoped that next time a student can get involved or attend.

 For those who already practiced the techniques they said it is beneficial because it is easy to weed the field and easy to harvest since it is planted in rows.

 We were happy to see the rainfall data recorded from the rain gauge we gave them. They have received about 4 inches of rains since December.

Questions from audience and answers

 Why is the important to do crop rotation?
It is important because it breaks the disease cycles and helps to effectively utilize the available nutrients located in the soil. It also helps to fix nitrogen when the rotation involves leguminous plants such as beans when rotated with corn.

 Why not mixing several crops within the same field/plot?
To avoid unnecessary nutrient and moisture competition between plants,

Why broadcast the fertilizer when some remains after application?
It is important to broadcast the remaining fertilizers because the amount was recommended based on the soil analysis from the samples taken from the plot, so we want to make sure all the amount is applied in the field.

 If they don’t have as much fertilizer as we recommend what they can do?
We suggested that they use manure (compost) or go for large spacing that will give them maximum plant population per area.



Conclusions/Recommendations
We emphasized the importance of following instruction because the success of the program depends upon following what we instructed and also encouraged them to practice the techniques taught. They promised to follow all the instructions and encourage others to practice.

Nyanzwa CVP Visit of Nov 10-09

2009 CVP
Companion Village Project
Visit Report
3rd visit Year One
November 10th, 2009


Village Nyanzwa
Pastor Luhwano Mwafute
Companion Easter Lutheran
Attendees 12 (Including two evangelists, NB; Pastor’s wife is an evangelist)
Weather for the past month Sunny and dry and rain just started
Reporters Ibrahim Wikedzi and Fred Bergsrud


We started a meeting with 12 people, the pastor was not there. He was at Iringa town for some church activities one of them was to email Easter Lutheran. His wife who is also an evangelist organized people who gathered in the church for a meeting. On our way to Nyanzwa we picked 4 people from one of the preaching point (Mgowelo) and after a meeting we pick up them back we dropped them off and it were really raining.

Purpose of the visit
• Planting and fertilizer application demonstrations
• To deliver seed and fertilizer
Topics
1. Greetings
Fred gave greetings from Easter 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 put after every 20 cm and by using a bottle cup 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, types of fertilizer recommended are NPK (10-18-24). The congregation was given 2 NPK bags (50 Kg) and Pioneer seeds 4 bags (2 Kg)


Comments/questions from audience
 They asked us based on the soil analysis conducted from the soil samples that were taken, how do we judge the Nyanzwa soils?
Less fertile with no organic matter and lucks three major nutrients i.e. Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium
 They asked what role does the idea of leaving crop residues without burning.
Increasing Organic matter that will help holds fertilizer in the soil and prevents it from washed out with water percolation, conserve moisture in the soil and soil erosion control
 They asked based on the spacing we are introducing don’t we see that plants will be close in such away plants will compete for moisture and nutrients? (Spacing recommended 60cm by 20 cm)
The amount of fertilizer recommended is also based in the plant populations. Spacing should help the corn to have good canopy at the time of one feet long, that should help to reduce the evaporation from the soil. We emphasized that we 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 how often they should weed, if no weed should they keep weeding every month.
 We are recommended them to keep weeding every month by just chipping off the weeds, they should not consider to weed only when the weeds are 6 inches tall or more but weeding even if the weed is little or short less than 6 inches.

Conclusions/Recommendations
We highly recommended them to follow all agronomic practices we are and will be teaching them, and they will see success in their crop production, we referred to other CVP’s like Kilolo, Nduli etc. which harvested 11 bags and 3 tins and 9.5 bags of shelled corn from half acre plot respectively.

Nyanzwa-Easter, Eagan

2009 CVP
2st visit, September 28, 2009

Village
-Nyanzwa
Pastor
Luhwano R. Mwafute
Companion
Easter, Eagan
Attendees 6
There was a funeral going on and most of the people in the village went to attend, thus the attendance was poor. After waiting for a while the meeting started at 11:10am (Scheduled for 10:00am) with four evangelists plus the Pastor and his wife. Ibrahim introduced Don and Karen. Handouts were distributed (DIRA Institute of Agriculture Village Plot Agreement, CVP Chronological Plot Management of Crops Planted, Frequently Asked Questions and recording sheet)
Review
Handouts were 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
· They were given Rain gauge and a recording sheet, we explained the advantages of having rain records, where to place the rain gauge and how and when to read it ( after every 24hours)
The plot which is directly behind the church was visited. We had to move to catch up with the schedule hence we did not measure the plot. We asked them to do it and text the dimensions to Ibrahim. We will check the accuracy of the dimensions in next visit.

Nyanzwa - 1st Visit

March 4, 2009
Village: Nyanzwa
Pastor: Luhwano Mwafute
Companion: Easter, Eagan
Elevation: 582 meters
Attendees: 21

Nyanzwa is located east of Iringa below the escarpment on the road to Dar. Once below the escarpment Nyanzwa is 42 km, or an hour’s drive, north. This area is experiencing severe drought. There was no water in any potholes and the streams were dry. This village is one of the most primitive that I’ve seen. None of the windows had glass; just wire mesh, the kind with 3/8” or so diagonals. Few of the homes or buildings were made of brick; most were made of packed mud. Ibrahim explained the social barrier to economic development, where people are afraid that if they are successful, and build a nice home or business, someone will either steal or destroy what they have built. Bishop Mdegella describes this phenomenon as crabology where in a box full of crabs when one climbs to the top, all the others attack it and try to pull that one down.
I asked Ibrahim why he pointed out this social barrier at Nyanzwa, and he said that this was one of the most striking examples that he has seen. This was his second visit to Nyanzwa. Because of the irrigation there is a real opportunity in this area to produce crops during any season. But, they are not taking advantage of this opportunity. Production during the off season results in the highest price. I asked why people were afraid to take advantage of this opportunity, and he said it was fear. Fear of someone stealing you assets whether that was a farm or crops. If you have a nice house or other things of value, they are afraid of violence. Few people own much land, most own a little and rent additional land to grow crops. If one rents land to grow crops, and the crops are nice you probably won’t be able to rent that same land the next year because the owner will want to farm that land. Ibrahim gave me an example that happened to him.
He (Ibrahim) rented one acre to grow rice. It was upland, higher elevation, and not expected to produce much rice. However, that year it rained a lot washing out the fields in the lower elevations and providing enough moisture for Ibrahim’s field to produce well. At the end of the year the land owner told Ibrahim that he would not be able to rent that field again the next year. Ibrahim’s hope is that people who own a little land and rent more will produce good crops and in the future be able to purchase more land.
This area is known for its onion production, which they irrigate. They have diversion ditches from a nearby stream. They told us that the CVP plots would be irrigated. Since with irrigation they can grow crops at any time of the year, they will plant the corn and beans when there is the greatest availability of water. The plot is near a primary school and while we were taking soil samples a large group of kids came to watch.
After a brief introduction Ibrahim went through the handouts:
1. DIRA – Institute of Agriculture Village Plot Agreement
2. Plot Management
3. Chronological Plot Management of Crops Planted in December of 2009
4. Frequently Asked Questions
5. Record of Events
The current yields of corn in the area are around 4 to 5 bags per acre, with a maximum of 7 bags per acre. When asked, almost everyone said that they thought that fertilizer was detrimental to the soil and the seeds that were planted. 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.
There were some interesting comments from the attendees:
· Pastor Luhwano said he was happy with the CVP program, and that he was thankful that their companion congregation Easter Lutheran was supporting this project. He felt that this project would be very helpful to his community.
· An older gentleman said that minimum tillage had been used successfully in the old ways of farming. This was before the 1970s when the population was low and farmers moved from field to field leaving some fields fallow for a period of time. However in the 1970s the “Agricultural Revolution” where the government moved people into villages in order to facilitate the delivery of social services such as schools.
· Another man was thankful for the program and said that by helping them produce more they may be able to negotiate longer leases on their land, maybe up to 5 years or to purchase more land.
· Another appreciated the discussion of the importance of timely agricultural practices. He thinks they have been getting diseases in their crops by not planting at the right time.
· There were questions about the Institute’s ability to help with crops other than corn and beans. We said we were starting with two crops so that we did not overwhelm them, but that if they had questions about other crops we would try to provide answers.
o One man asked a question about disease in his tomato crop. After some clarification, Ibrahim suggested that by using his own seed he may be subject to seed borne diseases, and that he should try planting with new seed.
· One person expressed appreciation for the CVP program, and said that they had learned a lot in a short time, and hopes to learn even more from subsequent visits.

Photo link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/21557421@N08/sets/72157615035456151/detail/