Ruaha-Mbuyuni CVP Visit Report - March 20-2013

2010 CVP Companion Village Project 4th Visit Year Four March 20th, 2013 Village Ruaha Mbuyuni (Malolo) Pastor Elia Konga/Milton Mbosa Companion Holy Trinity Ev.Lutheran Church Attendees 5 Weather Moderately wet Reporters Ibrahim and Rev. Mang’ulisa Introduction The demonstration plots have been moved to the preaching point called Malolo. The preaching point is 21 km from the Parish (Ruaha Mbuyuni). We picked Pastor at Ruaha Mbuyuni and we drove to Malolo village. Purpose • Delivering insecticides (1litre) and fertilizers (2 bags of NPK) • Demonstrating second fertilizer application and spraying of insecticides Topics covered • Review of the handouts - 4th Visit Instruction - Plant population and Fertilizer applications • 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. Conclusion Malolo is dry area. The irrigation is needed that is why the plots were located in the irrigated farmland of the village. However, the challenge is how often they get water for irrigation because they receive irrigation after 21 days. Their corn were highly affected by Maize Streak Virus (MSV), we explained to them what are the causes of this diseases and the way to deal with.

Ruaha-Mbuyuni - CVP Visit Report - Nov 22-2012

2010 CVP Companion Village Project 3rd Visit Year Four November 22, 2012 Village Ruaha Mbuyuni (Malolo) Pastor Elia Konga/Milton Mbosa Companion Holy Trinity Ev.Lutheran Church Attendees 5 Weather Sunny and very dry Reporters Gabriel, Rev.Mang’ulisa and Happy Purpose • Delivering seeds and fertilizers • Demonstrating planting and fertilizer application Introduction The demonstration plots have been moved to the preaching point called Malolo. The preaching point is 21 km from the Parish (Ruaha Mbuyuni). We picked Pastor at Ruaha Mbuyuni and we drove to Wilolo village. The plots are located in irrigated farmland. Topics • Review of the handouts The handouts contain instructions were reviewed - 3rd Visit Instruction - Plant population and Fertilizer applications - Fertilizer needs template • Demonstrations Planting and fertilizer applications Demonstration on how to plant and apply fertilizers was conducted. They participated in the demonstration as few of them were left to try and show others. 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) H614 8 Urafiki 30kg NPK 2 Comments/questions: • Why should we use close spacing in planting corn and beans? Close spacing and fertilizer application are advised to increase yield in a small piece of land. Close spacing give high plant population and hence lead into high yields. However, it has to go with appropriate fertilization • When shoud we apply fertilizer? We recommend you to apply fetilizers two times; at planting and the second application should be when corn plants are at knee high. Apply fertilizers to the beans only once • What is the best type of corn variety to grow in our areas? Since your area does not receive high amount of rainfall, I will assume drought torelant varieties will be suitable to this area. This season we will try pioneer 3253 variety that thakes about 120 days to mature. Conclusion This is dry areas. The irrigation is needed that is why he plots were located in the irrigated farmland of the village. We told Pastor and other farmers that they should make sure that the demonstration plots get irrigated whenever needed.

Ruaha-Mbuyuni CVP Visit Report - May 15-2012

2012 CVP Companion Village Project Visit Report 5th Visit 3rd year May 15, 2012. Village Mbuyuni parish Pastor Elia Konga Companion Holy Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church Attendees 7 Weather Sunny and hot 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. Mbuyuni is a Parish in the dry and hot area of Iringa. For the past two years, the demonstration plot could not perform because of the drought condition experienced in this area. The Parishioners decided to move the plot to another place which is close to the irrigation ditch which supplies water for crops all the year around. According to the Pastor and parishioners, corn plants looked very well at the leafy stage, but when we visited we saw a very low plant population density and the plot was full of weeds. There were many gaps between plants and the ears were small. Obviously they will harvest little. They had not planted beans yet, but were preparing to plant it at the end of this month (end of May). Comments Parishioners see this year’s crop as a great success and hope to do their best in the next year. During the discussion they suggested to change variety of corn from Pioneer planted this year to Kilima which is common to their local condition and they believe it will perform better than Pioneer. We took their idea for discussion at the Institute. We advised them to adhere to the weeding norms as taught by the Institute and maintain proper plant spacing as recommended by the Institute. They mentioned a disease which attacked the corn leaves seriously to cause a decrease in productivity. After observing the leaves closely, I suspected a disease known as Gray Leaf Spot (GLS) also known as Cercospora Leaf Spot. They mentioned termite problem as serious as well and asked for help to curb it the next season. Conclusion The idea of moving the plot to a place near the irrigation ditch is positive idea, but they have to make some improvement on management principles such as; maintaining proper planting spacing, gap filling and weeding frequently as soon as weeds appear. The Institute of Agriculture may consider the idea of changing the variety. But it was learnt that villagers there prefer to grow paddy rather than corn. Probably more people would be more active to grow paddy rather than corn.

Ruaha-Mbuyni-Holy Trinity,NewPrague,MN;CVP Report Jan 19-2012

2009 CVP
Companion Village Project
4th Visit Year Three
January 19, 2012

Village Ruaha Mbuyuni
Pastor Elia Konga
Companion Holy Trinity Ev.Lutheran Church
Attendees 7
Weather Dry, hot
Ag Institute staff Gabriel and Roger

The demonstration plots have been moved back to the Parish from the preaching point called Kwale. Pastor and Parish leaders thought irrigation at Ruaha Mbuyuni is much more reliable than in Kwale. We went directly to the plot which is close to the water stream and conducted demonstration there.

Purpose of the visits
• To deliver bean seeds, fertilizers and pesticides
Topics
1. Greetings
Roger delivered greetings from Holy Trinity Ev.Lutheran Church and St. Paul Area Synod.
2. Review of the handouts,
 4th visit instructions
• Discussion about germination, Replanting, Pest, weeding after planting, monthly weeding after tasseling
3. Demonstration
The field demonstration could not be conducted. We gave them instructions and leave handouts for them to review. The instructions were about planting and fertilization of beans, fertilizers second application in corn and insecticide Application.
4. Delivery.
We delivered been seeds, fertilizers and insecticides
Item Fertilizers (Corn) Pesticides Sprayer
Variety/Type CAN Thionex Hand sprayer
Amount 2Bag 1 Liter 16Litre
Beans seeds and fertilizers have already been delivered in Nov/Dec

Corn and Bean Plots Discussion
Corn has been planted on January 18, 2012. Bean will be planter later in May or June. The irrigation will done using ditches drawing water from big and cement constructed ditch. This ditch is part of the large irrigation scheme constructed by the government in Ruaha Mbuyuni

Conclusion
There are positive expectations regarding the demonstration plots here. This type of irrigation seems to be more reliable than that in Kwale. Since the plot is close to the Parish, we hope the supervision and management will improve.

Ruaha Mbuyuni - Holy Trinity, New Prague, MN - CVP Report Nov 7-2011

2010 CVP
Companion Village Project
3rd Visit Year Three
November 07, 2011

Village Ruaha Mbuyuni
Pastor Elia Konga
Companion Holy Trinity Ev.Lutheran Church
Attendees 10
Weather Sunny
Reporters 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 apply fertilizer in the demonstration plot. They were told not to place seeds and fertilizers together
o Seeds and fertilizers
The following were delivered
Corn Seeds Fertilizers
Variety Amount (kg) Type Amount (bags)
Pioneer 3253 8 NPK 2
Plot
Issues such as plot management and irrigation problems at the Kwale preaching point were discussed. The plots have not been doing well since they were established. Pastor and other parish leaders have decided to move the plots back to the parish, in hoping of increasing supervision and improve management
.
Conclusion
This is one of the irrigated plot in the program. The yield has not been good yet. They said they had water and irrigation issues last season. However more people in this place have learned the techniques and they are now applying in their farms.

Ruaha-Mbuyni - Holy Trinity, New Prague,MN; CVP Report for May 27-2011

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

Village Ruaha Mbuyuni (Kwale)
Pastor Elia Konga
Companion Holy Trinity Ev.Lutheran Church
Attendees 13
Weather Sunny
Reporters Nafeti,Don, Karen Mang’ulisa and Pongolani

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 showed them how to measure 10m row and take the yield data. Corns were still green and not yet matured. They also have not yet planted beans as we were expecting them to have planted beans before the rain season end.

Question
They asked if they can be helped to get a new water pump
We told them that we can not promise them anything regarding the new pump because the Institute supplies mostly the farming inputs for the demo plot.

Comments
• They are hiring water pump which is not reliable as sometimes they doesn’t get
• Corn plant they planted for the first time in January dried because of drought and they had to replant in March the one which are still in the field and they are not doing well as well because they are not getting enough water.
• The pump they were using for irrigation had mechanical problems, hence it doesn’t work. We told them to plant the crops when they get the first rain in order to use rainfall to grow crops than depending on irrigation only, also they should fix the pump to solve the current problem with drought.

Conclusion
We encouraged them because of irrigation potential they have they should think of fixing the water pump and go on with irrigating the corn plot and plant the beans as well.

Ruaha Mbuyuni - Holy Trinitiy, New Prague CVP Visit Report Jan. 31, 2011

2009 CVP
Companion Village Project
4rd Visit Year Two
January 31, 2011

Village Ruaha Mbuyuni (Kwale)
Pastor Elia Kango
Companion Holy Trinity, New Prague
Attendees Male 7 Female 18 (1st time attendees: None)
Weather for the past month Dry
Ag Institute Staff Gabriel and Pastor Mang’ulisa

In this visit we were accompanied by Michael Onesmo (from Group consultancy) and Itiwen Luhwago (Microfinace Institute of Tumaini University), we together with Michael and Itiweni are conducting Agricultural Market Research on the small holder farmers. As usual in this location the demonstration meeting was conducted under big baobab tree, with men and women gathered around.
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 the second application of fertilizer to the corn.
3. Delivery
Type/Variety Amount
Bean seeds Uyole 96 30 kg
Fertilizers NPK 2 bags
Urea 1 bags
Pesticides Thionex ½ Litres
Sprayer pump Anicrop Capacity 5 liters

4. Plots
Both corn and bean plots have not been planted yet. There is no rain and they are depending on irrigation from the nearby river. We gave them money 108,000 tsh to help them to buy diesel (60 liters) for the irrigation pump. We took a walk to the plots; they have been prepared ready for planting. Corn will be planted this week and bean will be planted in March.


Discussion about the last season
Last season, the plots were irrigated too. However the irrigation pump was not good. It was too old and had a number of break downs. This season they are going to use a different irrigation pump. It is old too but it is expected to work better than last year. However, they said they saw how the variety performed and hence some of them are planning to grow the same seed variety this season on their own farm.

Conclusion

We drove up to the Pastors house to deliver seeds, fertilizers and pesticides. Pastor told us since they have everything they need for the demo plot, the work will begin immediately. The corn plot will be planted and irrigated this week.

Ruaha-Mbuyni - Holy Trinity, New Prague,MN; CVP Report for Nov. 4-2010

2009 CVP
Companion Village Project
3rd Visit Year Two
November 4, 2010
Village Ruaha Mbuyuni (Kwale)
Pastor Elia Kango
Companion Holy Trinity, New Prague
Attendees Male 12 Female 8
Weather for the past month Dry
Ag Institute Staff Gabriel, Fred and Pastor Mang’ulisa

Purpose of the visit
• Delivering seeds and fertilizers
• Demonstrating corn planting and fertilizer applications
We sat outside on the yard of the elder of this place. The meeting and the demonstration took place here. Most of the people attended this demonstrations are from the Masai tribe.

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

Demonstrations
o Planting and fertilizer applications
We demonstrated on how to place seeds (Both corn and beans) and how to apply fertilizers. We insisted that they should not place seeds and fertilizers together.

o Seeds and fertilizers
We delivered 2 bags of NPK and 4 bags of corn seeds
Crop Seeds Fertilizer
Varieties Amount Type Amount
Corn Pioneer 3253 8kg (4 bags) NPK 100kg (2 bags)

o Drought resistant crops
We told them we want to introduce the drought resistant crops other than corn and beans. The crops are sorghum and cowpeas. They said they did try to farm sorghum in their area and it did not work out. Their area has so many birds and farming sorghum seemed like attracting more. Birds eat sorghum more than they eat other crops. We agreed with them that they should try cowpeas only.
o Irrigation
Their area does not get enough rainfall. All of the farming here depends on irrigation. Last year they had just ¼ acre of corn and ½ acre of beans. The yield has not been good because they had issues with the water pump they were using. This year they will have ½ acre of corn and ½ acre of beans. Corn plot has been moved close to the new pump. The pump owner has allowed them to use it this year and next year. What they have to do is to buy Diesel to run the pump. They asked us to help them money to buy the diesel, we told them we shall discuss this and give them an answer later.
o Plots
We took a walk to see the plots. It is near by the water channel which gets pumped water from the pipe which is about 50m long. The pump itself is about 500m from the plot, close to the river. We walked to the pump to see it. It looks somehow old, but they told us it is working better than the previous pump they used last year.

Questions/comments
 There insects eating the corn leaves before they reach knee high. How should the control them?
The insects are probably army worms. There pesticides used to control them; one of them is called Thionex. We will bring a bottle of Thionex for the demonstration plot.
 The old elder of this place told us he is now using improved variety of corn. He showed us the one bag of seeds (PAN 61). He also told us he is using cow manure for to his farm
 We encouraged them to use cow manure in their farm to increase the soil fertility and soil moisture retention. They should not burn the crop residues because they also increase the soil fertility and soil moisture retention too. By practicing these techniques they will increase soil fertility and reduce the amount of irrigated water. They will be able to save money from buying diesel for irrigating pump. Moreover for high yield they should go to buy fertilizers and improved seeds for their farms
Conclusion
We encourage them to follow the instructions and do things in timely manner. We told them we will be back in January for bean planting and the fertilizer second application demonstrations.

Ruaha Mbuyuni- Kwale July 19, 2010

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


Village Ruaha Mbuyuni- Kwale
Pastor Elia Kongo
Companion Holy Trinity Lutheran Church
Attendees 4
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 Corn are still at grains filling stage
Beans Pods formation stage (The plots are under Irrigation scheme )

(ii) Record in 10 m rows for Beans

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

(iii) Record in 10 m rows for corn

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

NB: They haven’t yet harvested both corn and beans. Their farming depends only in irrigation. We really insisted them to record yields, 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 28,000/= per bag and price goes up to 49,000/= TShs per bag (2 months later), for beans is 60,000/= per bag and goes up to 140,000/= per bag.
• Corn
Corn is not yet harvested they are in the filling stage.
• Beans
The beans are in the filling stage, however they complained about getting small amount of water for irrigation due to lack of enough irrigation pumps for renting.

Comments/questions
 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.

 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.

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

Ruaha-Mbuyuni - CVP Report May 17-2010

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

Village Ruaha Mbuyuni (Kwale)
Pastor Elia Kango
Companion Holy Trinity, New Prague
Attendees 8
Weather for the past month Dry
Reporter Gabriel, Ibrahim, Rev. Mang’ulisa

In this visit we were accompanied by Pastor Paul Harris from Easter Lutheran and Dr.Mwandelema(veterinarian) from DIRA. This place is real dry. The plots are located in the area near by the river where they can be irrigated. When we arrived, we went directly to the plots. The demonstrations took place over there.

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

Topics
1. Rain records
We checked the records and write down in our note book. The village has been affected by drought. The area got few rains at the end of December and few days in January only.
2. Review of Handouts
o 5th visit handout was reviewed
o Yield measurement sheet was reviewed and two copies were provided for yields recording.
3. Demonstration
It was demonstrated how to take the yields in 10m in different three rows. We told them to record the number of plants (and of ears for corn) and volume in liters in the yield sheets provided. To get good comparison, we asked them to do the same in one of the neighbor’s plot(s).




Plots
• Bean plot
The bean plot has been planted last Saturday. They told us this is the time to plant beans in Kwale. The bean plot is in different location with that of corn. They have decided to locate the bean plot here because of the problems they are having with the water pump. They are using somebody’s water pump which is old and currently does not function well. That pump is near by the corn plot. There is a guy with a new pump in other side of this irrigation land. He is going to run the pump to irrigate his farm, they have asked him to use that pump for beans, he has allowed them to use it to irrigate ¼ acre only. The bean plot has been moved nearby this guy’s farm to take the advantage of this guy’s pump. They asked us to look the way they have planted; they have done a good job.

• Corn plot
We visited the corn plot about 400m from that of the bean. The corn has been planted March 13, 2010. The plot is usually irrigated in the interval of 7-8 days (if the pump works fine). In our last visit (January) we gave them 50,000/=TShs, that is what has been used to buy fuel for the pump. Last week (May 10, 2010) they did the second application of fertilizer. The plants are at knee high. They look fine although there are signs of poor germination. They said after planting, the pump had a problem; some seeds did not germinate because of lack of enough moisture. One side of the farm has taller plants about 5 inches more that another side. Reason is; one time they did irrigate one part of the farm and the pump stopped working, they had to repair it, one week later they managed to irrigate the other part.


Comment
Pastor said Masai men do wait for something to have an outcome before they participate or adopt. He said if the demonstration plot is going to give highest yields than the rest of the plots in that area, men will start to participate and adopt the techniques but if the yields are going to be poor, only women and children will be left to go on with the plot. However since the food crisis is becoming serious in Tanzania and many Masai (livestock keepers) lose many cattle due to drought and diseases, Men are now abandoning some of their customs and starting find ways to learn how to farm. There were number of Masai men in group who are active in the project.

Conclusions/Recommendations
We told them to do a good job in the demonstration plots. The good job will result into higher yields. We told them they should take the measurements as we instruct. This will give clear comparison with how neighbors’ plot performance. We delivered one tin and one liter for taking yield measurements.

Ruaha-Mbuyuni - CVP Report Jan 26-2010

2009 CVP
Companion Village Project
Visit Report
4th visit Year One
January 26, 2010

Village Ruaha Mbuyuni
Pastor Elia Kango
Companion Holy Trinity, New Prague
Attendees 13
Weather for the past month Dry
Reporter Gabriel, Ibrahim, Roger and Alfred

Today we had the demonstration meeting at the preaching point of Ruaha Mbuyuni called Kwale. We met Pastor and few members there. Pastor told us that we should wait for other members who have gone to the demonstration plot to see if it has been rained where the plot is located because there has been raining in other part of the Ruaha Mbuyuni area. However when they come back they said it has not rained at the plot. The weather is kind of different here, when it rains, only a few places get the rain and other parts do not. Before the meeting we had a little discussion with the pastor about rain, irrigation and purpose of moving the meeting point to Kwale.

Purpose of the visit
• Bean planting and fertilizer application demonstrations
Topics
1. Greetings
Roger derived greetings from the Saint Paul Area Synod and the US Advisory Committee
1. Planting
Although the rain records shows that it has rained about 5 times (Ruaha Mbuyuni), members of this preaching point and the Pastor told us that it has not rained yet in Kwale where the plot is located. Therefore, the plot has been prepared but not yet planted corn.
2. Irrigation
The reason for locating this plot here (Kwale) was because the whole Ruaha Mbuyuni area do not get sufficient rainfall therefore these members thought about irrigation. In “Kwale” they have access to irrigation water from the nearby river. Pastor told us about the irrigation plans they have; they are going to use the hired irrigation pump to pump water from the river to the demonstration plot. Water will be pumped to the ditch which is about 100 long to the plot. They are going to plant there plot as soon as they start irrigate it.
3. Moving of meeting and demonstration site to Kwale.
Pastor told us that they have arranged this meeting and demonstrations to take place here. They plan to do the same in the future. The reason is; Pastor thinks the audience here is eager to learn more about farming of corn and beans than people of Ruaha Mbuyuni. He said in Ruaha Mbuyuni they mainly farm rice and onions hence to them corn and beans are less interested crops. However in Kwale the large population is Masai (about 90%) who are trying to learn farming as an alternative mode of production. By tradition Masai are livestock keepers and usually they are nomads (People who move with their livestock from one place to another). In recent years the nomad type of life has become impossible because of land scarcity. Many Masai are now trying to learn farming so that they can stop depending entirely on livestock keeping. Pastor hoped that teaching these people corn and beans farming, crops which they are more interested on will be a good and productive thing.
4. Rain Records
We checked the rain records, they have been recording as instructed, however rains records do not give a clear rainfall trends of this area “Kwale” because the rain gauge is at Ruaha Mbuyuni. They have received 8.5 mm or about 3.5 inches of rain since mid December.
5. Review of Handouts
o 4th visit handout was reviewed
6. Demonstrations
I. corn
This is kind of new audience for the reasons explained above. Therefore the corn planting demonstration was reviewed again. It was demonstrated how to measure inter row spacing (60cm) and intra row spacing (20cm). It was demonstrated how to plant and apply fertilizer. After planting demonstration, It was demonstrated how to make second application of fertilizer in the corn. Two holes were made 5cm from the plant and fertilizer was put then covered. We told them to do this when the plants are knee high.

I. Beans
It was demonstrated how to measure inter row spacing (30cm) and intra row spacing (10cm). String was used to make trench and in the trench bean seeds were placed 10cm apart. Fertilizer (NPK) was placed 5cm from the seeds. Both seed and fertilizer were covered.

7. Fertilizers, bean seed and pesticides delivery
On January 15, Ibrahim and Roger went to Ruaha Mbuyuni, they were not able to hold the demonstrations but they delivered 2 bags of NPK and 2 bags of CAN. They also delivered bean seeds “Wanja” 40kg. Therefore today, we did not deliver anything.

Comments/questions from audience
It was a little bit hard to communicate with the audience because most of the people here especially women do not understand “Swahili” We had to use one Masai guy to interpret from “Swahili” to “Masai language” and vice verse.
 They wanted to know who is going to get the crops from the demonstration plots.
We told them that since they are the ones who will be working in the plots, the crops will go to the church and the Pastor will supervise what they are going to do with them.
 They asked since they cannot depend on rain here, and hence they have to irrigate their crops using a hired irrigation pump. Is there a possibility we can assist them with the irrigation pump fuel?
We told them the agreement with their companion congregation (Holy Trinity), they will assist them with fertilizers, seeds, pesticides and training only. We told them they should think of a way they can contribute to run the irrigation by themselves.
However we had a little discussion (Roger, Ibrahim and me) and we agreed to give them 50,000 Tsh from the Institute to buy fuel to start farming. We told them they will be responsible to buy fuel on their own later.

Conclusions/Recommendations
It was our first time to conduct demonstration here. Pastor and the Treasury of the Congregation had been demonstrating to them what we demonstrated in our previous visit. I was impressed with their ability to remember what they have been taught. As I was asking them few reviewing questions, they gave me good answers although it was not in straight “Swahili”! Roger insisted that, unless the demonstration plots work out here, we shall not keep on doing the demonstrations. They promised to work hard and follow the instructions.

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

Ruaha Mbuyuni CVP Visit of Nov 10-09

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

Village Ruaha Mbuyuni
Pastor Elia Kango
Companion Holy Trinity, New Prague
Attendees 13 ( 11 Women, 3 Men)
Weather for the past month Rainy for the past couple of days
Reporters Gabriel Malima, Phil Larsen

Pastor has gone to Iringa town for the seminar. However he did delegate the power to Treasurer of the Parish. The Pastor’s wife was also in attendance.
Purpose of the visit
• Planting and fertilizer application demonstrations
• To deliver seed and fertilizer
Topics
1. Greetings
Phil provided greetings from Holy Trinity (New Prague), Saint Paul Area Synod and US Advisory Committee
2. Going through the handouts
o Fertilizer need template
o Plant population handout
o Fertilizer application handout
3. Demonstrations
It was demonstrated how to measure inter row spacing (60cm) and intra row spacing (20cm). Using a string and a hand hoe, it was demonstrated how to plant and apply fertilizer. One seed was placed every 20 cm and by using a bottle cap, fertilizer was applied 5cm from the seed on each side.
4. Fertilizer and seed delivery
According to the soil analysis of the soil of this area, the type of fertilizer recommended for planting is NPK (10-18-24). The congregation was given 2 bags of fertilizer (NPK) and 4 bags of seeds Pioneer. The Pioneer seed variety is drought resistant and is suitable in this area.
Comments/questions from audience
 They asked why they should not use manure instead of industrial fertilizer
We told them that industrial fertilizers have known ratio of nutrients and they release nutrients quickly to the plants. However, whoever has ability to get animal manure is advised to use it together with recommended industrial fertilizers in the farm.
 Pastor’s wife comes from mountainous area in Iringa and she wanted to know if the corn variety (Pioneer) can be used even there.
We told her that, the Pioneer variety recommended is suitable to the areas which do not have adequate rainfall. Since the mountainous areas normally have adequate rainfall this variety may not be suitable for those conditions. The H 628 and H614 might be suitable in that area.

Conclusions/Recommendations
Their plot is about 8 km from the church. We could not reach there. We did the demonstrations outside the church.


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

Ruaha Mbuyuni - Holy Trinity, New Prague, MN

2009 CVP
2st visit, September 28, 2009

Village
Ruaha Mbuyuni
Pastor
Elia Konga
Companion
Holy Trinity, New Prague (MAS)
Attendees
15 ( Only one woman)

The meeting started with an introduction of Don and Karen. Handouts were given to all (DIRA Institute of Agriculture Village Plot Agreement, CVP Chronological Plot Management of Crops Planted, Frequently Asked Questions and Recording sheet)
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
· 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)
Their plot was too far from the church. It was difficult to travel with all people, so we gave directions on how we want them to measure that plot. We told them to do it and we shall check out in the next visit.

Mbuyuni - 1st Visit

March 4, 2009
Village: Mbuyuni
Pastor: Elia Konga
Companion: Holy Trinity, New Prague
Elevation: 543 meters
Attendees: 16

Mbuyuni is located below the escarpment about two and a quarter hours east of Iringa on the road toward Dar. The church is located a little to the north of the main highway on top a rocky hill. Not a good place for a plot, but the view was great. During lunch in the pastor’s home before the meeting we met Dr. Jayros Mapepele, father of George and David Mapepele and a friend of Arne and Mary Blomquist. David was ordained in January and is an evangelist at one of the preaching points in Kilolo.

There were 16 attendees at the meeting, and the pastor apologized for the low turn-out and said it was because of the late notice of the meeting. He said that he had been able to send out a notice only yesterday, March 3 the day before the meeting. Actually that was a pretty good turnout for such a late notice.

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 plot is located some distance west of the church and village south of the main highway near the Ruaha River. They plan to irrigate this plot because it is located close to the river and they do not get enough rain in this area to grow good crops. Because the plot will be irrigated they will pick the time of year to plant when they the most available water.

There were some interesting comments from attendees:
· Pastor Elia Konga wanted to express his appreciation on behalf of the parish for this project and to their companion congregation, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church.
· They are eager to learn new things and hope that they are too late. This program should have been available ten years ago, but it is not too late now, they can still learn.
· They are pleased that we will meet with them often and that the program is for three years. In the past people came through and talked to them, and then never came back. They were real pleased that we gave them phone numbers to call if they had questions.
· 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.
· We talked about the advantages of leaving crop residue in between the rows of corn and beans. We said that the residue would increase organic matter in the soil, retain moisture and prevent leaching of fertilizer.
· There was a question about the applicability of soil samples taken at the church site, which may be far away from parishioner’s farms. Ibrahim explained the similarity of soil sample results from within the Mgongo Area and the Dabaga Area.
· 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/72157615106868836/detail/