Ugesa - Christ Luth - CVP Visit Report - June 24-2013

2011CVP Companion Village Project & PCT 5th Visit, Year Two June 24, 2013 Village Ugesa Pastor Paschal Fyataga Companion Christ Lutheran Attendees 04 Weather for the past month Cloudy and cold Reporters Gabriel and Venance We arrived in the Ugesa village afternoon as we were coming from Wami village. We met a group of few members of the parish. There is village meeting today and most of the villagers have gone to attend the meeting. Purpose of the visit • Demonstrating on how to take yield measurements Topics 1. Review of the handouts o 5th Visit handout o Yield recording sheet 2. Demonstrations It was demonstrated on how to measure the 10 m row (in three different locations within the demonstration plot and neighbour's farm). Farmers were instructed to count the number of corn plants and ears. Yield recording sheets were provided. 3. Crop storage We instructed the villagers on how to store the crops. The advantages of storing crops for long give a farmer a change to sell that crop when the price is high enough and also ensure food security in the household 4. Marketing We reminded them that this is the time that they should start to explore various marketing options. It's important they seek market information so as to keep up to date with the crop prices Demonstration plots This village has three demonstration plots; Corn, beans and pyrethrum. Bean plot has already been harvested. Corns are still in the field. We introduced new variety here because last year hybrid variety had ear rotting problem. This year variety (TMV) was resistant to ear rotting. However, it had germination problem. The gaps can be seen in the field. We instructed attendees to harvest and measure yields, using those measurements we can evaluate the performance of the variety Conclusion We told them that we will be back in August to pick the yield measurement records and discuss with them storage and marketing issues.

Ugesa CVP Visit Report - Feb 5-2013

CVP - PCT Companion Village Project 4th Visit Year Three February 5th, 2013 Village Ugesa Coordinates S 07o44.477’ E 035o43.515’ Pastor Pascal Fyataga Companion Christ Lutheran Attendees 5 Weather for the past month Rain/Wet Reporters Ibrahim, Roger and Rev. Mang’ulisa 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 stock. Conclusion: Their plot don’t look good, so we encouraged them to work hard in order to improve yield

Ugesa - CVP Visit Report - Oct 25-2012

CVP - PCT Companion Village Project 3nd Visit, Year Two October 25, 2012 Village Ugesa Coordinates S 07o44.477’ E 035o43.515’ Pastor Pascal Fyataga Companion Christ Lutheran Attendees 20 Weather for the past month Dry Reporters Gabriel, Phil and Happy (an Intern) Purpose • Delivering seeds and fertilizers • Demonstrating planting and fertilizer application Introduction It was decided that the pyrethrum demonstration plot is going to be added in this village as part of the program. The pyrethrum plot will be sponsored by Pyrethrum Company of Tanzania (PCT). The pyrethrum nursery will be established here nd from there the seedlings for demonstration plot will be obtained. However, other parish members may take the seedlings from this nursery. The demonstration meeting was conducted in the church. Phil delivered greetings from Christ Lutheran and US adversary comettee. Happy (an intern from Tumaini University) spoke about the importance of entreprenaureship among the villagers. 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 the demonstration as few of them were left to try and show others. • Pyrethrum Pastor said there are pyrethrum growers in this areas. The demonstaton plot will help them to learn better practices of managing the pyrethrum farms. • Seeds and fertilizers The following were delivered Corn Seeds Bean Seeds Fertilizers Variety Amount (kg) Variety Amount (kg) Type Amount (bags) TMV 8 Uyole 96 40kg NPK 4 Discussion Last year corn crop did not perform as good as expected, we discussed with the farmers that we are going to try new corn variety this year. Corn variety provided this season is TMV. This variety does well in area with high attitude like here. Questions/comments: • Farmers said that the main problem fo their village is marketing of the their crops. They said that since hey are located far from Mafinga/Iringa, they have to sell their crops to the middle man with very low prices. They can not transport their crops to Mafing ecuase of the high transportation crops We told them that marketing is a common problem in many distant located places. We can not promise to help them in finding the better market of their produceor facilitate transport to town but we advised them to try group marketing. When they are in groups they can even reduce transport cost. All in all something has to be done here to facilitate marketing of farmers’ produce • They said that they expectation that SACCOS will help them to improve their lives We told them that we, the institute of Agriculture and Institute o Microfinace of Tumaini University will continue to work to gether to make sure that the agriculture training going together with microfinance supporting activities • Fertilizers are very expensive here. We request you to help us in getting agro dealers who will be willing to ship fertilizers up to here. Its true due to the distance your village is located, the transportation costs must be high hence fertilizer prices will also be high. You may try group purchase and see if that will help to reduce prices. We will talk with YARA company (fertilizer distributing company) to see if they will be to transport fertilizers up to here. Conclusion We had a good meeting here. Farmers were very active during the meeting and later very cooperative during the demonstration session. All the demonstrations were done by farmers them selves showing other farmers.

Ugesa CVP Visit Report - Sept 4-2012

2011 CVP Companion Village Project & PCT 6th Visit, Year One September 04, 2012 Village Ugesa Pastor Pascal Fyataga Companion Christ Lutheran Attendees 07 Weather for the past month Sunny Reporters Gabriel and Pastor Mang’ulisa In this visit we were accompanied by Ms Itiweni. She is microfinance officer from Tumaini University. She came here to conduct training about microfinance and look at the micro loans record keeping. Purposes of the visit • To collect the yield measurement • To deliver grain storage chemical “Shumba” • End of season discussion and planning for the next farming season Topics: 1. Review of the handouts • 6th Visit instruction handout • Yield recording sheet 2. Harvesting Both corn and beans were harvested and threshed. Pyrethrum flowers are now picked. Crop Corn Beans Pyrethrum Yield per ½ acres 6 bags 5tins Flower picking has began 3. Flower drying and cereals Storage The weather here is cloudy and rainy like. Drying pyrethrum flowers is challenging like. PCT is working on developing a wooden-nylon structure that might help farmers in safely drying flowers. We trained them on marketing of the food crops. We told them that food crops should be stored for domestic uses and then the excess can be sold in the month when crop prices are highest. We instructed on how to mix grain storage pesticide “shumba” and the appropriate volume of grain per bottle recommended. 4. The past farming season The pyrethrum plot is doing well. The new pyrethrum nursery will be establish and managed by the parish. Corn has performed well, however the variety seem not suitable with this area. Next farming season, new variety will be introduced here. The beans were affected by the rain patterns. Better planting timing is needed. Conclusion We instructed the parish to prepare small land for the pyrethrum nursery. The PCT will provide seeds. The land should be ready when the seeds arrive. We promised them we will change the corn seed variety in accordance with the climatic condition of this area.

Ugesa-CVP Visit Report-May 1, 2012

2012 CVP Companion Village Project Visit Report 5th Visit 1st year May 01, 2012. Village Ugesa parish Pastor Pascal Fyataga Companion Christ Lutheran Attendees 9 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, tassels from plants within the 10m were removed to mark them for easy identification at the time of harvesting. Plots information Corn looks very good. It is properly spaced between lines; however some gaps were observed between plants. The corn plot was well weeded. The bean plot also looks very good. The plants were tender and green, properly spaced between lines and within plants. The pyrethrum plot did not look good. Plant survival was low and the plot was infested with a lot of weeds, originating from poor land preparation before planting. Comments The Parishioners are hard workers, they did a good job in the corn and bean plots; however, the land for pyrethrum was not properly prepared. Therefore, they were advised to weed the pyrethrum plot immediately. Conclusion The position of the corn and the bean plot, the good performance, both encourages members of the church and passersby to inquisitively ask questions about the varieties an practices applied on the plots to achieve such a good performance and wish to practice on their own fields.

Ugesa-Christ Luth., CVP Report Jan 17-2012

2012 CVP
Companion Village Project
4th Visit Year 1
January, 17.2012

Village Ugesa
Pastor Pascal Fyataga
Companion Christ Lutheran
Attendees 10
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 1



Conclusion
Ugesa members are hard workers. Their corn field looks good. Plants were well spaced and weeded. Six out of ten attending members (about 60%) said they were looking forward to practice the newly introduced farming methods. They were eager to learn more of good agronomic practices by asking some questions and answers were given accordingly.

Ugesa - Christ Luth, Marine on St.Croix-CVP Rpt - Dec 7-2011

2011CVP
Companion Village Project
1st Visit, Year One
December 7, 2011

Village Ugesa
Pastor Pascal Fyataga
Companion Christ Lutheran
Attendees 10
Weather for the past month Dry
Staff Rev. Mang’ulisa, Pongolani and Magnus Chaula (PCT)

This village has been visited twice. In the first visit corn demonstrations were conducted and in the second visit Pyrethrum demonstration were introduced.

FIRST DEMONSTRATRION MEETING

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

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

SECOND DEMONSTRATION MEETING

Purpose of the visit
Introduction of Pyrethrum demonstration program

• Pyrethrum demonstration
 People in Ugesa seem to be very committed to the agricultural demonstration program. Pastor insisted that he and his parish members will work hard to ensure the success of the program. They have been growing pyrethrum. They said they will be glad to learn more from the demonstration plot
 Field officer from PCT Mr. Magnus Chaula spoke about advantages of growing pyrethrum. He told villagers that when they start to grow pyrethrum, PCT will get into contracts with farmers to buy from them with a good price. A famer has to follow appropriate agronomic practices to get high quality flowers. He then instructed them about appropriate land preparation for growing pyrethrum. Thus villagers were instructed to prepare a plot for pyrethrum demonstration plot. Seedlings will be transplanted in January

Conclusion
In all the visits participants were very interested especially with the pyrethrum demonstration plots. They were told corn and beans will give them food to feed their families and pyrethrum will provide income to their families.

Ugesa-Christ Luth., CVP Report Oct 13-2011

2011CVP
Companion Village Project
2nd Visit, Year One
October 13, 2011

Village Ugesa
Pastor John Mhekwa
Companion Christ Lutheran
Attendees 10
Weather for the past month Dry
Reporters Gabriel, Rev. Mang’ulisa and Pongolani

Purpose of the visit
• Measuring demonstration plots
• Delivering rain gauge
Topics
1. Review of the handouts
Together with them we went through the handouts
• 2nd Visit Instructions
• Plot Management FAQs
2. Demonstrations
• Rain gauge
We told them we need to know the annual rainfall record of their area. We instructed them on how to record rain using a rain gauge. One set of rain gauge was handed to the Pastor.
• Plots
We went outside of the church and together we measured the 1acre plot using miter tape. We measured two ½ acres plots, one for corn and another one for beans.

Questions/ Comments from Audience
 Can we use both corn manure and synthetic fertilizers?
Cow manure adds nutrients, organic matter and help in moisture retention. Yes, you can use both cow manure and synthetic fertilizers. Remember to follow recommendation on plying and amount required.
 Why should we plant only one seed per hole?
It is recommended to plant one seed per hole because this way of planting will minimize nutrients, water and light competition among the plants. One seed is necessary in the farm where by spacing from one plant to another is too close.
 Crop residues may attract pests like termites and rodents, why do you encourage it?
Close residues add organic matter and nutrients in the soil. Moreover they help in moisture retention. Crop residues should not be burn but left in the soil to decay and add nutrients in the soil

Conclusions/Recommendations
We told them to clear the land where the plot is location. Preparations should start as soon as possible so that to reduce the weeding frequency when the season starts.

Ugesa-Christ Luth., CVP Report Mar 15-2011

2011 CVP
Companion Village Project
1st Visit, Year One
March 15, 2011


Village Ugesa
Pastor John Mhekwa
Companion Christ Lutheran
Attendees 20
Elevation 1965m
Distance from Iringa town 102km
Ag Institute Staff Roger, Gabriel, Nafeti and Rev. Mang’ulisa

In this visit we were with the field officers of the Pyrethrum Company of Tanzania (PCT) and a pyrethrum breeder Dr. Kiwovele who works for the Uyole Research Institute. We drove through forest and rough road for about 40km to reach this village. The village is in high altitudes and experience long rainfall seasons. When we arrived here the rain started. The demonstration meeting was attended by the government extension officer of this village.
Purpose of the visit
• Introducing the CV project to the congregation
• Taking the soil samples for soil analysis
• Delivering punching machine, box file and a hand hoe
Topics
1. Introduction
Rev. Lunodzo Mang’ulisa introduced the project by encouraging attendees to participate in the project. Roger delivered greetings from St. Paul Area Synod and from Christ Lutheran, at Marine on the St. Croix. He also talked about the farming practices which will be taught. He gave testimonies of the places which have benefited from the demonstration program.
2. Handouts
After an introduction, the handouts were distributed to all then together with the participants we went through them.
• CVP Plot record of events
• DIRA – Institute of agriculture agreement
• Chronological Plot Management of Crops Planted in Nov/Dec 2011
• CVP Instruction – 1st Visit
3. Pyrethrum
Dr. Benjamin Kiwovele spoke about pyrethrum. He acknowledged the negative history of the pyrethrum industry. However, he explained that since 2006 a new owner, MGK, has been making investments in the plant and has been guaranteeing the purchase of pyrethrum flowers. There is a seedling nursery in Ugesa, and the farmer that has the pyrethrum nursery was in attendance.
4. Background information of this village
This village has population of 3250 people and 350 families. Farmers here grow corn, beans, potatoes, pyrethrum, what, peas, sweat potatoes and Numbu (tuber crop). Average yield for corn is 3-5 bags/acre and beans are 2-3 bags/acre. The weather conditions are good. They get enough rainfall throughout the rainfall season.
5. 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. 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
Comments/questions from audience
 What is minimum tillage?
It is a tillage method that does not turn the soil over. We will show you in the demonstration session
 You said you are going to take the soil samples. Are you going to take it in every part of the village?
No, we are not going to take in every part of the village. We will take in four different sites within one acre. We will mix the soil to get a good representative of these places; we hope the sample we take will represent the whole village

Conclusions
We encouraged them to participate in our coming demonstration meetings and to take good care of the demonstration plot which is going to be established here. We told them that the lessons they will get will help them to increase yields in their farms.