Pommern CVP Visit Report-May 7-2012

2012 CVP Companion Village Project Visit Report 5th Visit 2nd year May 07, 2012. Village Pommern parish Pastor Jane Chusi Companion Gethsemane Lutheran Attendees 03 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. A few corn plants were infected by a disease. The infected plants had a soft stem, wilted with droopy ears. The same disease symptoms were observed at Kilolo Parish plot. The disease is not yet known. I wonder if that could be resulting from population stress. The bean plot looks bad. The pods did not fill well. The spacing was not followed and the plot was full of weeds. As a result, very few bean plants were seen at maturing stage. Comments The Parishioners did a good job on the corn plot but did not perform well on the bean plot. The part of the field where beans were planted has notorious weeds which were to be thoroughly removed before planting. Since the plot selected for beans has notorious weeds, it was to be well prepared and all the weeds removed before planting. Conclusion Parishioners were advised to consider the situation of the land before making decision whether to do minimum tillage or cultivate deeply and remove weeds. New farms with notorious weeds such as couch grass (Digitaria spp.); weeds must be dug and removed before planting. Minimum tillage is to be done on land which has been under cultivation. They should continue weeding until nearly harvesting time.

Pommern Secondary School-CVP Visit May 7-2012

2012 CVP Companion Village Project Visit Report 5th Visit 1st year May 07, 2012. Village Pommern Secondary School Pastor Haran Ngede Companion Faith Lutheran Church Attendees 33 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 The school corn plot looks very good and attracts passersby to spare time to look at and ask some questions. The plants bear big ears which are properly filled. The spacing between lines is properly followed but some gaps were observed between plants, a sign of failure to do gap filling soon after plant germination. The plot was well weeded. It is a shame for the bean plot. There was very few bean plants in a weedy plot, some bean plants were planted under the big eucalyptus trees and were badly affected by the aleopathy. Comments They were praised for the good looking corn plot but were queried for the poor performance of the bean plot. They asked many questions about pests and diseases, a usual tendency for students, their questions were answered accordingly. Conclusion Pommern Secondary School is the only school doing well with the corn plot. It was not clear as to why the school failed to perform well with the beans. The performance of any school plot depends on the seriousness of the head of the school just like the performance of any parish plot depends on the interest of the pastor/ evangelist of the particular parish/ preaching point on farming activities. Students are easily influenced by the teachers. Therefore, a teacher appointed to supervise the plot must have interest in agriculture. Unfortunately, teachers appointed to do so, change or leave the school often making supervision difficult. We requested the headmaster to appoint a permanent teacher for this purpose. The teacher appointed to work on the demonstration plot was reminded to follow the teaching of good farming practices closely in order to achieve the targets of the program.

Idasi PreachPt-Ng'ang'ange

2012 CVP Companion Village Project Visit Report 5th Visit 1st Year May 3, 2012. Village Idasi parish Pastor Daudi Kisoma Companion Roseville Lutheran Church Attendees 06 Weather Rainy and wet Reporters Rev. Mangu’lisa, Venance and Pongolani Purpose of the visit • To explain and demonstrate how to take yield measurement Topics 1. Went through the handouts o 5th Visit handout o Yield recording sheet 2. Demonstrations We demonstrated how to measure the 10 m row (in three different locations within the demonstration plot) for the yield determination; this was demonstrated by using a tape measure, tassels from plants within the 10m were removed to mark them for easy identification at the time of harvesting. Plots information Idasi is one of the Parishes which are difficult to reach, therefore visited a few times in a year. We got stuck in the mud a couple of times before we finally called the villagers for rescue. Despite lack of some important information on good agricultural practices, their Corn looked well. The spacing between lines was bit wider than recommended and some gaps between plants resulting from failure to replant. The ears were big and impressive to look at. Parishioners were enthusiastic about their plot. They had not planted their beans yet, they were hoping to plant beans at a plot in front of the church before the end of May. Comments It is encouraging to watch their corn plot though it is their first year to participate in the program. We are optimistic that they will perform better in the second and subsequent years. The location of the corn plot and the place where they will plant beans provide a good spot for all Parishioners and other villagers to observe the agricultural practices taught. Conclusion We told them to continue weeding until when the corn is about to be harvested. We also advised them to adhere to the planting of corn at a spacing of 60cm between lines and 20cm between plants, 30cm between lines and 10 cm between bean plants.

Ifuwa-CVP Visit Report-Apr 24-2012

2012 CVP Companion Village Project Visit Report 5th Visit 2nd year April 24, 2012. Village Ifuwa parish Pastor Gervas Nziku Companion Lord of Life Lutheran Attendees 9 Weather Cloudy and moist 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 does not look very good. The space between lines and between plants is much wider than the recommended; number of plants may be close to expected since the size of the plot looked bigger than half an acre. The plot was weedy. The corn is mature but not yet dry. It will take about two months to completely dry. Beans are close to flowering stage. Bean plants are not in lines and it will be difficult to get the right number of plants in a 10m row. Comments They moved their corn plot away from where they had it last year to get away from termites. There is a big improvement when compared to last year’s performance; they will have a bigger harvest than last year although the harvest will be below the CVP target. They seem to be hard workers and the Pastor is active and seems to be committed. Conclusion We told them to continue weeding until when the corn is about to be harvested. We also advised them to adhere to the planting of corn at a spacing of 60cm between lines and 20cm between plants, 30cm between lines and 10 cm between bean plants.

Ipalamwa Parish

Companion Village Project Visit Report 5th Visit 2nd year April 25, 2012. Village Ipalamwa parish Pastor Ajenista Maliga Companion Mount Calvary Lutheran Attendees 8 Weather Cloudy and Misty 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 to get the 10m line, counting & recording the corn plants and ears and marking the lines by breaking the tassels of corn. Plots information Corn looked very good with big ears. It was mature but not yet dry. It will take a month or two to become completely dry for harvesting. The space between lines was maintained at 60cm but somewhat wider than 20cm between plants. Some plants were lodged. According to the Parishioners, the lodging was probably caused by strong wind which blew sometime after ear formation, but could be caused by weak stem too. Their bean plot was planted in two different dates. The part with older plants looked well-spaced but the other part looked widely spaced. All plants were in lines and looked good at leafy stage before flowering. There was no any sign of disease, neither was there any sign of insect damage. Comments High corn yield is expected from their plot. The variety of corn planted this year is likely to be resistant to rotting because the husks cover the ears to the end preventing entry of rain water into the ear. Bean yield cannot be predicted. The Pastor and the Parishioners are hard workers and were eager to learn more on agricultural practices. You could tell by the number of questions they asked. Among many questions they asked, some were suggestions; they wanted Agricultural Institute to teach them on banana growing, propagation techniques of fruit trees particularly avocado and they a asked to be taught about animal husbandry e.g. Goat keeping. Conclusion We encouraged them to maintain the working spirit and the unity they have. It was interesting to see Pastor Mdemu who came from Kimala Parish more than 10km away to attend the teaching. In addition, the Parishioners accepted to take care of the Secondary School CVP plot after the closure of the School. They promised to take care of the school plot until harvest. They appreciate the good performance of their corn plot and they look forward to harvest a good crop this year. They accept the farming practices taught and hope to apply them in their own fields.

Ipalamwa Secondary School

Companion Village Project Visit Report 5th Visit 2nd year April 25, 2012. Village Ipalamwa Secondary School Pastor Ombeni Sawike Companion Raquet Family Foundation Attendees 7 Weather Cloudy and Misty 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 to the few students who were waiting to be transported to Lutangilo Secondary School, parish Pastor, and the school pastor 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 and the tassels of the measured lines were broken to identify the lines. Plots information The corn plot was in a bad shape. The lines were widely spaced and plants were more than 30cm apart instead of the recommended 20cm. The plot had a lot of weeds and plants looked yellowish an indication for lack of Nitrogen. Bean plants were not in lines and the plot had weeds as well. Comments CVP at this school is facing a serious problem because the school has been closed on administrative matters and the students have been transferred to a neighboring school called Lutangilo Secondary School. Therefore, the students are not there to take care of the CVP anymore. It was decided that the Parish should take over the plot from the school. However, it was encouraging to see the Parish Pastor and some members of the Parish accompany us to visit the school plot. Conclusion After visiting the school plot and sitting for a discussion, the Parishioners agreed to take care of the school plot until when the school resumes. In fact, the Parishioners have already started taking care of the plot. They promised to plan for a day when they will weed the plot.

Mlafu-CVP Visit Report-Apr 27-2012

Companion Village Project Visit Report 5th Visit 2nd year April 27, 2012. Village Mlafu Pastor Daison Mpesa Companion Our Saviour’s Stillwater Attendees 12 Weather Dry Reporters Don, 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, we used spray paint to mark the demarcations within which the measurements should be taken. Plots information Their corn plot looks well. It was mature but not yet dry. It will take another month to become completely dry for harvesting. The space between lines was maintained at 60cm but somewhat wider than 20cm between plants. Some plants were lodged. According to the Parishioners, the lodging was probably caused by strong wind which blew sometime after ear formation, but could be caused by weak stem too. The bean plot looked very good; plants were in lines at proper spacing. Bean plants were forming pods. There was no any sign of disease, neither was there any sign of insect damage. Comments This is another Parish with a hard working team. However, this year’s yield may not be as good as last year’s because of the effect of the dry spell which happened in February after the second application of fertilizer. The spell resulted in the formation of small ears in corn. Good beans yield is expected. Conclusion Parishioners were encouraged to maintain their unity and the hard working spirit they have. We were interested to know how many were practice the taught methods in their own pots. Out of 12, 4 said they were practicing with limitations on the amount of fertilizer applied, wider spacing to cope with the little amount of fertilizer they have and tedious to make holes.