AR_Tanzania_Monitoring_Visit

**Mbeya, Iringa, Dodoma and Manyara/Babati regions** The team paid a courtesy call to Mbozi district office where the host, Joseph Sirili, Mbozi DAICO informed and recognized the good work through the activities implemented by the project in the district. He gave permission to Lydia Shonyela, the District Crop Officer and the seed inspector to accompany the team to the fields. The team then visited a Quality Declared Seeds (QDS) site for beans. Lydia, seed inspector said that the seeds will be tested before being declared and certified. The farmer will sell the beans to the fellow farmers and N2Africa project.
 * Africa RISING sites monitoring trip conducted in Tanzania, 21-31 March, 2017**
 * Mbeya sites monitoring: 21-22 March**
 * Tuesday, 21 March 2017**
 * Debriefing with NAFAKA team at NAFAKA-Mbeya Office.**
 * Joel Tindwe, briefed the team about NAFAKA project activities in Mbeya and how it is closely collaborating with Africa RISING (AR) through the demo plots of Quality Declared Seeds (QDS) and other implemented activities. He also mentioned other partners that the project works with including FIPS,
 * The two team discussed on how communication teams from both project can collaborate in documentation of communication publications for the AR-NAFAKA project. The comm. Team agreed to arrange a Skype meeting for further discussion concerning communication issues. The date for the meeting was yet to be set.
 * Nassor, Behaviour change communication officer shared experience on how the team does its communication activities and media they are using to communicate to their audience including radio shows, calendar, national events, international events, etc.
 * The teams also discussed about the database management. Alvin Massawe explained that data collection forms on AR-NAFAKA project are handled to Francis Muthoni, AR GIS Specialist who enters them on database. They also suggested that the team has to have a back up database.
 * First stop: Mbozi district office courtesy call**
 * Second stop: Insasa Village**
 * The team visited a demo plot that is managed by the farmers association that has 200 members comprised from several groups found in the village; some of the groups including MVIWATA, Tujikwamue, Mjakaranda, etc.
 * The farmers informed the team that the groups and other farmers in the village learn about good agriculture practices including line-spacing planting, use of improved seed varieties and use of fertilizers. The improved varieties planted are SC719, Lubango Hybrid, UH 6303 and HD 614, the two treatments were done in fertilizer application whereas first plot used DAP for planting and Urea for dressing, while the second used Yaramila Cereal for planting and Amidas + Sulfas in top dressing.
 * The farmers noted that through the demo plot they were able to learn and observe the performance of the fertilizer especially Yaramila Cereal which is new to their locality. They also added by saying that Yaramila cereal contributes in high yields of productivity but very expensive.
 * The team asked why the farmers do not intercrop cereals with legume; they responded that it is difficult to conduct weeding when the two crops are intercropped.
 * Third stop: Iwalanje Village**
 * It’s the first year for the project to implement its activities in the village. The team had a discussion with the farmers at the mother demo plot where they were informed that the group working with the farmers is called Iwalanje AMCOS group contained of 65 members. Iwalanje farmers were reluctant in accepting and collaborating with the project due to the political propaganda that had distorted villagers’ trust towards the agriculture initiatives brought by projects in the village.
 * The activities conducted were as the ones at Insasa village. They also noted that Yaramira cereal performs better than DAP.
 * It was noted that the members practiced the traditional farming practices before the introduction of the project and other farmers are still practicing it.
 * The farmers informed the team that they are willing to use the fertilizers but the challenge they are facing is the affordability despite its availability. They requested the project to link them with credit institutions that will enable them with accessing loans for the inputs.
 * Fourth stop: Iganya Village**
 * Fifth stop: Ipotoro Village**
 * A beans production farmers’ group known as Amkeni interacted with the monitoring team at the village office. The group consists of 13 members are managing beans demo plot in the village.
 * The farmers informed the team that before the implementation of project’s activities, the farmers used to harvest 1 to 2 bags of beans. But since they were trained on good agricultural practices; beans varieties (Uyole Njano, Kablangeti and Mwasipenjele) and fertilizer application (DAP).
 * Hanna Panja, the lead farmer noted that in a demo plot of..... size, they were able to harvest Kablangeti beans planted with DAP =13.05 kgs while without DAP 10.07kgs, Mwasipenjele with DAP 11.01kgs without DAP=6.01kgs, Njano Uyole with DAP 15.03kgs and without DAP 11.01kgs.
 * The group also requested from the monitoring team to allow and train them on QDS production of beans so that their fellow farmers in the village may benefit with the seeds, since accessibility of improved bean seeds is still a challenge in the village.
 * Wednesday, 22 March 2017**
 * First stop- Ukwama village**
 * The team visited rice demo plot and met with Ujamaa farmers group. The group consists of 27 members who implement GAP of improved rice varieties (TXD 306, Komboka), proper planting spacing (20cm x 20 cm) and fertilizer application.
 * The group noted 26 baby demos which have planted different rice varieties including, TDX 306- 17 demos, Komboka- 4 demos and SATO1- 5 demos. Thwy also thanked the project for the knowledge and technologies introduced in their village and requested the team for project’s period extension.
 * Second stop-Mbarali District council**
 * The monitoring team paid a courtesy call at district council office. The District Executive Director said that he is fully aware of the project’s activities implemented in the district and that he appreciates the good work done by the teams.
 * Third stop-Manienga village**
 * The team then visited the vegetables demo plot led by The World Vegetable Center.James Mgaya, village extension officer explained that the 30 farmers group were trained on effects of stunting of children under 5 years old, importance of proper diet and vegetables to pregnant women and children under five. He noted that the vegetable team is training the farmers on how to grow vegetable.
 * It was noted that the 30 members are meant to be trainers of other farmers, where each member is expected to train another 5 farmers. At the end of the training the members will be provided with vegetable seeds kit that they will use to plant at their home gardens.
 * The group has planted the seedlings at the nursery and by the time of the visit, they were preparing for transplanting them in the demo plot. 12 varieties were to be planted and every member would select the ones he/she preferred from the demo plot for adoption.
 * During the discussion it was noted that farmers were not good in record keeping concerning the input and planting information, vegetable team is looking for ways to solve the challenge.
 * Farmers said that they prefer Ethiopia mustard and African night shades as they are common known vegetables, they couldn’t grow them as they lacked seeds; they said they will grow them now as they have got the seeds from the project.
 * Iringa sites monitoring: 23-24**
 * Thursday, 23 March 2017**
 * Debriefing with NAFAKA team at NAFAKA-Iringa Office**
 * It was noted during the discussion that Kilolo district has diverse agro ecological zones. Thus the project has expanded engagement of local government officers within 27 villages that have 48 mother demos’ 26cereal demo plots and 22 legume demo plots.
 * The participants discussed on the data that Francis, Africa RISING GIS specialist uses to prepare maps of the varieties suitable within a certain locality. The noted that there will be biasness of varieties if Francis uses data of varieties which are of lead farmers preferences. But also the map won’t give a clear picture of ecological zone varieties if baby demos data are used as they will adopt what the lead farmers prefer and not what they prefer.
 * It was informed that the extension agents are encouraged to initiate exchange visits for farmers’ learning.
 * Moreover, the communication team was advised to document activities that have failed and the reasons for their failures so that the team may learn from them and find solution.
 * It was noted that there is a need for collaboration as the adoption of tie ridges for water harvesting management is still a challenge in project’s implementation villages. There is also a need to find a way on how to develop the efficiency of shelling machines.

The team had a courtesy call visit at the district council and met with three district leaders who are engaged with agricultural activities. i) Tetinant Mweresa-District Irrigation and Development Officer ii)Moses Legan- District Authorized Seeds and Fertilizers Inspector iii) Charles Tumsifu-District Agriculture Extension Officer. Tetinant said that the district has 160 villages but has only 89 extension agents who are not enough for the village but through the activities implemented by the partners in the district. He noted that the district had no funds from the government bucket but through the support and contributions of AR-NAFAKA, One acre fund, Bill Clinton and other projects. Tetinant also informed the team that half of farmers who participate in projects’ activities are women.
 * First stop-Kilolo district council**

The team paid a visit at Beatrice Mkatatu a farmer for soybean QDS production. It is the first season for Beatrice in producing soybeans. She was interested to b among the QDS production farmers because she heard that soybeans has a good market and thus she will increase her income through selling the seeds to farmers and people who need them. Beatrice noted that the challenge she faces on QDS production of soybeans is weeding as they are using hand hoe. Kindly add some more on this
 * Second stop-Lulanzi village**

The team passed by Edawi Chaula’s soybean QDS production farm. He explained that he out sources the labours for his farm activities where he pays 50,000/- TSHS for five labourers who help in the farm. He generates his capital from selling his animals (pork). Ewadi is 27 years old youth who has decided to grab soybean QDS production opportunity introduced by the project. He is also a chairperson for Kilolo district QDS production. He noted that encourages and supports his fellow youths by teaching them, he said many are interested and they will join in the production next season.
 * Third stop-Ewadi Chaula’s soybean production plot**

The team was also able to visit soybean demo plot managed by the group. The demo plot shows the good agriculture practice of fertilizer application and inoculants application on the soybeans.
 * Fourth stop-Mtitu village**
 * i)** **Maize demo plot**
 * The team visited the demo plot that demonstrated to the farmers group on good agriculture practices of improved maize varieties (H 625, PAN 629, H 628), space planting and recommended fertilizer applications (Yaramila cereal, Nafaka Plus, DAP, Minjingu, Urea).
 * The farmers informed the team that farmers understand the importance of fertilizers application but they do not apply them at recommended rates because farmers cannot afford to buy recommended bags for their large plots. They noted that they acquired the knowledge from NAREP and SASA KAWA projects.
 * They also noted that through demonstration on demo plot,they have learned that a farmer may use a small plot for farming and harvest more yields, and enlightened from the concept that high yields are results of farming on big plot of land.
 * ii)** **Soybean demo plot**

Lastly the team ended the day by visiting the maize demo plot in Ihimbo village and saw the GAP practiced by the group. The group planted the improved varieties (Pan 629, H625), spacing planting and fertilizers application.
 * Fifth stop-Ihimbo village**

Debriefing meeting was held at NAFAKA office in Iringa on 23rd March 2017 to premeditate on major issues related to implementation of AR-NAFAKA project in southern highlands districts as well as observation on on-going activities currently implemented in the AR-NAFAKA action sites. The floor was open for participants to discuss what they had observed from the fields.
 * Debriefing on the fields visits in Mbeya and Iringa**
 * Irmgard inquired to understand more about what it means when the researchers talk of ‘baby demos’. When clarification was given she suggested that the meaning should be well explained on the protocol/report document as there is a confusion of understanding the term when read and what it exact means on the ground.
 * It was noted that QDS production is really needed to solve the seeds availability challenge, Irmgard noted that USAID is aware of this and that the team is initiating a good effort.
 * Irmgard/Bekunda wanted to know what is AR contributing in the project that others are not doing. They noted that the researchers need to validate technologies that have done well during the research from AR mother for 5 years. Scaling is about spreading the technologies from the research. But can still bring in a bit of research.
 * Bekunda advised that in future activities, the collaboration should rethink on what technologies to be demonstrated in the plots when it comes to research components.
 * Jim requested that when the AR technology briefs are prepared, they can be shared with NAFAKA so for the better understanding of the technologies.
 * The team agreed that more mechanization has to be applied on the farms on the graduation of the project.

The team visited beans QDS field managed by Abeid Chinya and his wife Sumaiya Chonya. Abeid informed the team that he is an active farmer and has been working with several agricultural projects in the village. He mentioned to have got knowledge on use of fertilizers including Yaramila Tobacco, trained on tie ridges technology from ARI Uyole and later AR-NAFAKA project. Abeid is among the farmers who are trained on the beans QDS production by the project and he happens to be the only farmer in the village who is actively engaged with the project’s activities. The team inquired about the people who provide labour to the weeding and planting activities on his one acre farm of beans QDS. He responded that him and his wife are responsible for all the activities of managing the farm as most people especially youth in the village are lazy and are not ready to work in the farms, and even when they do so, they don’t do a proper job as required. Abeid informed the team that he decided to produce beans QDS (variety:Uyole njano) because he believes he will generate income from his fellow farmers within his village and neighbouring villages through selling of the seeds, beans to be source of his family nutrition and integrated land fertility.
 * Friday, 24 March 2017.**
 * Mkungugu village-Abeid Chonya’s Beans QDS field.**
 * Kongwa/Kiteto sites monitoring: 25-28 March**

Team paid courtesy call at DED Kongwa accompanied by DAICO, DFO, & DLF. On behalf of Kongwa District Council (DC) District Agriculture Irrigation and Cooperative Officer (DAICO) thanked Africa RISING (AR) Project for the efforts being done to address the challenges of:
 * Saturday, 25 March 2017**
 * First Stop: Kongwa District Council**
 * access to improved seed availability which attaches its importance on use of drought tolerant resilient crop varieties,
 * Low soil fertility / land degradation
 * Nutrition and food safety (aflatoxin)
 * Drought via rainwater harvesting technologies such as use of tied ridging and contours (Fanya juu / Fanya chini).
 * Fodder crop to prevent soil water run-off as well as adding nitrogen to the soil.
 * Intercropping cereals and legume crops (pigeon pea and Gliricidia. Shija further told the mission that in 2016/2017 cropping season Kongwa DC received pp seeds (ICEAP 0040 enough to plant 25 acres and sorghum (NACO Mtama-1) for planting 5 acres. He also mentioned the efforts being made by AR in introducing community seed bank (CSB) production using a pass on model in which seeds of pigeon pea, sorghum & pearl millet has been introduced in Laikala, Mlali, Moleti, Chitego & Manyusi
 * Tree seedlings of various trees have been established.
 * Improved poultry keeping has been introduced and has enabled farmers (esp. women) generate income that has been helping to pay for school fees.
 * Challenge raised by DAICO:**
 * Postharvest handling of crops especially cereals is a problem in Kongwa District. The project supported by Africa Green Revolution Alliance (AGRA) distributed (Perdue Improved Crop Storage (PICS) bags to some farmers in Kongwa for free; such bags last for 15 years and cost about TZS 5,000 per bag). However, farmer cannot afford to buy the bags as they are claiming to be too expensive.


 * Request from Kongwa DC**
 * Introduce improved Cassava varities to Kongwa DC as a food security crop as evidenced by the recent huge demand for Cassava cuttings - it is mandatory for house hold in Kongwa to plant 2 acres of sorghum, 1 acre of cassava as a sound strategy to address the issues of climate change and variability)
 * Orange fleshed sweet potato should also be introduced in Kongwa.


 * Discussions and action points**
 * Irmgard noted that there is a need for AR to collaborate with Grain Post Harvest Loss Prevention (GPLP) which is funded Swiss government to leverage efforts as they are also working on Grain Post Harvest Loss Prevention and aflatoxin as well.
 * She also added that it is AR mandate to sustainably intensify cereal based cropping systems; AR should work with other partners on the ground to leverage efforts to better improve livelihoods of the farmers.
 * During the discussions, it was realized that innovation platform (IP) members at district, ward and village levels have not been holding meetings as frequently as they should. The DAICO (overall chair for the IP) should seek for a small budget to cater for cost of convening the meetings
 * Bekunda encouraged the platform chairman, secretary and other members of IP at district level to be the watchdog for Africa RISING to ensure that research and scaling activities are being implemented to resolve issues as prioritized.
 * Moreover, Irmgard also noted that poultry keeping seems to have changed farmer’s lives, data on the following should be taken to better understand the change made - diet diversity, income generated, meat eating habit compared to past, eggs eating habits compared to past etc

Courtesy call at Sagara village office – The monitoring team had a brief discussion with village leaders and farmers in which the mission asked several questions aimed at understanding farmers’ knowledge with regards to AR research activities and the benefits gained by the farmers. The discussion aimed at understanding the activeness and impacts brought by the project.
 * Second Stop- Sagara village in Kongwa DC**
 * The team met with “JIENDELEZE GROUP” which initially dealt with micro financing activities. Group has 25 members composed of 18 females and 7male. The group is championing tied ridging farming in which they integrate //Matuta//, //improved maize hybrid varieties// (Meru-IR-621, Meru-HB-513, Meru-HB-515, NATA H-104, NATA H-105) and inorganic //fertilizer//.
 * The team wanted to understand why there were more women in the group than men. The members responded that women are the ones responsible with households’ food security and thus why they were more interested to adopt the technology that would solve the food insecurity challenge.
 * Irmgard suggested that other technologies that have performed better elsewhere in AR villages should also be tried at Sagara to benefit the farmers (scaling up). For instance, she asked if legume have been tested at Sagara village. The response was not yet.
 * It was also that Innovation platform (IP) meetings need to be revived so that they keep happening regularly. Main task is to closely monitor AR research activities to ensure that goals and objectives are met. Also, IP members must be alert in reporting prevailing challenges.
 * The team also suggested that the district may collaborate with IITA to introduce cowpeas varieties in the village.

The team visited Africa RISING-NAFAKA project activities in Sagara village where the mission visited 4 different farmers (baby plots) with an integration of fertilizer, Maize varieties and tied ridges as follows:
 * Third Stop – Field visits at Sagara- Mother and Baby Plots**
 * 1st farmer (Garson John Chilangani) had an integration of 1 variety of maize Meru-HB-513, one type of fertilizer (Minjingu Mazao plus) and annual tied ridging (ATR).
 * 2nd Farmer (Zipporah Ulao) had planted Natal H 104 planted on 15/01/2017; length of cross ties was relatively very short which would certainly add burden on extra labour requirement. (Size of the ridges made looked very small compared to the mother plot).
 * 3rd Farmer had planted maize variety resistant to Striga (Meru-IR-621). The question was from Dr Irmgard is the Striga common in Sagara village the answer from farmers was Yes, it is. Dr Jumbo gave further clarification by saying that introduction of Meru IR 621 replaced variety called DK 8990 farmers had requested as this hybrid variety did very well in last year 2015/206 cropping season. However, this variety i.e. Meru IR 621 has other merits such as earliness to maturity, drought tolerant in addition to controlling a troublesome noxious weed notably Striga.
 * 4th Group’s Mother plot evaluating the effects of residual tied ridging, P source of fertilizer i..e 20 kg of P/ha (with and without fertilization )and improved maize commercial varieties namely Meru IR-621, MeruHB-513, Natal H104, Natal H105) .Team noted that there were like three stages in plant growth and the question from Dr Irmgard was why are there difference in terms of growth. The chair madam Rehema Dengwa – Lead farmer for JIENDELEZE Group narrated that this season was generally very bad in our village; in the first place, we planted and rain disappeared for more than two weeks which resulted in poor germination. Gap filling was done and germination was still poor due to lack of rain. After a third gap filling we are quite happier that at least we have achieved what you are now seeing in the field.
 * 5th Baby (Name of Farmer?) and 6th (Name of farmer) visits were Residual tied ridging baby plots. These had generally better crop performance. The question raised from the last farmer was do you plan to expand this tied ridging technology in other fields you possess and the answer was yes. Farmer narrated that she has seen benefits of tied ridging in her field which initially had big rills which had taken topsoil down slope.
 * Due to the fact that tie ridges are labour intensive Irmgard wanted to covers the costs/who is responsible for making them. The farmers responded that the ridges are prepared in team work by the group through the Mary go round system.
 * Irmgard also wanted to know the major pests affecting maize at growth / development stage in Sagara and how the farmers control them. Farmers informed her of the pest known as SULENJE in Kaguru local language (i.e. Maize Stalk borer), and that Africa RISING taught farmers on the causes of “Sulenje” and its control measures in early February 2017.
 * The mission wanted to find out whether the inorganic fertilizers are readily available in Kongwa, and farmers informed them that they are available at Kibaigwa market some kms from the village.
 * The project manager wanted to know what research / technologies that were brought by Africa R ISING to Sagara village. The farmers mentioned technologies including; tied ridging integrated with improved maize varieties plus fertilizers (Nafaka Plus), groundnuts varieties (N2Africa IITA), cereal crops rotations with legumes to control Striga brought, Vegetable growing introduced at Chamkoroma & Tubugwe villages.
 * As it was noted by Bekunda that the project strives to scale up, science must prevail to advance knowledge. The sizes of the ridges for some of the farmers were small in terms of width and length! Size should be uniform for a fair comparison with the mother plots. Swai accepted the suggestion and that it was going to be worked on. However, it was explained that all participating farmers were shown on how to prepare tied ridging at Mother plot site with expectation that farmers would follow suit thereafter in their baby plots.
 * More integration of landscape technologies should be applied for enhanced productivity- e.g. use of tied ridging with cereals and legume crops (Gliricidia and / or pigeon pea)
 * Economic analysis must be done to determine cost / benefit ratio for all integrated technologies, Dr. Bekele to liaise with KK scientists and guide them on appropriate data to be collected


 * Fourth Stop - Courtesy call at Laikala village office:**
 * After introductions, again the team asked several questions with the aim of understanding (i) if IP member for Laikala do meet regularly, (ii) the benefits gained from AR phase one, (iii) adoption of best bet technologies by farmers from various participatory variety selections done in AR phase one.


 * Farmers informed the team that IP members at village level are active, two meetings have been held with addition of two new IP members namely.
 * The village chairman informed the team that the village leadership knows what is and its aim;AR does research aimed at improving farmer’s livelihood via provision of improved crop, livestock, landscape management technologies. Chairman further said AR is run by a group of scientists from ARI-Hombolo, ICRAF (Miti Malisho), CIMMYT (Mahindi), ICRISAT (Mbaazi, Karanga, Mtama, Uwele), UDOM (ufugaji kuku) which they learn from neighbouring village Mlali,SUA (Lishe kwa watoto).
 * Farmers explained that they have benefited from the project through early maturing sorghum and pearl millets varieties, pigeon pea # 40, insitu rainwater harvesting technologies, use of Fanya juu / Fanya chini terraces to control soil erosion thus conserving soil fertility, establishment of tree seedlings nursery that supplies tree seedlings to fellow villagers and neighbouring villages – Gliricidia (as fertilizer, as animal fodder & as firewood)

Sorghum (NACO Mtama-1) intercropped with Gliricidia, with Gliricidia leaves incorporated and spread into two quadrants. It was noted that the trial is a good set up but not well integrated (i.e.it has a loose end as Laikala is the driest district of all six, so it would benefit the farmer more if the researchers would include tied ridges to harvest / conserve moisture. It was suggested that Swai & Kimaro would have tied ridges incorporated then this should be compared with a similar plot without tied ridges.
 * Fifth Stop- Kaleb Mbeleselo’s field**
 * Sixth Stop**
 * Laikala Learning Centre / Technology Pack (with several technologies) – Fanya Juu/Fanya chini contours with Gliricidia trees, Sorghum planted on residual & annual tied ridging – with & without fertilizers, pigeon pea & pear millet seed production under CSB.
 * Contours (Fanya Juu/Fanya Chini) and soil-water management technologies have been proven to be effective but could be ineffective when there is a location with sloppy land where some farmers have made contours and others have not. The KK team was asked about the strategies that are in place to ensure that every farmer makes the contour.
 * Swai explained that the technology requires use of holistic approach. i.e. planning at landscape level – engaging various stakeholders along the value chain including key sectors at district level. Swai had developed a protocol and is already shared with Patrick. The protocol is aimed at engaging stakeholders at all levels (Village-Ward-District) to influence so that recommended landscape management technologies are gazetted to become a policy. He further explained that there are three major school of thoughts aiming at paradigms shift. Firstly, classic approach which assumes that technical solution to land degradation is available and that the problem is implementation related. The second paradigm often referred to as populist, links poverty and environmental degradation. It emphasizes the participation of local people. The third approach often called neo-liberal draws from both classic and populist approaches. From the classic approaches, it takes the idea that technology to control land degradation exists and from populist approach it borrows the notion of empowerment of the people.
 * It was advised that KK scientists to liaise with Bekele to guide them on appropriate data to be collected for appropriate economic analysis of cost / benefit ratio on integrated landscape technologies


 * Seventh Stop – Pearl millet under community seed production system**
 * Pearl Millet (Okashana-1) plot under CSB production (Mr. Chiembeyo Mhangani) Pearl millets well germinated at maturity / bird scaring stage.
 * This field looked good, already matured and it would be imagine if the entire village had grown same variety they would have all been assured of food. It was inquired if farmers are allowed to intercrop a seed crop with another one of a different species – say pearl millet with ground nuts which will not compete over sunlight?!
 * Ngowi responded that TOSCI policy / seed regulation in TZ requires that all seed crops should be grown in pure stand.
 * It was suggested that probably AR may work towards influencing the seed policy to allow seed of QDS grade be allowed in intercrop with a crop of a different species.


 * Monday, 27th March 2017**
 * First Stop- Mlali village office:**
 * Courtesy Call at MLALI village office; during the discussions questions were mainly directed to the village leaders (led by Mr. Athumani Lumambo).
 * The team wanted to know whether AR project has been profitable to Mlali farmers for almost 6 years old operating in Kongwa. Lumambo, the chairman said the prject has been a profit to farmers because farmers are now practicing improved technologies introduced in the villafe including;improved crop seeds and crop management practices, community poultry breeding in in Mlali where several farmers have benefitted, soil-water harvesting and soil erosion control (by use of ridges and contours) has been taught to farmers.
 * It was also noted that food safety and improved nutrition has been taught and Mlali is one among villages whose women with kids under 5 yrs of age have participated in children feeding trials and children now look healthy because their mothers know about health nutrition.
 * Mlali has over 300 farmers trained on pp (#0040) production under CSB for 2016/2017 season
 * QPM maize & ground nuts have also been introduced
 * Jumbo said that some maize varieties on trials are not available in the markets, the QPM – Meru materials will be available in the next 2 years. As for groundnuts - farmers will be trained to produce their own seeds (QDS grade). In addition, best material coming out of resilient crop varieties being tested for G x E x M via participatory variety selection (PVS) for pigeon pea, QPM / DT maize, groundnuts should be considered to national performance trials (NPTs) for quick release.
 * Ngowi added that Soya bean is one among the ingredients in LISHE or mixed flour used to feed children of below 5 yrs of age, he requested whether the varieties can it be introduced in KK so that farmers grow it instead of buying. In Kiteto farmers are growing green gram (Choroko) and he suggests Soya could do well too. However, there is a need to explore on the performance of soybean in semi-arid agro-ecology.
 * Mateete informed KK team that Dr. Baijukya has activity on Soya conducted in the Southern highlands under N2 Africa Project, whoever is leading nutrition work (Dr Anitha) can liaise with him to leverage efforts to conduct Soya trials in KK.
 * Second Stop: Interaction with Mlali Farmers**
 * During the discussions, it was realized that contrary to the other 5 villages in Kongwa, Mlali has about 5 farmer’s groups – (i) Matuta (Fanya juu / Fanya chini) group, (ii) pigeon pea under CSB group, (iii) Poultry keeping group, (iv) Lishe group, (v) group handling landscape management technologies (intercropping, agroforestry etc). Farmers were keen, enthusiastic and answered all asked questions confidently.
 * The chief scientist wanted to see a farmer who practices the integration of more than one technology in a field. Moshi Maile stood and explained that he practices integrated technologies including growing Gliricidia trees integrated with maize, Fanya juu / Fanya chini with Gliricidia trees + Guatemala/ elephant grass panted on top of the contour; additionally, he has tied ridging plot, Magoe ripper plot and post emergence tied ridging. Another plot integration of double up legumes (Intercropping of pigeon pea, gliricidia trees & maize)
 * Irmgard asked whether farmers from other district visit Mlali for learning purposes and who organizes the trips. Swai responded that farmers have been visiting Mlali fields and the trips are organized by district councils.
 * Irmgard suggested that the learning centres (referred to as technology pack in Ghana) established by AR should have //visitors’ book// to keep track of all visitors visiting these established centres. From such records KK team, could produce good success stories.


 * Third Stop-: Moshi Maile’s Poultry keeping**
 * At Moshi Maile’s poultry unit the team saw both full grown chicken and chicks,Irmgard was very impressed and had wanted also to see how Ms. Christina had progressed since the last time she visited Mlali and was astonished to see a huge progress made.
 * Irmgard asked Maile on the benefits poultry keeping brought to him. Maile responded by saying that poultry keeping has enabled him build a new chicken house – money obtained from selling of eggs, chicks, and full grown chickens, he too has managed to pay for fees on cost sharing basis for his two sons – one at SUA, Morogoro and another at VETA in Dodoma. Additionally, Maile said that during agricultural show famous as NaneNane in Tanzania was held last season and he managed to sell 25 full grown chicken and cocks after the shows, one cock was sold at TZS 25,000 and chicken at TZS 20,000. Also, part of the money obtained through sales was used to pay school fees and other comes from sale of pigeon pea sold to fellow farmers as seed and some sold at Kibaigwa market as grain. This cropping season (2016/2017) Maile has managed to plant 10 acres of maize intercropped with pigeon pea and 2 acres of pigeon pea in pure stand.
 * She also inquired on the price of pigeon peas per kilo. Maile said that previous season a kilo of pigeon pea produce was sold at 2,500/= and this year it is TZS 1,500 per kg. He harvested 5 bags of 120 kgs each (i.e. 600kgs) of pigeon peas which he sold to fellow farmers at Mlali and some at Kibaigwa market.
 * Maile informed the team that he currently sends all eggs that a 7-day old to a hatchery unit situated in Dodoma town nears NaneNane grounds but he is planning to own one soon. He also noted that one month old chick is sold at TZS 5,000, and he usually sells to anybody who needs, mostly around Mlali and in few occasions, outside of Mlali. One egg is sold at TZS 500 each.
 * In addition, Maile shared common disease challenges that he faces including; new castle, gumboro, chicken pox (ndui), kuhara damu (Diarrhoea), typhoid, mafua (flu), worms, and lack of vitamins. But he said that they have been trained by AR on symptoms and appropriate treatments. In addition, Maile said that they have a veterinary village extension officer (Mr. Lyoba) who helps them with diagnosis.
 * He explained on the treatments for the diseases which he had learned from the training: New castle: (1st day - 7th day) we administer vaccine drops on eyes & glucose, Antibiotics, vitamins & Minerals - first aid for chicks and other types of poultry - Neoxychick formula for 3 - 5 days, Gumboro: 14th day we administer a vaccine via drinking water for 1 hours only. Chicken pox (ndui): we administer a vaccine by piercing on a soft skin of elongated wing. Kuhara damu (Diarrhoea): We administer OTC Plus 20% through drinking water for 3-5 days. Typhoid: we give them medicine called Typhoprim diluted in water, for 3-5 days. Mafua (flu): We administer Fluban through drinking water for 3 days only. Worms: We administer Ascarex through drinking water for 1 day only. Lack of vitamins: We administer egg boost multivitamin via drinking water after every one week
 * Irmgard / Mateete were impressed to know that Ms. Christina has also diversified his poultry; she also keeps guinea fouls, ducks, & goose.


 * Community Poultry Breeding:**
 * Kimaro explained that in the next quarter of phase two both //Moshi Maile// & //Ms. Christina// will implement a controlled poultry breeding in which improved cocks will be crossed to selected best local chicken ecotypes to generate F1. The F1s will be reared until when chicks’ feathers have disappeared, then at this stage the chicks will be given to new cohorts. Their performance will be constantly monitored over time in terms of thus; eggs laying ability over time, body weight over time, heritability estimates will be done to determine best parent combination (cock) that produces best F1s.
 * Irmgard / Mateete said the two farmers chosen are capable and knowledgeable and if provided with good training on what we intend to achieve there is no doubt that this proposed activity will yield good results
 * Mateete urged Kimaro to explain well the methodology in writing and prepare the protocol for what he was explaining. Kimaro responded that Rubanza is finalizing the document and will have it submitted soon.


 * Fourth Stop**
 * Moshi Maile’s Late Father plot with Fanya Juu / Fanya Chini contours integrated with Gliricidia trees, Guatemala grass that divides a field of about 1 acre into five portions, with Stuka maize planted with Minjingu Fertilizer, Maize crop looks very attractive / impressive.
 * Mateete wanted to know where Maile takes the Gliricidia + Guatemala / Elephant grass planted on the contour that are ready for harvest and cattle feeding., Maile said that he does not keep cattle but he exchanges the grass with farmyard manure (FYM)…8 bags locally called maroba) full of grass exchanged with one ox-cart of FYM.
 * Mateete agained asked Moshi if he had cows and feeding it with the grass (Guatemala / Gliricidia etc) comparing with chicken where did he think he would have made more profit. Maile responded had he would gain more profit from keeping poultry because during the dry season (//kiangazi//) grass is scarce.
 * Irmgard asked Maile whether he had make all the 5 contours found in the field by himself.Maile explained that they work in already formed group through the Mary-go-round approach.


 * Fifth Stop: Moshi Maile’s Woodlot Plot**
 * The team also saw a wood lot which is a mixture various trees planted in rows which were ready for pruning as listed thus; Timber (gliveria, melea, mikongo, mikaratus, mikangasi, acasia, Misaji), firewood, (mijoholo, glicidia, Lusina), fodder trees (Gliricidia, Acasia), fruit trees (paw paw), shade trees (Uzazi wa mpango).
 * Also, Maile said that he is among a group of 5 persons (2 male + 3 female), initiated in 2013, which is to be registered soon.
 * Irmgard commented that Woodlot contributes to environment / nature conservation and thus reducing hazards of climate change.


 * Sixth Stop: Baby plot Residual Tied Ridging integrated with Fanya juu/chini and Gliricidia**
 * Phoibe Malogo’s field with Residual tied ridging from 2015/2016 + organic Fertilization; contour – Fanya juu / Fanya chini with Gliricidia and elephant grass planted on to Maize crop in this field is very healthy because of integration of technologies.
 * Irmgard suggested that cost benefit ratio analysis of integrating technologies needs to be established, Bekele to guide KK scientists on appropriate data to be collected.


 * Seventh Stop: Pigeon pea Seed Production under Community Seed Bank System**
 * Pigeon peas seed production (QDS) under CSB, Tony Masisila, planted on 30/01/2017
 * Irmgard commented that the field was well planted and well weeded, she inquired if the farmer could be allowed to intercrop with an early maturing crop like ground nuts.
 * Ngowi answered that TOSCI policy doesn’t allow . As Irmgard had already suggested there is need for AR to influence change of policy to allow QDS seed be intercropped with a crop variety of a different species.


 * Eighth Stop: Mother plot at Mlali (Technology Pack)**
 * Technologies at mother plot encompass Groundnut PVS, Pigeon peas (pp) PVS, Drought Tolerant maize (DT maize), soil-water trial, Maize + pp + Gliricidia; Foliar application of fertilizer to maize plants collaboratively being done by AR + SUA and German Project; Climate smart agriculture experiment – time of planting (MSc student).
 * Irmgard asked whether foliar application of fertilizer is a common practice to farmers and how it was applied. Swai noted that it is not common practice, but farmers are learning. He explained further that is applied using a solo sprayer applied at 7th leaf stage and again at near teaselling stage. It was also learnt that farmers at Mlali village grow vegetables and thus use of knapsack sprayer is not new to them.
 * It was noted climate smart agriculture experiment – is a good study which can be able to generate information leading to specific time of planting for the semi-arid locations of Tanzania. In particular research on DT maize has potential to address challenges impacted by climate change and variability and these materials have proved to withstand adverse effects of drought this season.


 * Tuesday, 28th March 2017**
 * First Stop: Courtesy call at DAICO for Kiteto (Mr Robert Urassa):**
 * Similar questions asked to the DAICO in Kongwa were asked and Mr Urassa, DAICO Kiteto responded. While the discussions continued, the team was captivated to find a training manual on Aflatoxin management and control prepared by ICRISAT-Malawi for farmers and other stakeholders in the crop value chain done in 2014/2015 cropping season by Mr Wills Munthali. Jonathan Odhong, Africa RISING Research Communication Specialist will follow up for the soft copy of this manual to be filed in AR website.


 * Second Stop: Njoro village Office**
 * Similar questions asked in Sagara, Laikala & Mlali villages were repeated during the discussions with farmers, the farmers and their leaders responded to the team according to their experiences.
 * The farmers pointed out that the project has brought and taught them about GAP including new tillage methods and spacing planting of maize and pigeon peas, tied ridging, use of improved seeds and fertilizers.
 * The farmers even noted that the line spacing planting is very beneficial, as one may plant on a small plot and harvest better yields than planting in big plot with little yields. But also said it is labour intensive and many farmers in the village do not practice as they have big plots.
 * Moreover, the participants explained that the project had educated them on intercropping farming btn maize and pigeon peas.
 * They also noted that the project introduced agroforest agriculture to be a new technology in the village. They said the technology help them on conserve soil fertility but provide livestock feeds.

(i) Minimum disturbance of the soil – use of tractor mounted ripper by tractor, in which the unit has about 200 acres for various farmers in Kiteto and 15 acres planted using hand hoe. (ii) Promoting use of fertilizers (FYM and inorganic fertilizers) (iii) Crop rotations.
 * Third Stop: Shabani Maloki Field - Ripping for Maize and Pigeon pea Seed Production**
 * The team saw a trial on tractor mounted ripped field planted with pigeon pea (ICEAP 00040) for seed production under community seed bank pass on approach and maize grown for grain (variety Stuka).
 * Irmgard inquired the depth that Magoe ripper can reach during ripping and the advantages of ripping over the conventional tillage.
 * Swai responded that the tractor mounted ripper breaks a hard pan between 25 - 29 cm to allow rain water to penetrate and can penetrate the soil easily. The ripping chisels are spaced at 90 cm apart, and the advantage of ripping over the conventional r tillage is that there is little soil disturbance. Therefore, the top soil remains intact and there is no erosion compared with conventional tillage which makes the top soil prone to erosion (in case a field in question is lying on a sloppy ground).
 * The team had a brief discussion with Essau Mbilinyi (works with Tanzania Conservation Farming Unit in Kiteto) an NGO dealing with “Conservation Farming”. The NGO is already in collaboration with ongoing AR initiatives in Kiteto. Conservation farming does 3 main things which are thus;
 * The monitoring visit was concluded after this stop to allow the evaluation team travel back to Dodoma to meet with USAID and other partners at Morena Hotel in Dodoma at 6:00 pm

Debriefing meeting was held at Nashera Hotel in Dodoma on 27th March 2017 to deliberate on major issues related to implementation of AR project in Kiteto and Kongwa districts as well as observation on on-going activities currently implemented in the AR action sites. The Chief Scientist, Mateete Bekunda opened the meeting by welcoming all the participants and requested if anybody has agenda he/she could bring forward. Finally, two agendas were introduced for discussion. These were the following thus:
 * Debriefing of field monitoring visits for Kongwa & Kiteto sites**
 * Introduction**
 * 1) Poor communication in KK team
 * 2) Field visits/observation
 * Agenda 1.1: Poor communication**
 * It was highlighted that there are mainly two major issues which require urgent attention. The issues are poor communication and lack of regular meetings. It was mentioned that key information related to AR project such as reports requested from KK team delay to be submitted. Also it was suggested/advised that the team may have regular Skype meetings to attend to matters that need frequent decisions instead of waiting for physical meetings which are delayed due to individuals tight schedules.
 * 1.2 Resolutions**:
 * It was agreed that Peter Ngowi being on the ground throughout will be an appropriate focal person to link up with. Therefore, all KK scientists should channel information, reports, emails etc and in turn Ngowi should ensure that Patrick Okori, the team lead gets/reads all the mail on time.
 * It was insisted that Skype meetings must happen regularly and minutes must be documented accordingly. The KK team should strategize soon to ensure that such meetings start taking place. Therefore, team members must agree on a day/date for instance it could tentatively be held at 1st Friday of every month. Other project team members namely Gundula and Bekele should be informed to take part in the meetings.
 * Skype meetings minutes to be uploaded on WIKI(online) for documentation.


 * Agenda 2: General Key Issues:**
 * 2.1 IP meeting at KK:**
 * IP meetings (i) at village level, (ii) at ward level and (iii) at district level should be triggered to happen frequently (KK may learn of the **JUMBA** experience in Babati) for enhanced performance of KK IP meetings. Usually ward IP is constituted by at least 10 members. KK should contact Festo Ngulu so that he shares his experience on how best IP have been run in Babati.
 * District & Ward level IPs should be active and could include surrounding villages to AR. The team may advise/request the district councils to set aside a budget to run the IP meetings which are the main drivers that ensure on-going activities are being conducted to solve specific problems / challenges as identified by district and ward IPs. IPs are supposed to be watchdogs for AR high level administration.
 * The KK scientists should pay attention to their work plan / project proposal. Milestones must be realistic as each individual scientist will be evaluated based on what appears in the work plan submitted and well written protocols.
 * KK scientists must review their work plans to reflect realistic / achievable milestones and report back to Bekunda and Irmgard. Next year (i.e. 2018) a new log frame will be developed and shared. The milestone has to be realistic with what are in the fields.
 * 1) **Milestones**
 * 2) **Socio-economic activities**

Bekele was advised to allocate time to sit / discuss with KK team and advise them on best data on socio-economic that would be collected for enhanced economic analysis (cost benefit ratio on integrated technologies).

It was noted that the community is enthusiastic and very active in terms of the understanding of what AR is collaboratively doing in their village and the benefits of all technologies being tested ranging from soil- water management technologies (//Fanya juu / Fanya chini, tied ridges, residual tied ridges vs annual tied ridging); soil fertility improving technologies - intercropping with Gliricidia, pigeon pea, use of inorganic fertilizers, organic fertilization – double up legume trials; tree seedlings, wood lot; community poultry breeding; land scape / climate smart agriculture technologies – gliricidia & Guatemala grass planted on the Fanya juus as reinforcement; use of improved seeds and seed multiplication etc.//). However it was noted that, all these are quite impressive but not captured/documented in success stories!. It was argued that Scientists should wake up to in developing success story out of their good work to showcase it to our donor. .**Mlali Mother Plot**
 * 1) **Lack of gender expert to support AR at Kiteto & Kongwa Districts**
 * It was noted that Gundula is not available to work with KK field team on the ground. Similarly, the lecturer who was suggested by Gundula from University of Dodoma (UDOM) as an alternative solution is not available to support gender related AR activities at KK.
 * Resolution**: The evaluation team advised **Mr Swai** to take lead in trying to identify **//“Gender Experts”//** from higher learning institutions in Dodoma/Sokoine University of Agriculture and Institute of Rural Development and Planning (IRDP). Swai should try and speak with IRDP expert on gender and immediately provide feedback to Patrick Okori.
 * It was noted that in June, 2017, there will be training on Gender and therefore KK field team should plan to attend.
 * 2.2 Field observations:**
 * 2.2.1 Sagara village**
 * It was noted that Sagara is an AR-NAFAKA action site, however, during 2016/2017 AR has initiated research on studying the effects of residual tied ridging using previous tied ridging constructed in 2015/2016 cropping season.
 * Meeting held between the monitoring team and implementing farmers during visit revealed that farmers have been inspired by AR technologies namely soil water management interventions, soil fertility management intervention, use of improved maize varieties notably hybrid varieties such as Meru-IR-621, Meru HB 513, NATAL H 104, NATAL H 105 etc. It was noted that there is a group of 25 lead farmers (18 Female + 7 Male) named “JIENDELEZE Group” and is collaboratively working with AR-NAFAKA in scaling up technologies from AR with over 60 other farmers who are already practicing use of Matuta / tied ridging. Farmers’ field days should be held more frequently which will bring in more new farmers for enhanced scaling up
 * The residual tied ridging mother plot is a good learning spot with precise dimensions, however from visual observation the spacing for the Matuta / ridges in 3 farmers were differed. There must be uniformity for length and width for the Matuta in farmers’ fields (babies) with Matuta in the mother plot for a fair data comparison and adoption by the farmers.
 * Technologies with loose ends must be tied – in other words KK scientists should try as much as possible to integrate technologies for enhanced productivity.
 * 2.2.2 Laikala** **village**
 * Introduction of Pearl millet (Okashana-1) and pigeon peas crop varieties for seed production under CSB addresses the problem of improved crop varieties availability as well as enhancing seed demand and spreading via pass on approach; it is worth mentioning that climate smart technologies have been introduced, with soil-water / fertility management but more integration of technologies is needed to tie up loose end technologies for improved crop & livestock productivity. For instance, where Dr Kimaro has sorghum intercropped with Gliricidia intercropping (Gliricidia leaves incorporation), tied ridging could be introduced and its results could be compared with farms that have no tied ridges.
 * IP members for Laikala need to be monitored to ensure that they have active participation in meetings that would help them have a common understanding of their challenges / indicators that AR may focus on solving.
 * 2.2.3 Mlali village**
 * Outcome of Mlali meeting between AR team and representatives of implementing farmers**
 * Poultry Community Breeding**
 * The team visited two identified champions who will be the main sources of poultry breeding at Mlali village namely Moshi Maile and Christina Joseph. The guests were impressed with achievements made, however, it was noted that achievement obtained through this intervention has not been reported (i.e. under success story) as what Patrick has keeping saying “if it is not written it has never existed”.
 * The team recommended that Rubanza and Kimaro should submit a well written concept note / protocol as soon as possible (ASAP) on sub-activity 1.2: Deploy integrated community breeding and management system for poultry (nutrient recycling and use of crop residues).Kimaro responded that Rubanza is finalizing the document and they will share it once it is ready.
 * Mother plot at Mlali Iyegu village is what is referred to as “TECHNOLOGY PACK” in West Africa, Ghana in particular. All technologies showcased including climate smart agriculture are very impressive its location is superb for visitors to learn.
 * Project manager recommended that record of visitors to such demo plots must be recorded and should appear in AR success stories.
 * Exploring ICTs for linking farmers to markets/Exploring ICTs for weather forecast information:**
 * The team recommended a well written protocol for ICTS on linking farmers to market and ICT for weather forecast should be developed as soon as possible. Also, it was advised that KK can liaise with Babati team (Swai should submit a well written concept Note / protocol and share ASAP ready for action).
 * It was also advised that the ICT milestone has to be reviewed.

Festo Ngulu, Babati team coordinator briefed the monitoring team on the issues the team had discussed during their meeting held in the morning of the same date. The following were the points discussed and comments given: -A 40 page text for translation into Kiswahili – Ngulu volunteered to do it
 * Babati Sites Monitoring: 29th -31st March 2017**
 * Wednesday, 29 March**
 * 1) **1.** **Briefing: Babati team scientists and visiting team at Ango Hotel**
 * 1.1: Nane Nane Preparations**
 * Secured a plot 25 x 21m: Pavilion size> 6 x 12 meters; rest available for planting live material
 * World veg. to display healthy seedlings raised on tray at AVRDC; nutrition component ( recipes – including solar dried vegs); leaflets, live seed samples, poster on screen house, and video on veg. techs
 * ILRI: establish Napier grass, Desmodium, Brachiaria plots; display posters (simpler versions not the scientific ones presented during the Science week in DSM). Also 5 leaflets/brochures under production already translated into Kiswahili. Need to have few in English.
 * NRM: Posters – simpler versions -developed brochure in English – need translation(Swahili)
 * PH: Posters and printed material same as last year; this year will link up supplier of PICs bags (Chinese company) and machine manufacturer to make them more actively involved


 * 1.2** **Communications**
 * Effective communication: Bekunda insisted that the team needs to have effective communication through - capacity building /training, Skype meetings, what’s app, integration of field activities
 * Bekunda expressed disappointment – poor response from scientists. For instance he had requested protocols from each researcher highlighting the science that the monitoring team would want to see; none submitted.
 * Reporting guidelines to USAID – none met the deadline. Kihara said he did comply, but wondered if he was using the current template? The USAID report template has milestones for which we are funded for.
 * Irmgard had also sent “community practice “forms, only few responded.
 * Irmgard: The science advisory fell apart but was reconstituted recently; coming /meeting in June
 * Intra country exchange visits : the teams were encouraged to conduct sites exchange visits so that they may learn from each other.KK **//vs//** BBt ## Also Ghana – doing very well with indigenous poultry- housing


 * 1.3** **ICT**
 * Bekunda followed up on ICT progress: Fred Kizito explained that the database is already developed. He is developing a text interactive system; a tool for fast tracking communication among scientists and farmers about agronomy and market information; the project has to pay for a short code that will accommodate 20,000 users per text.
 * The tool needs critical screening of information.
 * It received support of $ 20,000 from NAFAKA(let’s confirm from Fred for clarification)
 * 1.4** **Databases**
 * Steven Lyimo: sent out a questionnaire to 8 villages to collect data on ………… (We need to consult him for more details)
 * Should be out within a week

After the debriefing with the team, the monitoring team paid a courtesy call at the DED offices. Hassan Lugendo, Acting District Executive Director informed the team that he is full aware of Africa RISING activities within Babati. He mentioned the activities including introduction of the good agricultural practices like use of improved seeds, fertilizers, livestock forage technologies, post harvest technologies.
 * 1) **2.** **Babati District Executive Director Offices**


 * 1) **3.** **Sites visit**
 * 3.1 Gallapo village**
 * The team got the chance to visit Monica Paschal a member of poultry group that works with the project in the village. She noted on the benefits of the Feeds grinding machine that help them to prepare the poultry feeds.
 * She also explained on how she has been trained on poultry keeping by the project team. Monica: feed ration for 100kg bag.Grain: 3 ‘debe’ (approx 60kg); Maize bran: 2 ‘debe’ (40kg); dagaa/damu 6kg; dagaa 2kg; dried grass 1- 1.5 kg; salt 2 table spoon full.
 * There is an integration gap btn Babati and Kongwa/Kiteto poultry teams. The teams can integrate for better results.
 * There was a clear integration between the vegetable and poultry activities on the ground. Monica uses leafy vegetable poultry feeding while using chicken droplets for vegetable manure.
 * There is also integration between vegetable and NRM in screen houses on the ground. The screen houses provided in by A to Z Company for demonstration to the farmers. The total cost for construction of the screen house is $300. There is also a good Public Private partnership between AtoZ Company and the project through vegetable and NRM themes.
 * Monica receives guests who visit the screen house to learn what is being demonstrated.


 * 3.2 Samasi village**
 * The team then visited Dominic Stephano’s field demonstrating eight treatments on GAP integrated with NMR by digging the contours and forage species.
 * The GAP including improved seeds varieties and use of fertilizer Minjingu mazao, Yaramila cereal for top dressing and DAP for planting. Maize intercropped with pigeon peas and some with lablabs.
 * Despite Dominic doing the good work in digging contours in his farm to control the soil erosion which is a problem in the village, his neighbors are still not doing it as they say the work takes a lot of labor. This is a challenge that the local government and the project may collaborate to solve together.
 * Afterward, the team visited Khadija Aray’s site where she works with vegetable and NRM teams. She works with NRM team on GAP of improved seeds and fertilizer and after harvest she will grow vegetables.


 * Thursday, 30 March**
 * 3.3** **Meeting with R4D platform district level executive committee**
 * The committee briefed the team on the activities that they have managed to conduct in two years time including; developing and launching the platform constitution, making a work plan during a meeting held in 2015, inception of the ward level platform committees in February 2017 and were able to conduct general meetings which they invited different development stakeholders working in Babati.
 * The committee informed that they failed to fulfill most of the activities indicated on the work plan due to lack of funds; the district council pledged financial support but has not honored the promise yet.
 * ILRI experience underscores the essence of community driven platforms; start from grass root; generate needs (pull effect), put in sustainability strategies / institute a stepwise weaning process/ contribution of stakeholders (Malawi).
 * It was suggested that Babati team has to think of communication strategy for reaching JUMBA farmers, contribution of platform stakeholders. Ben gave experience on how Tanga dairy platform works to support its activities through other partners. The platform has to be private sector stakeholders –led initiatives for future sustainability. The companies including; PICs suppliers, forage chopper/ feed mixing machines companies, Minjingu Fertilizer Company.
 * Andreas informed the team that Vegetable team under Africa RISING- NAFAKA project – use sub groups as test case for market challenge. He declared that his team is ready to give financial support on some activities related to innovation activities.
 * It was also noted that teams are conducting their activities but they do not collaborate with JUMBA committee. The teams were encouraged to inform the platform on activities they execute so that JUMBA may know how that fall in their work plan. Eg. Lyimo did training on markets but did not link up with JUMBA district level: Gendi, Gallapo and Dareda; Bajwa traders; Meru millers, AGRA. This could help JUMBA realize which activities on their plan are being implemented. The team has to collaborate with the committees and not questioning what they are doing.
 * It was informed that SARI hass formed a value chain team on pigeon peas volume of quality, quantity and time delivery where farmers are connected to the traders. Stephen Lyimo was advised to communicate this activity and other SARI related activities that he believes will add value oto JUMBA.
 * Bekunda appealed to all researchers to feel that they are part of the platform; membership is dynamic; JUMBA was encouraged to identify more new members.e.g. fishnet (screen house nets); AR was ready to support quarterly meetings for JUMBA.
 * It was suggested that members may think of other less costly means of communication besides meetings. Justus also suggested that the platform may choose a communication person (secretary) who may be responsible to communicate platform’s activities to stakeholders.


 * Resolution**
 * Babati team agreed that they will be communicating their activities to JUMBA and will work together as a team.
 * It was agrees that the researchers and the committee members will start selling JUMBA and its objectives to other development partners so that JUMBA get supporters who will work towards solving farmers challenges.
 * Working from grass roots to top up level.

**3.4.2.** **Visit to Vitalis Joseph Farm** The team had a chance to interact with Vitalis Joseph, vegetable lead farmer. He is conducting a good agriculture practices through using fertilizers and pesticides, he also conducts recommended vegetable practices. He has also integrated vegetable with natural management resources activities.
 * 3.4 Bermi village**
 * 3.4.1. Meeting with JUMBA ward level committee**
 * The team conducted a meeting with JUMBA ward level committee from Dareda ward, to get a general understanding on how the platform operates and hear what the members understand concerning the innovation platform introduced to them.
 * The members noted that there will be good relationship between JUMBA district executive committee and the ward level committees because they both depend on each other to ensure that the challenges faced by farmers from villages are solved.
 * The members requested for some reading handouts that will assist them with guidelines on how they have to operate their activities. Ben suggested that the Humidtropics brochures on innovation platforms guidelines may be translated and distributed to the members.
 * Bekunda noted that the ward committees are not obliged to report to DAICO but rather to the JUMBA district committee. Irmgard also added that the role of district level platform is to facilitate ward level committees.
 * The ward committee also wanted to know the achievement experiences that the project has gained from the activities that the committees could learn from. The AR team shared the achievements from different project’s sites including Dodoma, Ethiopia and others.
 * The ward committee also wanted to know the achievement experiences that the project has gained from the activities that the committees could learn from. The AR team shared the achievements from different project’s sites including Dodoma, Ethiopia and others.


 * 3.5. Haysame Village**
 * The team met with livestock farmers group called “Omu” which means ‘dairy’ with 20 members. The group chairperson, Kassian Male briefed on the history of the group and benefits the members have got from the project.
 * It was noted that the trainings on chopper machine, fodder variety species and crop residues have enabled the farmers to improve their livestock health and increase milk production.
 * They also informed the team that due to increase in milk production, a market challenge for the milk has raised and requested the project to help in solving it. The team promised to find solution on how they will solve the issue to the value chain.
 * Kassian also informed the team that a number of villagers and groups from the district and other places (COSITA under world vision, etc) visit the group fodders farm to learn about the feeds. He noted there is a high demand of planting materials.

Kindly help on this, I wasn’t at the debriefing
 * 3.6. Debriefing of field monitoring visits for Babati sites**


 * Friday, 31 March**
 * 4.0. Hallu Village**
 * The team interacted with another livestock group which started with 5 members but the number has increased to 10 members. The group started using the machine in June 2016 while feed variety species (napier, bracaria, desmodia) were introduced in 2015.
 * The farmers explained that using of chopper machine has helped in reducing crops residues wastage and increased efficiency in feeding.
 * The feeding ratio knowledge and availability has helped to increase milk production and improved cattle’s health. Production has increased from 7 lts to 11 lts
 * The group said that they look for market for the milk from restaurants, but noted that during wet season it difficult to retain the market as there is too much milk in the village.
 * A member (woman) who is also into poultry raring informed the team that processing the poultry feeds using the machine is cheaper than purchasing commercial feeds from the feeds stores. She said she saves TSHS 30,000/= of the cost.
 * It was interesting for the team to be informed that one member from the group is working on fabricating his own chopping machine using the locally available materials.
 * The group requested for more forage seedlings as the ones available are not enough for large production.
 * 4.1. Endanoga village**
 * The team visited Africa RISING-NAFAKA project site managed by Sylvester Muna as a mother demo plot. The site had good agriculture practices of line-spacing planting, improved maize varieties intercropped with pigeon peas using two fertilizer treatments (DAP and Minjingu mazao) compared with a farmers practice.
 * Sylvester noted that common farmers cannot adopt line spacing technology as many have big plots and that technology is labour intensive unless the project introduces the mechanization (use of planters).