Achievement 2009
Results: 1 Quality protein maize (QPM) technologies made available to uptake pathways in Gulu, Lira
Activity 1.1: multiply and distribute adequate quantities of breeder and foundation seed of Longe 5
Activity 1.2 Setting up demonstrations for QPM in both project areas suitable for maize growing at parish level
In Lira IPTA, planting of the demos was carried out in the selected three farmer groups; the ogur united mothers were two demonstration plots were planted. Though the target was to plant at least three demonstration plots the third plot was not ideal for the demonstration because it was completely off road to serve the purpose. The alternative plot was not ready for planting. One demonstration was planted at Apoka parish, Nginginya village and the second was planted at Akano parish, Bung Misiri village, all at Ogur Sub-county. Arrangements were made to plant seed production field at the Chairpersons’ field, Mrs. Dr. Oweta but needed final preparations and we were therefore unable to plant as time was getting limited to proceed to Gulu. However, the Chairperson was committed and hoped to help in planting since she had the basics and some exposure in planting other crops.
In camkwoki group, three demonstration plots were planted. One demonstration plot was planted at Adekokwok parish, Abed Piny village. The second was planted at Ayera Parish, Atyena Owee village and the third one, though small, was planted at Adekokwok, Akia parish, all at Barr Sub-county.
For the rural life initiative farmer group, two demonstration plots were planted. One demonstration plot was planted at Ayac parish, Odwonga village and the second one was planted at Onyakeda parish. Akuli village. For other farmers in the above groups, 1.5 tons of maize seed was delivered to enable farmers whose land was ready as identified by their respective chairpersons to plant. The second field, approximately 1ha had been identified and the team participated in planting with the group members, Waakokwo farmers group, about 1 acre and the members were to finish up the remaining portion. The field was well isolated but the group was still strongly advised not to have any farmer grow maize near the seed production field.
In GULU IPTA, two seed production fields were planted. One field, approximately 2 acres was planted under the management of Temgumi farmers group at Pugweme parish, Wot Abilo village. Emphasis were laid on this field for the group members to ensure that no other maize should be grown around as there were some prepared fields around which the group was assuring the team that the fields were for some other crops not maize and above all, the were informed of the same by the coordinating Officer. The field was located near the road, which could as well catch the eyes of the passersby.
Most of the seed for the second season activities came from first season production on farmers’ fields with the area. Though the funds delayed, we agreed that farmers distribute the seeds within themselves so that those who had not got seed the previous season could also have access to seed. As reported early that we selected some farmers who had the potential to grow seed were utilized to multiply seed. So the project will be buying seed at a subsidized price to redistribute it to the farmers. So Lira IPTA, planting of the demos was carried out in the selected three farmer groups; the Ogur united mothers were two demonstration plots were planted. Also some of the seed which was produced in the first rains were bought by the funds from QPMA project and redistributed to the farmers.So 5 demonstration plots were established in 5 parishes Ogur Sub County, to exhibit the agronomical management practice on seed production, unfortunately all the fields were destroyed by drought.
Activity 1.3 Conduct annual planning and review workshops
An annual planning and review workshop was held in Lira at Pacific grand hotel on 16 November 2009 attended by both groups from Gulu and Lira IPTA. Workshop report was written and submitted. The primary objective of the review meeting was to meet with the key facilitators and IPTA members from Lira and Gulu and discuss the way forward for 2010. The concrete objectives of the workshop were to: (a) To understand the IPTA experience in the first group season 2009, (b) Knowledge sharing about the country experiences on QPM production, (c) Discuss ways to improve on the content, implementation strategy and delivery of the QPM technology and (d) Draw up a general work plan for 2010 on the QPM activities