Importance and Forms of Agriculture |JSS 1 Term: First Term Week: 3

Subject: Agricultural Science

Class: JSS 1

Term: First Term

Week: 3

Topic: Importance and Forms of Agriculture (Continued)

Content:

• Forms of Agricultural Activities in the Community:
  • (i) Growing of crops
  • (ii) Rearing of livestock
  • (iii) Rearing of fish
  • (iv) Processing and preservation of farm produce

Lesson Objectives:

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Identify common forms of agricultural activities in their communities.
2. Explain each form of agricultural activity with examples.
3. State the importance of each form of agricultural activity.
4. Appreciate the role of agriculture in community development.

Instructional Materials:

• Pictures or flashcards showing crop farms, livestock, fish ponds, and preserved farm produce
• Real-life samples of grains, fish, or processed farm products
• Videos or charts of agricultural activities

Lesson Introduction (Step 1):

Begin with questions:

• What are some things farmers do in your area?
• Do you know people who grow crops or rear animals around you?

Explanation:
In every community, people carry out different agricultural activities for food, income, and other purposes. These activities can be classified into crop growing, animal rearing, fish farming, and food preservation.

Step 2: Forms of Agricultural Activities in the Community

(i) Growing of Crops

This involves cultivating the soil to plant and harvest crops.

Examples:

• Planting of maize, yam, cassava, rice, okra, vegetables, etc.
• Done by preparing land, planting, weeding, and harvesting
• Provides food, employment, and raw materials for industries

(ii) Rearing of Livestock

This refers to the keeping and breeding of animals for various purposes.

Examples:

• Animals: goats, sheep, cows, pigs, chickens, etc.
• Products: meat, milk, eggs, hides, and skins
• Methods: free-range, intensive (confined), or semi-intensive

(iii) Rearing of Fish (Fish Farming)

This involves breeding fish in ponds or tanks for consumption or sale.

Common Fish:

• Catfish, tilapia, mudfish, etc.
• Fish farming is popular in areas with water availability
• Provides protein-rich food and employment

(iv) Processing and Preservation of Farm Produce

This is the method of treating or preparing farm produce to make it safe, last longer, or more useful.

Examples:

• Drying: maize, pepper, and melon
• Smoking: fish and meat
• Grinding: converting maize to flour
• Storing in silos, barns, or refrigerators

Importance:

• Prevents spoilage
• Adds value to products
• Makes food available off-season
• Encourages export

Student Activities:

• Students mention types of farming seen in their areas
• Group discussion: what happens to food after harvest?
• Identify whether their families practice any of the activities

Lesson Summary:

• Agricultural activities in communities include: growing crops, rearing animals, rearing fish, and processing/preserving produce
• Each activity plays an important role in food supply, employment, and income generation
• Agriculture is essential for the survival and development of every community

Evaluation/Assessment Questions:

1. List four major forms of agricultural activities in your community.
2. Give two examples of crops grown in your area.
3. What is livestock rearing? Mention two animals that are reared.
4. Mention two methods of preserving farm produce.
5. Explain why fish farming is important in agriculture.

Take-Home Assignment:

1. Interview a farmer or trader in your area and write five sentences about what they produce or sell.
2. List three farm produce that are preserved in your community and state how each is preserved.

Agricultural Science | J S S 1 | First Term | Week: 1 | Importance and Forms of Agriculture