Introduction to Agriculture & Food Security

Agriculture is the science and practice of growing plants and raising animals for food, fiber, and other products. It touches what we eat, the jobs people do, and how communities thrive. This course builds practical skills for soil care, gardening, animal care, and simple agribusiness.

Learning Outcomes

• Explain what agriculture is and why it matters for families, communities, and the nation.
• Identify soil types and perform simple, safe soil and water activities.
• Plan and manage a small garden using climate-smart practices.
• Describe basic animal care for common farm animals.
• Track simple farm costs and understand how products reach consumers.

1) Introduction to Agriculture & Food Security

What is agriculture? Growing crops and raising animals for food and other needs.

Why it matters:

• Families: Safe, nutritious food; lower food costs; skills for home gardens.
• Communities: Jobs on farms, in transport, storage, markets, and processing.
• Nation: Stronger economy, trade, and food security during shocks.

Basic types of farming:

• Crop farming: Grains, vegetables, fruits, roots, and herbs.
• Livestock farming: Poultry, goats, sheep, cattle, rabbits, fish.
• Mixed farming: Crops and animals together to share resources (e.g., manure for soil).

Links to health, jobs, and the economy: Diverse diets improve health; farms create employment; agribusiness adds value and income.

Activity: List five foods you ate this week and trace each back to a farm.

2) Soil, Water & the Environment

Soil types: Sand (gritty, drains fast), silt (smooth), clay (sticky, holds water), loam (balanced and ideal for gardens).

Soil properties: Texture, drainage, fertility, organic matter, pH.

Simple soil tests:

• Jar test: Shake soil with water in a clear jar; watch layers settle (sand, silt, clay).
• Ribbon test: Moisten soil and press between fingers; longer ribbons = more clay.
• Drainage test: Fill a small hole with water and time how fast it drains.
• pH indicator: Use safe red cabbage water to see color change (acid to alkaline).

Water & climate-smart practices: Mulch, water early, collect rainwater, use drip or watering cans, compost, intercropping, plant drought-tolerant varieties, and protect trees.

3) Crops & School Gardens

Common crops and needs:

• Leafy greens: Quick growing; steady water; partial sun in hot areas.
• Roots/tubers: Loose soil; regular weeding.
• Cereals: Full sun; space for airflow.
• Legumes: Fix nitrogen; support for climbers.
• Fruits: Good drainage; pruning for shape and health.

Garden skills: Plan beds, prepare soil with compost, plant at correct depth/spacing, weed regularly, mulch to save water, and use safe pest control (hand-picking, nets, traps, soap sprays, companion plants).

Getting started:

• Choose a sunny, safe site near water.
• Make a simple calendar for planting, watering, and harvesting.
• Keep records: seed type, dates, costs, harvest amounts.

Mini-task: Design a 3-bed garden (leafy greens, legumes, roots) with a weekly care plan.

4) Farm Animals & Animal Care

Common animals: Poultry, goats, sheep, cattle, rabbits.

Basics:

• Feeding: Balanced diet and clean water always.
• Housing: Dry, ventilated, shaded, predator-safe, and clean.
• Health: Observe daily, keep pens clean, isolate sick animals, follow local vaccine and deworming advice.

Why livestock matter: Regular income (eggs, milk), nutritious food, manure for compost, and savings in times of need.

5) From Farm to Market (Agribusiness Basics)

Value chain: Inputs → production → harvesting → handling and storage → transport → processing → retail → consumer.

Quality matters: Clean produce, correct grading, safe packaging, and timely delivery build trust and better prices.

Simple record-keeping:

• Log book: Date, item, quantity, cost, price, buyer.
• Costing: Total costs ÷ units = cost per unit; set price above cost for profit.

Entrepreneurship ideas: Seedlings for sale, dried herbs, simple jams, pickles, fruit chips, compost, or egg bundles. Start small, test demand, brand clearly, and be reliable.

Project: Plan a garden stall for harvest day—list products, prices, and roles for team members.