Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 1

Lesson Video

This page supports the lesson note with a companion video and a short classroom-ready summary.

For class groups and homework, share this lesson page so learners also get the summary, objectives, and full lesson context.

Performance objectives

• Identify the three main stages of crop production: pre-planting, planting, and post-planting.
• Describe the common practices associated with each stage.
• Explain the significance of each stage in the crop production process.
• Analyze the impact of these practices on food security in Ghana.

Lesson summary

This lesson introduces the fundamental stages and practices involved in producing crops, from preparing the land to getting the final product to the consumer. Understanding this systematic process is crucial for anyone involved in agriculture, whether on a small family farm or a large commercial plantation. In Ghana, where agriculture is the backbone of our economy and provides livelihoods for millions, mastering these principles is key to improving food security, reducing post-harvest losses, and creating wealth. This lesson will break down the entire journey of a crop, such as maize or cassava, into logical steps that every successful farmer must follow.

Lesson notes

Introduction to Crop Production Crop production is the systematic process of growing crops for human consumption, animal feed, or industrial use. It is not just about putting a seed in the ground and waiting for it to grow. It involves a series of carefully planned activities or operations, which can be grouped into three main stages. The Three Main Stages of Crop Production Pre-planting Stage: All activities done to prepare the land *before* the seeds or planting materials are put in the soil. Planting Stage: The actual process of sowing seeds or planting seedlings/cuttings. Post-planting Stage: All activities carried out on the farm from the time the crops start to grow until they are harvested and sold.

Stage 1: Pre-Planting Operations

These are the foundational activities that determine the success of the entire farming venture. A poor foundation leads to a poor harvest. A. Site Selection: This is the first and most critical step. A farmer must choose a suitable piece of land based on: Crop Requirement: Different crops need different conditions. For example, cocoa needs deep, well-drained loamy soil and shade, while rice requires water-logged or clayey soil. Soil Fertility: The land should have rich topsoil with adequate nutrients. Topography: Flat or gently sloping land is preferred to prevent soil erosion. Steep slopes are difficult to work on and lose topsoil easily during rains. Water Availability: The site should have a reliable source of water, especially for irrigation during the dry season. Accessibility: The farm should be accessible by road for transporting inputs (like fertilizer) and outputs (harvested crops). B. Land Clearing: This involves removing vegetation from the selected site. Methods include: Slashing/Brushing: Using a cutlass to cut down weeds, shrubs, and small trees. Felling Trees: Using an axe or chainsaw to cut down large trees. Stumping: Removing tree stumps and roots from the ground. This is important for mechanised farming to allow tractors to move freely. Burning (Controlled): Burning the dried vegetation to clear the land quickly and release some nutrients (like potash) into the soil. Note: Uncontrolled burning is destructive; it kills beneficial soil organisms, destroys soil structure, and causes air pollution. C. Tillage Operations (Land Preparation): This is the physical manipulation of the soil to create a good seedbed for crops to grow. Primary Tillage: The initial, deep breaking of the soil. Ploughing: Done with a plough (pulled by a tractor or bullocks) or a hoe. It turns the soil over, buries weeds, and aerates the soil. Secondary Tillage: Operations that follow ploughing to refine the seedbed. Harrowing: Breaks down large soil clods left after ploughing, making the soil finer. Ridging/Mounding/Bed Making: Creating raised soil beds (ridges or mounds). This is very important for root and tuber crops like yam, cassava, and potatoes as it provides deep, loose soil for tuber expansion. It also helps with drainage and erosion control. D. Layout and Pegging: For certain crops (especially tree crops like cocoa or oil palm), this involves measuring and marking the exact spots where each plant will be placed to ensure proper spacing.

Stage 2: Planting Operations

Teacher activity

• Use the "Think-Pair-Share" and "Talk for Learning" strategies here as described in the NaCCA exemplar.
• Think: "Individually, take 2 minutes to write down all the activities a farmer does to grow yams, from an empty plot of land to selling the tubers at Agbogbloshie market."
• Pair: "Now, turn to your partner and compare your lists. Add any activities you missed."
• Share: "Let's hear from a few pairs. What activities did you list?" (Teacher writes them on the board).
• Talk for Learning: "In your groups of four, categorise all the activities on the board under these three headings: Pre-planting, Planting, and Post-planting. Be ready to explain your choices."

Evaluation guide

• Discuss the stages of crop production and its related practices.
• Think -Pair-Share: Learners individually list the stages of crop production.
• T eacher puts learners in pairs to share their results. Some learners should be
• assisted with leading questions th at will help them to list the stages of crop