Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 1

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Identify different types of agricultural machinery.
• Explain the advantages of using modern machinery.
• Analyse the profitability of selected irrigation machinery.
• Discuss the impact of machinery on crop production.

Lesson summary

In Ghana, our farming is heavily dependent on rainfall. We have major and minor rainy seasons, but we also have a long, harsh dry season (the Harmattan) where most farming activities stop. This makes it difficult for farmers to earn a consistent income and for us to have fresh food all year round. Irrigation is the technology that allows us to supply water to our crops artificially, breaking the dependence on rain. It is a form of agricultural machinery that can turn farming into a year-round, profitable business. This lesson will help us understand different irrigation methods and, most importantly, how to determine if investing in them is a wise financial decision for a farmer.

Lesson notes

2.1 What is Irrigation?

Irrigation is the artificial application of water to land or soil to assist in the growing of crops. It is used to supplement rainfall, especially during periods of drought or in arid and semi-arid regions. Think of it as giving your crops a drink of water when the sky doesn't provide any. An irrigation system is the machinery and equipment (pumps, pipes, sprinklers, etc.) used to achieve this. 2.2 Importance of Irrigation in Ghana Year-Round Production: Allows farmers to cultivate crops during the long dry season, leading to continuous food supply and income. Increased Crop Yield: Plants that receive adequate water consistently produce more and better-quality fruits, grains, or vegetables. Food Security: Ensures a stable supply of food for the nation, reducing our reliance on expensive imported food items, especially vegetables like tomatoes and onions. Economic Empowerment: Provides consistent employment and income for farmers, farmhands, and others in the agricultural value chain (e.g., sellers, transporters). Crop Diversification: Enables the cultivation of crops that require more water than is naturally available in certain regions. 2.3 Selected Forms of Irrigation Systems

We will focus on three main types: one traditional and two modern systems.

A. Surface (Flood) Irrigation This is a traditional method where water is allowed to flow over the soil surface and seep into the soil. Water is moved from a source (like a river or dugout) through channels and onto the field. How it works: Water is released at the high end of a field and flows down by gravity, covering the entire surface. Advantages: Very low initial cost (capital cost). Often only requires digging channels. Simple technology, easy to operate. Low energy requirement if gravity-fed. Disadvantages: Very inefficient; up to 50% of water is lost to evaporation and runoff. Can lead to waterlogging, which damages crop roots. Promotes weed growth across the entire field. Requires a lot of labour to manage water flow. Requires a very flat or graded piece of land.

Evaluation guide

• Analyse the profitability of selected forms of irrigation
• Talk-for-Learning: Listen to a talk by a resource person on modern and efficient ways of
• crop irrigation.
• Collaborative Learning: Learners in mixed -gender an d mixed -ability groups discuss and