Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 1

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Explain the importance of post-harvest practices.
• Describe post-harvest practices for different crops.
• Demonstrate how to market and account for crop sales.
• Assess the economic viability of crops.
• Collaborate in harvesting and marketing activities.

Lesson summary

In Ghana, many of our families are involved in farming. We see our parents and relatives work very hard on the farm from planting to weeding. However, the real success in farming is not just about growing a good crop; it is about what you do *after* the harvest. A farmer can have a big harvest of maize but lose half of it to weevils or sell it at a very low price. This lesson is about turning a harvest into profit. We will learn the important steps to take after harvesting to reduce losses, maintain quality, and sell our produce intelligently to make money. This knowledge transforms farming from just a way of life into a successful business.

Lesson notes

This lesson is divided into two main parts: what we do immediately after harvesting (Post-Harvest Practices) and how we sell what we have harvested (Marketing). Part A: Post-Harvest Practices

Post-harvest practices are all the activities carried out on a crop from the time of harvesting until it reaches the final consumer. The main goal is to reduce losses, maintain the quality of the produce, and prepare it for storage or marketing.

Losses after harvest can be as high as 30-40% in Ghana if not handled well. This is like growing 10 bags of maize and throwing 3 or 4 bags away!

Let's look at the specific practices for common Ghanaian crops:

Evaluation guide

• Carry out required post -harvest practices and market crops produced .
• Project -Based Learning: Learners in mixed -ability and mixed -gender groups are assigned t o
• the arable crop (cereals, legumes, and tuber crops). Learners form sub -mixed groups to
• harvest and market the produce. Appropriate post -harvest practices are carried out where