Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 1
CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION
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CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION
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Subject: Agricultural Science
Class: SHS 1
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 2
Grade code: 1.4.1.LI.2
Strand code: 4
Sub-strand code: 2
Content standard code: 1.4.1.CS.1
Indicator code: 1.4.1.LI.2
Theme: AGRICULTURE AND CLIMATE
Subtheme: CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION
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.
This lesson explores the direct and damaging effects of climate change on Ghanaian agriculture. For generations, our farmers have relied on predictable weather patterns to feed our nation. However, climate change is disrupting these patterns, leading to severe challenges like unpredictable rainfall, prolonged dry seasons (drought), and new, aggressive pests and diseases (pestilence). These problems combine to threaten our food security and the livelihoods of millions by causing our crop yields to fall. Understanding these challenges is the first step towards finding sustainable solutions for the future of farming in Ghana.
This section provides the core content to guide the class discussion after learners have done their initial research and group work, as suggested by the NaCCA exemplar. Introduction: What is Climate Change in our Context? Climate change is not just about the earth getting a little warmer. It refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. For Ghana, this means: Higher Average Temperatures: Days are getting hotter, increasing water evaporation from the soil and plants. Erratic Rainfall: The start of the rainy season is becoming unpredictable. Sometimes the rains come too late, sometimes too early, and sometimes they fall in very heavy, short bursts that cause erosion instead of soaking into the soil. Longer, More Intense Dry Seasons: The Harmattan season may last longer or be more severe, especially in the Savannah zones.
These changes create a stressful environment for our crops and livestock. Let's discuss the three key problems mentioned in our indicator. A. Increasing Drought
Definition: Drought is a prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall, leading to a shortage of water. In agriculture, we specifically talk about agricultural drought, which is when there isn't enough moisture in the soil to meet the needs of a particular crop at a particular time.
How Climate Change Causes It: Reduced and Unreliable Rainfall: The most obvious cause. When the rains fail or are significantly delayed, crops that were planted in anticipation of rain will wither and die. For example, a maize farmer in the Transition Zone (e.g., Ejura) who plants in March expecting April rains will suffer huge losses if the rains don't start until late May. Increased Evapotranspiration: This is a key scientific term. Evaporation: Higher temperatures cause water to evaporate from the soil surface much faster. Transpiration: Plants release water vapour through their leaves (a process called transpiration). When it's very hot, they transpire more to cool down, just like humans sweat. Combined Effect (Evapotranspiration): The total loss of water from the soil and the plant is higher, meaning the soil dries out extremely quickly, even after a little rain.