Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 2

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Describe different harvest, post-harvest, and storage tools.
• Explain the specific uses of these tools and machinery.
• Identify challenges faced by women and people with disabilities in using these tools.
• Discuss the importance of mechanisation in Ghanaian agriculture.

Lesson summary

This lesson explores the essential tools, implements, and machinery used to gather crops from the farm (harvesting), prepare them for storage or sale (post-harvest), and keep them in good condition (storage). In Ghana, where agriculture is the backbone of our economy, post-harvest losses can be as high as 30-40% for some crops like tomatoes and plantain. Understanding and using the right equipment can significantly reduce these losses, improve food security, increase farmers' incomes, and make agricultural work less difficult. This lesson will move from simple, traditional tools to modern, mechanised equipment, highlighting their functions and importance.

Lesson notes

A. Defining Key Terms

Before we look at the equipment, let's understand the stages: Harvesting: This is the process of gathering a ripe crop from the fields. The timing and method are crucial to the quality of the final product. Post-Harvest Handling: These are the activities carried out immediately after harvesting to prepare the crop for the market or long-term storage. This includes activities like threshing, shelling, cleaning, sorting, grading, and drying. Storage: This is the process of keeping agricultural produce in a safe environment to protect it from spoilage, pests, and diseases until it is needed for consumption or sale. B. Categories of Equipment

We can group the equipment into three main categories based on their complexity and power source: Tools: Simple, hand-held devices that rely on human power. Example: Cutlass. Implements: Devices that are attached to and pulled by draught animals (like bullocks) or a tractor. They do not have their own engine. Example: A tractor-drawn plough or groundnut lifter. Machinery: Complex equipment with its own engine or power source. Example: A combine harvester or a maize sheller. C. Equipment for Harvesting

These are used to get the crops from the plant or out of the ground.

Evaluation guide

• Describe the uses of harvest and post -harvest tools, implements and
• machinery in Agri cultural production
• Experiential learning: Learners in mixed -ability groups embark on a visit
• to a nearby agro processing factory/watch a video on the uses of harvest,