THIRD TERM E-LEARNING NOTE

SUBJECT: AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE CLASS: JSS3

SCHEME OF WORK
WEEK TOPIC
1. Historical development of Agriculture
2. Role of Science and Technology in Agriculture
3. Role of government agencies in Agriculture
4. Career opportunities in Agriculture
5-10 Revision of Jss1 and 2 scheme of work
11-13 Examination

WEEK 10 Date:…………………………….
TOPIC: HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF AGRICULTURE
CONTENT:
Development of Techniques through the Ages
Development of Agriculture in Nigeria
DEVELOPMENT OF TECHNIQUES THROUGH THE AGES
The early man gathered wild fruits, nuts, roots and leaves for food as well as trapping fishes and
wild animals. Caves, hollows and trees served as his shelter while his clothing were mainly
leaves and skins. With time, he developed skills and instruments for his hunting expedition. He
used pointed sticks, sharp bones or stones but later arrows, slings and guns were invented. The
forest land where he collected food was enough for him to feed. There was no shortage of food,
so he did not think of ways of producing food. However as people increased, food gathering was
no longer enough for them.
Development of Agriculture in Nigeria
The Agricultural methods of Egyptian farmers combined with the older traditional farming
practices of West Africa have produced the basis of Nigerian Agriculture today.
In he last 300 years, crops from other parts of the world have been brought of West-Africa by
traders. Bananas and plantains were originally from Asia while groundnuts and cocoa came from
America.
EVALUATION
1. What did the early man do to get food before the population of people increased?
2. How did cocoa and groundnut get to Nigeria?
READING ASSIGNMENT
Junior Secondary Agriculture for Nigerian Schools by A. Yondeowei Bk. 3, Chapt. 19, Pages
104-108
WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
1. The early man gathered the following for food except ………..

Crownturn3RD TERM/AGRIC/JSS3 1
 (a) fruits (b) trees (c) nuts (d) leaves
2. Which one of these tools did the early man use for his hunting expedition?
(a) Harvester (b) Bomb (c) Gun (d) Sticks
3. Banana and Plantain originated from ……………..
(a) U.S.A. (b) Ghana (c) Asia (d) India
4. Groundnut and cocoa were brought to Nigeria from ………….. by …………….
(a) U.S.A.; tourists (b) U.S.A.; traders (c) Asia; tourists (d) Asia; traders
5. The idea of modern day Agricultural practice came from ………………
(a) The idea of too many animals around (b) The idea of germinating seeds that were
dropped by man (c) The idea of rivers and streams (d) The idea of sun-shine

THEORY
1. Mention the kinds of food the early man fed on.
2. Mention the tools used by the early man for hunting expedition, his shelter and
clothing

Week 2 Date……….
Roles of Science And Technology in Agriculture

Science can be defined as knowledge obtain through the observation and testing of facts
which are arranged in an orderly manner. Technology is the application of specific
knowledge to production. Technology increase efficiency, thus providing high result
from minimum effort.
The role of science and technology can be considered under the following:
a. Farm power and machinery: Through the aid of science and technology there has
been invention of various kind of machinery like tractor, plough, harrow,
cultivator, harvester etc. farmers have been given loans by both federal and state
government to purhase agricultural machinery.
b. Production of chemicals, fertilizers: The development and production of
chemicals and organic fertilizers can be seen as a direct result of the effect of
science and technology. Different types of fertilizers and liming materials have
been developed.
c. Harvesting, processing and packaging: Science and technology has develop
machine that can harvest, process and pakage various crops.
d. Agricultural Research: Scientific research into agriculture has developed efficient
farming systems and crops which are yielding and resistance to some pests and
diseases.
e. Transportation and communication: Transportation which is vital to the growth of
agriculture has been greatly improved through science and technology. The
contraction of communication network such as roads, railways and canals helps to
link the village to another and helps the farmers to transport farm products to the
cities.
f. Pests and Disease Control: Damage caused by pest and diseases to crops and
animals has been a big problems to farmers.
g. Storage facilities: As a result of scientific inventions, farmers can now store their
agricultural products for a long time.

Crownturn3RD TERM/AGRIC/JSS3 2
Factors Affecting The Introduction of Science And Technology.
Several factors affect the introduction and adoption of science and technology in
agriculture. They include
1. Availability of funds.
2. Availability of lands
3. Willingness of the farmer to adopt science and technology.
4. Education and research.
5. Availability of marketing facilities.
Evaluation
1. List 5 areas of improvement in Agriculture through Science and technology.
2. List 3 factors affecting the introduction of science and technology.

Reading Assignment
Prescribed Agricultural Science for junior Secondary Schools By S.A Omoruyi, U.X
Orhue, A. A Akerobo, C.I Aghimien pgs 299- 301.

Weekend Assignment
1. Science is define as ------------
2. Technology is the application of ------------ a. science and technology b. scientific
knowledge c. biological knowledge d. importants things.
3. Which of these is not a role of science and technology in agriculture? A. farm
power and machinery b. production of chickens c. transportation and
communication d. pests and disease control
4. Which of these is not a factor affecting the introduction of science and
technology? A. availability of funds b. availability of marketing facilities c. pests
and disease control d. availability of sunlight.
5. The role of science and technology has been felt in a. atmospheric condition b.
transportation. c. pressure d. rocks.

Theory
1. Define science and technology.
2. List 5 roles of science and technology in agriculture.

WEEK 3 Date…………
ROLES OF GOVERNMENT AGENCIES IN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION.

The government plays an important role in the development of agriculture in Nigeria.

Agricultural programmes were establish with the aim of boosting greater production of crops and
livestock. such programmes include:
1. Agricultural loan schemes
2. River basin development authority(RBDA)
3. Green revolution
4. Operation feed the nation (OFN)
5. Agricultural development project (ADP)

Crownturn3RD TERM/AGRIC/JSS3 3
 6. Farm Settlement Scheme
7. Directorate of Food, Road and Rural Infrastructure (DFRRI)
8. National Agricultural Insurance Scheme
9. Agro-service Centers.

Aims/ Objective of These Agencies

A. Agricultural loan Schemes
1. To provide fund for financing agricultural project.
2. To provide soft loans for farmers.
B. River Basin Development Authority.
1. To provide irrigation facilities.
2. To provide potable water for rural people
C. Green Revolution
1. It was set up between 1979 and 1983
2. To encourage large scale farming
3. To produce abundant food for local consumption and export.
D. Operation Feed The Nation
1. It was set up by General Olusegun Obasanjo military regime in 1976 and 1979.
2. To increase food production.
3. To popularize agriculture and provide food for all Nigerians
E. Agricultural Development Project.
1. To boost agricultural production through the construction of farm service centers.
2. To increase the level of extension contact with farmers.
F. Farm Settlement Scheme.
1. To make farming attractive to youths and reduce unemployment
2. To teach settlers better farming system to produce larger farm produce.
G. DFRRI
1. Establish in 1986 by the federal government.
2. To provide rural infrastructure such as good road, electricity etc.

Evaluation:
1. ADP means----------
2. Give 2 aims of Green Revolution.

Weekend Assignment
1. ADP means---- a) Agricultural Development Programme b) Agricultural Development
Project c) Agency Development Project.
2. Operation Feed The Nation was set up by---- a) General Olusegun Obasanjo b) Ahmadu
Bello c) President Musa Yaradua d) Alvan Ikoku.
3. The programme DFRRI was set up to------ a) provide rural infrastructure b) popularize
agriculture c) produce cash crops d) provide soft loans for farmers.
Theory
1. List 6 agricultural programmes introduce by the Nigerian government.
2. List 5 roles of government agency in agricultural production.

WEEK 4 Date……………
CARREER OPPORTUNITIES IN AGRICULTURE
The following are the various branches of agriculture
1. Agricultural extension
2. Agricultural engineering

Crownturn3RD TERM/AGRIC/JSS3 4
 3. Agricultural economics
4. Animal science
5. Crop science
6. Soil science
7. Forestry
8. Horticulture
9. Fisheries
10. Veterinary medicine

1. Agricultural extension-This is mainly concerned with teaching and helping farmers

especially small scale farmers in rural areas, to improve their agricultural systems and
practices. This would enable them produce more and better crops. It involves teaching of
modern method of farming.
2. Agricultural engineering- This deals with the fabrication and repairs of agricultural tools,
implement and machinery. Such as plough, cultivator, planter etc. A scientist who
specializes in agricultural tools and machines is called an Agricultural Engineer.
3. Agricultural economics- This deals with the business aspect if agriculture. It teaches the
farmer how to run his farming as a profitable business. It encompasses production,
marketing and sales of agricultural produce.
4. Animal science- This is the scientific study of farm animals. Farm animals such as goat,
turkey, cattle etc. the person who studies farm animals is called an Animal scientist.
5. Crop science- This is the scientific study of how crops are grown
6. Soil science- This is the study of soil, which covers the formation and properties of soil
and how soil can be maintained.
7. Forestry- This branch of agriculture deals with the study of forest and its resources. A
Forester is one who studies the forest and its resources.
8. Horticulture- This is the aspect that deals with the scientific growing of fruits, vegetables
and ornamental plants.
9. Veterinary medicine- This is a special branch of agriculture which is concerned with the
study of the diseases and pest of livestock. A scientist who is an expert in treating sick
animals is called a Veterinarian.
Evaluation
1. Explain the following: a) Agricultural extension b) Forestry
2. Define the following terms: a) Animal science b) Crop science c) Horticulture.

Weekend Assignment
1. ----------- is the study if how crops are grown a) soil science b) crop science c) animal
science
2. A scientist who specializes in agricultural tools and machines is called an a) Agricultural
Repairer b) Agricultural engineer c) mechanic.
3. -------- is the study of farm animals a) animal scientist b) anemology c) crop scientist
4. ---------- deals with the study of forest and its resources a) forester b) forestry c)
forestology.
Theory
1. Explain the following: a) Agricultural economics b) Horticulturist c) Forester.
2. Define the following: a) Crop science b) Animal science

Crownturn3RD TERM/AGRIC/JSS3 5