Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term - Senior Secondary 1

TERM – 3^RD TERM

WEEK EIGHT

Class: Senior Secondary School 1

Age: 15 years

Duration: 40 minutes of 5 periods each

Date:

Subject: Geography

Topic: AGRICULTURE IN NIGERIA

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES: At the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to

1. Identify major cash and food crops in Nigeria and areas of production
2. Highlight the importance of agriculture to the economic development of Nigeria
3. Discuss the problems of agriculture in Nigeria and proffers solutions

INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIQUES: Identification, explanation, questions and answers,

demonstration, videos from source

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS: Videos, loud speaker, textbook, pictures

INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES

PERIOD 1-2

NOTE

AGRICULTURE IN NIGERIA

Agriculture is the practice of farming, including the cultivation of soil, producing crops, and raising livestock for food, fiber, and other products essential to human life. It plays a crucial role in providing sustenance and raw materials for various industries.

Major cash and food crops in Nigeria and areas of production

In Nigeria, major cash crops include oil palm, cocoa, rubber, and cotton. Key food crops are cassava, yams, maize, and rice. Oil palm is prominent in the southern regions in states of Edo, Delta, imo and Rivers in the South.

 Cocoa production is extensive in the southwest with places like, Ondo, Osun, and Ogun states. Rubber is cultivated extensively in states like Edo and Delta. Cassava and yam cultivation are widespread across the country, with major production areas including Benue, Niger, and Oyo states. Maize and rice cultivation extend across various regions, including states like Kebbi and Ebonyi for rice and Kaduna for maize while northern regions primarily focuses on crops like groundnuts and sorghum.

Importance of agriculture to the economic development of Nigeria

1. GDP Contribution: Agriculture is a major contributor to Nigeria's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), providing a substantial share of the country's economic output.
2. Employment Generation: The agricultural sector is a significant source of employment, engaging a large portion of the population. It helps reduce unemployment and underemployment, particularly in rural areas.
3. Food Security: Agriculture ensures a stable and sufficient food supply, contributing to national food security. A robust agricultural sector helps meet the nutritional needs of the population, reducing dependence on food imports.
4. Raw Materials for Industries: Agriculture provides raw materials for various industries, supporting the growth of the manufacturing sector. Industries such as textiles, food processing, and pharmaceuticals rely on agricultural products.
5. Foreign Exchange Earnings: Agricultural exports, including cash crops like cocoa and oil palm, generate foreign exchange for Nigeria. Diversifying exports beyond oil helps stabilize the economy and reduces vulnerability to oil price fluctuations.
6. Rural Development: The development of agriculture often leads to improved infrastructure and services in rural areas. This includes better roads, schools, and healthcare facilities, contributing to overall rural development.
7. Poverty Alleviation: By creating employment opportunities and supporting small-scale farmers, agriculture plays a crucial role in poverty reduction. It empowers individuals and communities, lifting them out of poverty.

Challenges of Agriculture in Nigeria

1. Low Productivity: Many farmers in Nigeria face challenges related to outdated farming techniques, limited access to modern technologies, and inadequate extension services, resulting in low productivity.
2. Infrastructure Deficiency: Poor rural infrastructure, including roads and storage facilities, hinders the efficient movement of agricultural goods, leading to post-harvest losses and reduced profitability.
3. Inadequate Access to Finance: Small-scale farmers often lack access to credit, hindering their ability to invest in modern equipment, quality seeds, and other inputs necessary for increased productivity.
4. Climate Change: Unpredictable weather patterns and climate change impact agriculture, leading to reduced crop yields and livestock productivity. Adaptation strategies and resilient farming practices are needed.
5. Land Tenure Issues: Land ownership disputes, unclear land titles, and inadequate land-use planning create challenges for farmers, impacting their ability to invest in and develop agricultural land.

Solutions to problems of Agriculture in Nigeria

1. Technology Adoption: Encourage the adoption of modern farming techniques and technologies. Providing training and access to information on improved practices can enhance productivity.
2. Infrastructure Development: Invest in rural infrastructure, including roads, irrigation systems, and storage facilities, to reduce post-harvest losses and facilitate the movement of agricultural products.
3. Access to Finance: Establish and promote financial programs that provide accessible credit to small-scale farmers. This can enable them to invest in better seeds, equipment, and other inputs.
4. Climate-smart Agriculture: Promote climate-smart agricultural practices, including drought-resistant crops and efficient water management techniques, to mitigate the impact of climate change on farming.
5. Land Reforms: Implement land reforms to address tenure issues, clarify land ownership, and facilitate responsible land-use planning, ensuring that farmers can invest in and develop their agricultural land confidently.

EVALUATION: 1. Define Agriculture.

2. List 5 major cash crops in Nigeria and indicate their location of production.
3. Mention 5 advantages of Agriculture to the economic development of Nigeria.
4. Highlight 3 problems of Agriculture in Nigeria and provide ways to mitigate these problems.

CLASSWORK: As in evaluation

CONCLUSION: The teacher commends the students positively