Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 3
ECONOMIC PRODUCTION OF PIGS AND FISH
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ECONOMIC PRODUCTION OF PIGS AND FISH
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Subject: Agricultural Science
Class: SHS 3
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 10
Grade code: 3.2.2.LI.2
Strand code: 2
Sub-strand code: 2
Content standard code: 3.2.2.CS.1
Indicator code: 3.2.2.LI.2
Theme: FARMING FOR JOBS AND INCOMES
Subtheme: ECONOMIC PRODUCTION OF PIGS AND FISH
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Welcome, future agripreneurs! Today, we are moving beyond theory to the practical and profitable world of animal farming. We will focus on two very popular and economically viable enterprises in Ghana: pig farming (piggery) and fish farming (aquaculture). These businesses are crucial for providing protein for our communities and creating jobs and income for many families. This lesson is designed as a practical guide to help you plan, set up, and manage a small-scale pig or fish farm, turning your agricultural knowledge into a real business. We will learn how to make smart decisions from site selection to selling your produce, ensuring your farm is both productive and profitable.
This lesson follows a project-based approach. We will learn by simulating the process of setting up and running a farm. We will cover both pigs and fish, often side-by-side, so you can see the similarities and differences. Part 1: Planning and Organisation ("Organise")
This is the most critical stage. A good plan is the foundation of a successful farm.
A. Site Selection For Pigs (Piggery): Location: Choose a site away from residential areas due to the odour. Check local assembly (district/municipal) bye-laws. Topography: Select well-drained, gently sloping land to prevent waterlogging and allow for easy cleaning and drainage of waste. Water Source: A reliable and clean water source (borehole, pipe-borne water) is essential for drinking and cleaning. Pigs consume a lot of water. Accessibility: The site should be accessible by road for easy transport of feed, piglets, and market-ready pigs. Security: The area should be secure to prevent theft. For Fish (Fishpond): Water Source: This is the number one factor. The site must have a constant, year-round supply of high-quality water (stream, borehole, spring). Topography: Gently sloping land is ideal. It allows for easy filling and draining of the pond by gravity. Avoid very steep or flat areas. Soil Type: The soil must have a good amount of clay to hold water. To test, take a handful of moist soil and squeeze it. If it forms a stable ball or ribbon, it has good clay content. Sandy or gravelly soils are unsuitable as they allow water to seep away. Accessibility: Similar to a piggery, it needs to be accessible for transporting fingerlings, feed, and harvested fish.
B. Housing (Pigs) and Pond Construction (Fish) Pigsty (Pig House): System: We are focusing on a semi-intensive system. This means pigs are confined in a house (sty) but may have a small outdoor run. Flooring: Must be concrete, strong, and sloped towards a drainage channel for easy cleaning. A rough finish prevents slipping. Walls: About 1.2 - 1.5 metres high, made of concrete blocks. The upper part can be open or have wire mesh for ventilation. Roofing: Corrugated iron sheets or aluminium sheets are common. It must provide shade and protection from rain. Pens: The sty should be divided into different pens: one for the boar (male), one for sows (females) and their young (farrowing pen), and one for weaners/growers. Equipment: You will need feeders (troughs) and waterers (drinkers). These should be heavy and designed to prevent wastage. Dug-out Fishpond: Type: An earthen pond is the most common and cost-effective for beginners in Ghana. Construction Steps: Site Clearing: Remove all trees, stumps, and vegetation. Pegging/Marking: Mark out the dimensions of the pond. Topsoil Removal: Scrape off the top 15-20 cm of soil (rich in organic matter) and save it. Excavation & Dike Construction: Dig out the pond to the desired depth (e.g., 1.5m at the deep end, 1.0m at the shallow end). Use the excavated soil to build the walls (dikes) around the pond. Compact the dikes firmly. Inlet/Outlet: Construct pipes or channels to let water in (inlet, at the shallow end) and out (outlet, at the deep end). The outlet pipe should be screened to prevent fish from escaping. Pond Preparation: Spread the saved topsoil on the pond bottom. Lime the pond (using agricultural lime) to stabilize pH and kill pathogens. Fill with water and add organic fertilizer (like chicken manure) to encourage the growth of plankton (natural fish food).