Crop Production

Agricultural Land - Legal ways of accessing land

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Explain legal ways of accessing land for agricultural use
- Identify different methods of land acquisition
- Appreciate the importance of legal land ownership

- Discuss with resource person legal ways of accessing land (leasing, inheritance/succession, settlement programmes)
- Brainstorm on various land acquisition methods
- Present findings on legal procedures

How can farmers legally access land for agricultural production?

- Resource person
- Manila papers
- Marker pens
- Video clips on land ownership

- Oral assessment - Written assignment - Group presentations

Crop Production

Agricultural Land - Government land allocation and purchase
Agricultural Land - Forms and utilities of land
Agricultural Land - Assessing land for agricultural production
Agricultural Land - Climate and altitude factors
Agricultural Land - Soil factors and topography

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Describe government settlement programmes and land adjudication
- Explain land purchase and donation procedures
- Show interest in understanding land acquisition processes
- Evaluate land suitability for different crops
- Determine appropriate agricultural activities for specific land types
- Appreciate diversity in land use

- Discuss allocation by government and land adjudication
- Examine land purchase (transfer) and donation processes
- Use digital devices to research land acquisition
- Analyze land characteristics observed during excursion
- Present findings on land utility assessment
- Discuss land suitability for various enterprises

What role does government play in land distribution for agriculture?
How do we determine the best agricultural use for a piece of land?

- Digital devices
- Internet access
- Land documents samples
- Resource person
- Local environment
- Cameras
- Notebooks
- Observation sheets
- Assessment tools
- Manila papers
- Photographs from excursion
- Projector
- Digital devices
- Internet access
- Climate maps
- Charts on climatic zones
- Soil samples
- Topographic maps
- Digital resources
- Reference materials

- Observation - Written test - Class discussions
- Written reports - Group presentations - Peer assessment

Crop Production

Agricultural Land - Biotic factors
Agricultural Land - Importance of tenure security
Properties of Soil - Mineral particles and organic matter

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Identify biotic factors affecting land productivity
- Analyze the impact of living organisms on agriculture
- Develop awareness of ecological relationships

- Discuss biotic factors (pests, diseases, beneficial organisms)
- Use digital resources to research ecological interactions
- Make presentations on biotic influences

How do living organisms affect agricultural land productivity?

- Video clips
- Pictures of organisms
- Internet access
- Reference books
- Sample title deeds
- Manila papers
- Marker pens
- Resource person
- Soil samples
- Containers
- Water
- Sieves
- Hand lens

- Oral presentations - Written reports - Group discussions

Crop Production

Properties of Soil - Water and air in soil

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Explain the role of water in soil
- Describe the importance of air in soil
- Appreciate the importance of soil components

- Carry out experiments to demonstrate water and air in soil
- Discuss importance of each component
- Record observations and findings

Why are water and air important components of agricultural soil?

- Soil testing equipment
- Beakers
- Water
- Test tubes
- Observation sheets

- Lab reports - Practical observation - Written test

Crop Production

Properties of Soil - Soil texture

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Define soil texture
- Determine soil texture by feel method
- Develop interest in soil analysis

- Discuss soil texture (sand, silt, clay proportions)
- Practice feel method for texture determination
- Classify soil samples by texture

How can we investigate various properties of soil?

- Varied soil samples
- Water
- Containers
- Soil texture chart
- Gloves

- Practical assessment - Observation - Oral questions

Crop Production

Properties of Soil - Soil structure and porosity
Properties of Soil - Permeability
Properties of Soil - Soil pH

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Explain soil structure and its types
- Describe soil porosity
- Appreciate the importance of soil structure
- Explain the concept of soil pH
- Test soil pH using indicators
- Appreciate the importance of soil pH

- Examine different soil structures
- Discuss factors affecting structure
- Investigate porosity in various soils
- Discuss soil pH and its importance
- Carry out soil pH testing experiments
- Record and interpret pH results

What is the relationship between soil structure and crop growth?
Why is soil pH important in crop production?

- Soil samples
- Photographs
- Charts
- Digital resources
- Funnels
- Filter paper
- Water
- Stop watch
- Measuring cylinders
- Soil testing kits
- pH indicators
- pH meters
- Soil samples
- Safety equipment

- Written test - Practical observation - Class presentations
- Practical assessment - Lab reports - Oral assessment

Crop Production

Properties of Soil - Biological properties

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Identify living organisms in soil
- Explain the role of soil organisms
- Develop appreciation for soil biodiversity

- Discuss biological properties of soil
- Examine soil samples for organisms
- Present findings on soil organisms' roles

How do living organisms contribute to soil fertility?

- Soil samples
- Hand lens
- Microscope
- Petri dishes
- Charts

- Observation - Practical reports - Class presentations

Crop Production

Properties of Soil - Horizons in soil profile

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Define soil profile
- Identify soil horizons
- Show interest in soil formation

- Take field excursion to observe soil profile
- Identify and describe different horizons
- Sketch and label soil profile

What is the importance of studying soil profiles?

- Field sites (roadsides, excavations)
- Cameras
- Notebooks
- Sketch books
- Measuring tape

- Field reports - Sketches - Observation - Oral presentations

Crop Production

Properties of Soil - Importance of soil profile
Properties of Soil - Testing soil texture

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Explain the importance of soil profile in crop production
- Relate soil horizons to agricultural practices
- Appreciate soil profile knowledge

- Discuss importance of soil profile observations
- Analyze data from field excursion
- Present findings on profile importance

How does soil profile information help farmers?

- Field data
- Photographs
- Manila papers
- Digital resources
- Varied soil samples
- Water
- Containers
- Testing sheets
- Towels

- Written reports - Group presentations - Oral assessment

Crop Production

Properties of Soil - Water holding capacity
Properties of Soil - Soil capillarity

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Test water holding capacity of different soils
- Compare water retention in various soil types
- Appreciate the importance of water holding capacity
- Explain soil capillarity
- Conduct capillarity experiments
- Show interest in soil water movement

- Carry out water holding capacity experiments
- Record observations and measurements
- Analyze results and make conclusions
- Discuss soil capillarity concept
- Carry out capillarity experiments using tubes
- Compare capillarity in different soil types

Why is water holding capacity important for crop production?
How does capillarity help plants access water?

- Soil samples
- Funnels
- Filter paper
- Measuring cylinders
- Water
- Balance
- Glass tubes
- Soil samples
- Water
- Dye/coloring
- Stands
- Rulers

- Practical observation - Lab reports - Written test
- Practical assessment - Observation - Written reports

Crop Production

Land Preparation - Land clearing
Land Preparation - Primary cultivation

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Describe land clearing activities
- Identify tools used for land clearing
- Appreciate the importance of proper land clearing

- Discuss land clearing methods (slashing, uprooting, burning)
- Observe demonstration of land clearing
- Identify appropriate tools for clearing

How does proper land preparation contribute to crop production?

- School farm
- Slasher
- Panga
- Video clips
- Safety equipment
- Jembe
- Fork jembe
- Tractor (if available)
- Charts

- Oral assessment - Observation - Written notes

Crop Production

Land Preparation - Practical primary cultivation

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Carry out primary cultivation
- Use tools safely and effectively
- Develop confidence in practical skills

- Practice primary cultivation on designated plot
- Work in groups to complete tasks
- Observe safety precautions

How do we safely carry out primary cultivation?

- School farm
- Jembe
- Fork jembe
- Gloves
- First aid kit

- Practical assessment - Safety observation - Peer assessment

Crop Production

Land Preparation - Secondary cultivation

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Describe secondary cultivation methods
- Explain the purpose of harrowing
- Appreciate the importance of seedbed preparation

- Discuss secondary cultivation (harrowing, breaking clods)
- Observe demonstration of secondary cultivation
- Identify tools used

Why is secondary cultivation necessary after ploughing?

- School farm
- Rake
- Hand hoe
- Fork jembe
- Video clips

- Oral assessment - Written test - Observation

Crop Production

Land Preparation - Practical secondary cultivation
Land Preparation - Tertiary operations
Land Preparation - Practical tertiary operations

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Carry out secondary cultivation
- Break clods and level land
- Show commitment to quality work
- Complete tertiary operations on prepared land
- Apply appropriate spacing
- Develop practical skills

- Practice harrowing and breaking clods
- Level the seedbed
- Work collaboratively in groups
- Mark out planting stations
- Make holes at correct spacing
- Apply farmyard manure if needed

How do we prepare a proper seedbed?
How do we ensure proper spacing during tertiary operations?

- School farm
- Rake
- Hand hoe
- Leveling boards
- Measuring tools
- Hoe
- String
- Pegs
- Measuring tape
- School farm
- Garden trowel
- String
- Pegs
- Manure
- Containers

- Practical observation - Performance evaluation - Group assessment
- Practical observation - Performance assessment - Quality of work

Crop Production

Land Preparation - Zero tillage

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Explain zero tillage concept
- Describe advantages of zero tillage
- Appreciate conservation farming methods

- Discuss zero tillage principles
- Use digital resources to research zero tillage
- Compare with conventional tillage

How does zero tillage conserve the environment?

- Digital devices
- Internet access
- Video clips
- Pictures
- Reference materials

- Written assignment - Oral presentations - Class discussions

Crop Production

Land Preparation - Minimum tillage
Land Preparation - Comparing tillage methods

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Describe minimum tillage practices
- Justify adoption of conservation tillage
- Show interest in sustainable farming

- Discuss minimum tillage methods
- Analyze benefits and challenges
- Present findings on conservation tillage adoption

Why should farmers adopt conservation tillage practices?

- Charts
- Digital resources
- Case studies
- Manila papers
- Marker pens
- Comparative charts
- Pictures
- Video clips
- Reference materials
- Projector

- Group presentations - Written reports - Oral assessment

Crop Production

Field Management Practices - Pruning capsicum

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Explain the concept of pruning
- Demonstrate pruning of capsicum
- Appreciate the importance of pruning

- Search for information on vegetable pruning
- Observe demonstration of capsicum pruning
- Discuss reasons for pruning vegetables

How do field management practices influence crop production?

- Digital devices
- Capsicum plants
- Pruning tools
- Video clips
- Safety gloves

- Observation - Written notes - Oral questions

Crop Production

Field Management Practices - Pruning tomatoes
Field Management Practices - Practical vegetable pruning

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Identify parts to prune on tomatoes
- Carry out tomato pruning
- Show interest in crop management
- Prune vegetable crops correctly
- Use pruning tools safely
- Develop confidence in pruning skills

- Study tomato plant structure
- Practice pruning suckers and lower leaves
- Observe proper timing for pruning
- Carry out pruning on available vegetable crops
- Dispose of pruned materials properly
- Apply safety precautions

Why is pruning important for tomato production?
How do we ensure quality when pruning vegetables?

- Tomato plants
- Secateurs
- Pruning knife
- Disinfectant
- School garden
- Vegetable crops
- Pruning tools
- Safety equipment
- Disposal bags
- First aid kit

- Practical assessment - Performance evaluation - Observation
- Practical observation - Safety assessment - Quality of work

Crop Production

Field Management Practices - Pruning bananas
Field Management Practices - Pruning coffee and tea

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Describe pruning of banana plants
- Explain desuckering process
- Appreciate perennial crop management

- Study banana pruning through field trip
- Discuss desuckering and leaf pruning
- Observe demonstration of banana pruning

What parts of banana plants need pruning?

- Field trip site
- Banana plants
- Panga
- Video clips
- Reference materials
- Digital resources
- Pictures
- Charts
- Reference books

- Field reports - Observation - Oral assessment

Crop Production

Field Management Practices - Pruning pyrethrum

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Describe pyrethrum pruning practices
- Explain timing for pyrethrum pruning
- Appreciate importance of proper pruning

- Discuss pyrethrum pruning methods
- Analyze effects of pruning on yield
- Make presentations on perennial crop pruning

Why is timing important in perennial crop pruning?

- Reference materials
- Pictures
- Manila papers
- Marker pens
- Digital devices

- Class presentations - Written reports - Oral assessment

Crop Production

Field Management Practices - Methods of top-dressing
Field Management Practices - Factors in top-dressing
Growing Selected Crop - Site selection for nursery

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Identify methods of top-dressing
- Explain broadcasting method
- Show interest in fertilizer application
- Explain factors considered in top-dressing
- Determine correct fertilizer amounts
- Appreciate proper fertilizer management

- Explore methods of top-dressing (broadcasting, side dressing, foliar)
- Observe demonstrations of each method
- Discuss advantages of each method
- Discuss factors (timing, type, form, method, amount, crop stage)
- Calculate fertilizer requirements
- Analyze effects of improper application

What are the different methods of applying top-dressing fertilizers?
How do we determine the right amount of fertilizer to apply?

- Fertilizer samples
- Containers
- Charts
- Video clips
- Safety equipment
- Fertilizer samples
- Calculator
- Charts
- Reference materials
- Knapsack sprayer
- School farm
- Survey tools
- Measuring tape
- Notebooks
- Site assessment forms

- Oral assessment - Written notes - Observation
- Written test - Calculations - Oral questions

Crop Production

Growing Selected Crop - Preparing nursery site

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Prepare nursery site appropriately
- Clear and level the nursery area
- Develop practical skills in site preparation

- Clear selected nursery site
- Level the ground
- Mark out nursery bed dimensions

What makes a good nursery site?

- School farm
- Slasher
- Panga
- Rake
- Pegs
- String
- Measuring tape

- Practical observation - Performance assessment - Quality of work

Crop Production

Growing Selected Crop - Making nursery bed

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Construct a nursery bed
- Mix appropriate nursery media
- Appreciate quality nursery preparation

- Mix nursery media (soil, manure, sand)
- Fill nursery bed or containers
- Level and firm the bed

How do we prepare the right nursery media?

- Soil
- Farmyard manure
- Sand
- Containers
- Garden trowel
- Wheelbarrow

- Practical assessment - Observation - Media quality check

Crop Production

Growing Selected Crop - Sowing seeds in nursery
Growing Selected Crop - Watering nursery

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Sow seeds at correct depth and spacing
- Cover and water seeds appropriately
- Show commitment to proper establishment

- Make drills or holes for sowing
- Sow selected seeds
- Cover and water seeds gently

What is the correct depth for sowing different seeds?

- Seeds
- Garden trowel
- Watering can
- Labels
- Marker pens
- Watering cans
- Rose heads
- Water source
- Nursery beds
- Moisture meter

- Practical observation - Performance evaluation - Record keeping

Crop Production

Growing Selected Crop - Weeding and mulching nursery
Growing Selected Crop - Pest and disease control in nursery

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Weed nursery beds carefully
- Apply mulch appropriately
- Show care in handling seedlings
- Identify common nursery pests and diseases
- Apply control measures
- Develop vigilance in crop protection

- Identify and remove weeds from nursery
- Apply light mulch around seedlings
- Monitor weed growth
- Scout for pests and diseases in nursery
- Apply appropriate control measures
- Keep records of pest occurrences

Why must weeding be done carefully in the nursery?
What are common problems affecting seedlings in the nursery?

- Hand weeding tools
- Mulching materials
- Nursery beds
- Collection bags
- Nursery beds
- Pesticides
- Knapsack sprayer
- Safety equipment
- Record books

- Practical observation - Technique assessment - Quality of work
- Observation - Record assessment - Safety compliance

Crop Production

Growing Selected Crop - Preparing main field
Growing Selected Crop - Hardening seedlings

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Prepare main field for transplanting
- Make planting holes at correct spacing
- Show attention to detail

- Carry out land preparation on main field
- Mark planting positions
- Make transplanting holes

How do management practices influence crop productivity?

- School farm
- Jembe
- String
- Pegs
- Measuring tape
- Garden trowel
- Nursery beds
- Shade materials
- Watering cans
- Observation sheets

- Practical observation - Spacing accuracy - Quality assessment

Crop Production

Growing Selected Crop - Transplanting seedlings

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Transplant seedlings correctly
- Handle seedlings carefully
- Develop practical transplanting skills

- Lift seedlings carefully from nursery
- Transplant to main field at correct depth
- Water transplanted seedlings

What is the best time of day for transplanting?

- Seedlings
- Garden trowel
- Watering cans
- Main field
- Transplanting board

- Practical assessment - Performance evaluation - Survival rate check

Crop Production

Growing Selected Crop - Gap filling and thinning

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Identify gaps in the field
- Carry out gap filling
- Show responsibility in crop management

- Identify dead or weak seedlings
- Replace with healthy seedlings
- Thin overcrowded areas if necessary

How soon should gap filling be done after transplanting?

- Spare seedlings
- Garden trowel
- Watering cans
- School farm

- Observation - Practical assessment - Field uniformity check

Crop Production

Growing Selected Crop - Watering and irrigation
Growing Selected Crop - Weeding and mulching
Growing Selected Crop - Staking and supporting
Growing Selected Crop - Pest and disease management

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Determine crop water requirements
- Apply water efficiently
- Appreciate water conservation
- Install stakes for crops
- Tie plants to supports correctly
- Develop skills in crop support

- Water crops at appropriate intervals
- Use efficient watering methods
- Monitor soil moisture
- Install stakes beside plants
- Tie plants using appropriate materials
- Ensure plants grow upright

How much water do different crops need?
Which crops require staking and why?

- Watering equipment
- Water source
- Irrigation system (if available)
- School farm
- Hand hoe
- Panga
- Mulching materials
- Wheelbarrow
- Stakes
- String/raffia
- Hammer
- Scissors
- School farm
- Scouting tools
- Pesticides
- Knapsack sprayer
- Safety equipment
- Record books

- Practical observation - Water use efficiency - Crop response
- Practical observation - Staking quality - Plant support adequacy