Tonga Form 1 School Syllabus - Agriculture

While the specific details of the Tonga Form 1 Agriculture syllabus are unavailable online, the following information has been compiled from various sources to provide an overview of agriculture education and the agricultural sector in Tonga:

Agricultural Education

• Tonga National University - School of Agriculture: Offers various agriculture programs. Introduction to Ground Preparation for Seeding and Planting is one of the courses offered.
• Minimum Service Standards for Schools in Tonga: Specifies required curriculum materials for Form 1, including an agriculture syllabus.
• Organic Learning Farms: Recent initiatives focus on organic and agroecological farming practices, with training programs for farmers at the Mahuleva Organic Learning Farm Centre in Tongatapu and the Ovava farm in Vava'u.

Agriculture Sector in Tonga

• Tonga Agriculture Sector Plan (2016-2020): This plan provides a framework for maximizing the agriculture sector's contribution to economic growth and food security. It emphasizes climate resilience, improved enabling environment, sustainable livelihoods, and increased rural incomes.
• Subsistence Farming: The majority of Tongan farmers practice subsistence agriculture, with a focus on root crops. Livestock is also commonly raised, primarily for home consumption.
• Exports: Tonga's agricultural exports have historically been dominated by squash, but the sector is exploring diversification into other crops like watermelon, beans, and vanilla.
• Import Replacement: There is potential for import replacement of certain vegetables, livestock products, and timber.
• Challenges: The sector faces challenges related to transportation logistics, market access, climate change, water resources, and an aging farmer population.

This information, while not specific to the Form 1 syllabus, provides a broader context for agricultural education and practices in Tonga.