Agriculture (Zimbabwe Form 1-4 O-Level)

This outlines the syllabus for Agriculture at the Ordinary Level in Zimbabwe, covering Forms 1 through 4. The curriculum emphasizes practical application and problem-solving skills, preparing students for further agricultural studies and careers, as well as contributing to national food security and economic development.

General Agriculture

This section covers the foundational principles of agriculture, including land use, environmental factors, natural farming regions, forestry, and wildlife management.

Land Use

• Forms of Land Use: Students learn about various forms of land use, including forestry, wildlife management, and crop and livestock husbandry. Factors influencing and limiting land use are also explored.
• Land Tenure: This topic covers different land tenure systems, such as freehold, leasehold, communal, and resettlement. Students learn about the historical background of land tenure in Zimbabwe, including pre-colonial, colonial, and post-independence systems, with a focus on the land reform program.

Environmental Factors

• Environmental Factors Influencing Agriculture: Students learn about the impact of wind, light, temperature, rainfall, and humidity on agricultural activities. The syllabus emphasizes understanding the effects of these factors and developing strategies to mitigate adverse conditions.

Natural Farming Regions

• Natural Farming Regions of Zimbabwe: This topic introduces students to the different agro-ecological zones in Zimbabwe and the suitable farming systems for each region.

Forestry

• Forests: Students explore the social, economic, cultural, and ecological importance of forests. They learn to identify indigenous and exotic tree species.
• Tree Planting and Management: This subtopic covers establishing and managing tree nurseries and plantations, including selecting suitable sites and implementing appropriate management practices.

Wildlife

• Wildlife: Students learn about the value of wildlife, identify local fauna and flora, and classify wildlife according to feeding habits. The syllabus also covers the importance of wildlife conservation and management.

Soil and Water

This section focuses on soil science, water management, and irrigation techniques.

Soil Formation

• Weathering: Students learn about different forms of weathering and their role in soil formation.

Soil Texture, Structure, and Profile

• Soil Texture and Structure: This topic covers the classification of soil particles, the significance of soil texture and structure for plant growth, and methods for improving and maintaining soil structure.
• Soil Profile: Students learn to describe and interpret soil profiles, understand the composition and significance of each horizon, and appreciate the importance of soil profiles for crop growth.

Soil Types

• Soil Types: Students learn to identify and classify different soil types (sand, loam, clay), compare their composition and properties, and understand methods for improving soil characteristics.

Soil Constituents

• Soil Constituents: This subtopic covers the components of a fertile soil, the importance of each component, types of soil water, water movement in soil, field capacity, and the role of soil organisms.

Soil Temperature

• Soil Temperature: Students learn about the influence of soil temperature on plant growth and soil organisms, the effects of extreme temperatures, and methods for modifying soil temperature.

Soil Fertility

• Plant Nutrients: This topic covers the functions of major and minor plant nutrients, the effects of nutrient deficiencies and excesses, and the importance of balanced fertilization.
• Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers: Students learn about different types of fertilizers, their application methods, and the importance of integrated nutrient management.

Soil Erosion and Conservation

• Soil Erosion and Conservation: This subtopic covers the types, causes, and consequences of soil erosion, as well as methods for preventing and controlling erosion, including the construction of conservation structures.

Water Loss and Soil Drainage

• Water Loss and Drainage: Students learn about different forms of water loss from soil, the importance of drainage, the problem of waterlogging, and methods for improving drainage.

Water Conservation

• Water Conservation: This subtopic covers the importance of water conservation and various methods for conserving water in agricultural settings.

Irrigation

• Irrigation: Students learn about the importance of irrigation, different irrigation methods and systems, sources of irrigation water, and factors influencing the choice of an irrigation system.

Crop Husbandry

This section covers plant science, crop production, and crop protection.

Classification of Plants

• Classification of Plants: Students learn to classify plants based on edible parts and life cycle.

Structure of Flowering Plants

• Structure of Flowering Plants: This topic covers the external and internal parts of plants, their functions, and the structure and function of flowers.

Plant Processes

• Plant Processes: This subtopic covers plant reproduction (sexual and asexual), pollination, fertilization, seed germination, water and nutrient uptake, transpiration, photosynthesis, translocation, and food storage.

Crop Production

• Crop Production: Students learn about land preparation techniques, sowing and planting methods, crop management practices, harvesting techniques, and post-harvest handling and storage. The syllabus emphasizes practical experience in growing various crop types.

Crop Protection

• Crop Protection: This subtopic covers the identification and control of pests, diseases, and weeds, emphasizing integrated pest management strategies.

Animal Husbandry

This section covers animal science, animal production, and animal health.

Types of Livestock

• Types of Livestock: Students learn about different types of livestock, including poultry, fish, ruminants, and non-ruminants, and their importance in agriculture.

Anatomy and Physiology

• Anatomy and Physiology: This topic covers the digestive and reproductive systems of farm animals.

Animal Nutrition

• Animal Nutrition: Students learn about livestock nutrient requirements, different types of feeds, and the formulation of balanced rations.

Small Livestock Production

• Small Livestock Production: This subtopic covers the management and production of poultry (broilers, layers, indigenous chickens) and other small livestock, including rabbits.

Non-Ruminants

• Non-Ruminants: Students learn about the management and production of non-ruminant livestock, such as pigs and donkeys.

Ruminants

• Ruminants: This subtopic covers the management and production of ruminant livestock, such as cattle, sheep, and goats.

Animal Health

• Animal Health: Students learn about animal health and disease, including signs of health and illness, disease prevention and control, livestock parasites, and the importance of hygiene.

Animal Improvement

• Animal Improvement: This subtopic covers the principles of genetics, animal breeding methods, and the importance of artificial selection.

Farm Structures and Machinery

This section focuses on farm infrastructure, tools, and equipment.

Farm Implements

• Farm Implements: Students learn about different types of farm implements, their parts, functions, adjustments, and maintenance.

Fencing

• Fencing: This topic covers the purpose of fencing, different types of fences, fencing materials and tools, and the treatment and maintenance of fences.

Farm Buildings

• Farm Buildings: Students learn about the design and construction of farm buildings, including materials used and their properties.

Farm Roads

• Farm Roads: This subtopic covers the siting, construction, and maintenance of farm roads.

Appropriate Technology

• Appropriate Technology: This subtopic introduces students to various technologies relevant to small-scale farming, such as irrigation pumps and shellers.

Agri-business

This section covers the economic principles of agriculture, farm management, and marketing.

Farm Records and Accounts

• Farm Records and Accounts: Students learn about the importance of keeping farm records, differentiating between physical and financial records, and preparing profit and loss accounts.

Principles of Economics

• Principles of Economics: This subtopic covers basic economic principles relevant to agriculture, including opportunity cost, demand and supply, market prices, diminishing returns, risk and uncertainty, and decision-making.

Farm Budgeting

• Farm Budgeting: Students learn about the importance of budgeting, different types of budgets (gross margin, partial, complete), and sources of information for budgeting.

Agricultural Marketing

• Agricultural Marketing: This subtopic covers marketing functions, factors affecting agricultural marketing, different types of markets, and marketing legislation.

Agricultural Cooperatives

• Agricultural Cooperatives: Students learn about the principles of cooperatives, the benefits and challenges of agricultural cooperatives, and different types of cooperatives.