Zimbabwe Grade 4 Curriculum - Agriculture

This curriculum introduces learners to basic agricultural concepts and practices. It emphasizes hands-on learning and encourages learners to explore the importance of agriculture in their daily lives.

Introduction to Agriculture

• Importance of Agriculture: Learners explore the significance of agriculture to the individual, family, community, and country. They learn about different agricultural activities and their role in food production and economic development.
• Agricultural Activities: Learners are introduced to various agricultural activities, including crop farming, livestock rearing, and the use of farm tools and machinery.
• Branches of Agriculture: Learners explore the different branches of agriculture, such as agronomy, horticulture, and animal science. They learn about the specific activities and skills associated with each branch.

Climate and Land Use

• Environmental Factors: Learners investigate the influence of environmental factors, such as wind, light, temperature, rainfall, and humidity, on agricultural activities. They learn about the effects of these factors on plant growth and animal health.
• Natural Farming Regions: Learners explore the different natural farming regions in Zimbabwe and the suitable farming systems for each region.
• Land Preparation: Learners are introduced to the reasons for land preparation and the different methods used, including primary and secondary tillage.

Soil

• Soil Formation: Learners learn about the process of soil formation through weathering and the different types of soil, including sand, loam, and clay.
• Soil Properties: Learners investigate the properties of different soil types, such as texture, structure, and fertility. They learn about the importance of these properties for plant growth.
• Soil Erosion and Conservation: Learners explore the causes and consequences of soil erosion and learn about different methods of soil conservation.

Water

• Water Conservation: Learners understand the importance of water conservation and learn about different methods of conserving water in agriculture.
• Water Sources: Learners explore different sources of water for irrigation and learn about water quality and its suitability for agricultural use.
• Irrigation: Learners are introduced to the importance of irrigation and learn about different methods and types of irrigation systems.

Plants

• Plant Classification: Learners classify plants according to their edible parts and life cycle.
• Plant Structure: Learners identify the external parts of a flowering plant and their functions.
• Crop Production: Learners are introduced to basic crop production practices, including land preparation, planting, and crop management.
• Crop Protection: Learners explore different methods of crop protection, including pest and disease control and weed management.

Animals

• Types of Livestock: Learners identify different types of livestock and their importance.
• Animal Nutrition: Learners explore the nutritional requirements of different livestock and learn about different types of animal feeds.
• Animal Health: Learners are introduced to basic animal health practices, including disease prevention and control.

Farm Implements and Machinery

• Farm Implements: Learners identify and describe the uses of different farm implements, such as hoes, rakes, and shovels.
• Farm Machinery: Learners are introduced to basic farm machinery and their uses.

Agri-business

• Agricultural Cooperatives: Learners explore the concept of agricultural cooperatives and their benefits.
• Marketing: Learners are introduced to basic marketing principles and practices in agriculture.

This comprehensive curriculum provides a foundation for further studies in agriculture and equips learners with the knowledge and skills necessary for a career in the agricultural sector.