Updated Curriculum

AGRICULTURE
6
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J. Chitamba
J. Shanangura Learner’s Book
 PlusOne

Agriculture

Grade 6
Learner’s Book

J. Chitamba J. Shanangura
 CONTENTS
TOPIC 1 : INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURE............................................................ 1
Unit 1: Branches of agriculture..................................................................................................... 2
Unit 2: Farm tools.............................................................................................................................. 7
Unit 3: Safety in agriculture........................................................................................................... 11
TOPIC 2: CLIMATE AND LAND USE.............................................................................. 15
Unit 4: Climate and landuse........................................................................................................... 16
TOPIC 3: SOIL.................................................................................................................. 24
Unit 5: Soil composition................................................................................................................... 25
Unit 6: Soil formation....................................................................................................................... 28
Unit 7: Soil types................................................................................................................................ 34
Unit 8: Soil fertility............................................................................................................................. 39
Unit 9: Soil erosion............................................................................................................................ 45
Unit 10: Soil pollution....................................................................................................................... 49
Test 1........................................................................................................................................ 54
TOPIC 4: WATER.............................................................................................................. 61
Unit 11: Water conservation.......................................................................................................... 62
Unit 12: Water pollution.................................................................................................................. 66
TOPIC 5: PLANTS............................................................................................................ 71
Unit 13: Plant structure................................................................................................................... 72
Unit 14: Plant nutrition.................................................................................................................... 75
Unit 15: Vegetable crops................................................................................................................. 78
Unit 16: Field crops........................................................................................................................... 87
Unit 17: Orchard/fruit trees............................................................................................................ 95
Unit 18: Forestry................................................................................................................................ 102
Unit 19: Plant protection................................................................................................................. 106
Test 2........................................................................................................................................ 110
TOPIC 6: ANIMALS.......................................................................................................... 115
Unit 20: Introduction to animals-poultry or rabbits............................................................... 116
Unit 21: Animal nutrition................................................................................................................. 124
Unit 22: Parasites of small livestocks......................................................................................... 129
Unit 23: Apiculture............................................................................................................................ 137
TOPIC 7: FARM IMPLEMENTS AND MACHINERY....................................................... 139
Unit 24: Farm implements.............................................................................................................. 140
TOPIC 8: AGRI-BUSINESS.............................................................................................. 145
Unit 25: National markets............................................................................................................... 146
Test 3........................................................................................................................................ 153
 Topic

1
INTRODUCTION TO
AGRICULTURE

Topic Introduction

Agriculture is important to people because it is the source of food. Agriculture also make
the farmer earn an income and the country to get foreign currency. It is therefore important
to study agriculture and practise it. Agriculture is too broad and as a result it is divided into
many branches or sectors. In this unit, you will learn about these branches of agriculture.

1
 Unit HEALTH AND SAFETY

1
Unit Objectives
At the end of this unit, you should be able to:
(a) name branches of agriculture.
(b) describe the activities involved in each branch.

Looking Back
When you were in Grade 5, you learnt about the importance of agriculture to the community
and nation. Agriculture supplies people with food, raw materials for industries and it makes
the farmer to get money. The export or selling of agriculture products to other countries
makes the farmer get income and foreign currency. In this unit, the focus is on branches of
agriculture. Each branch of agriculture has its own functions which it specialises on.

Key Words
Branch – part or component.
Agriculture – the growing of crops and keeping of farm animals.

Branches of agriculture
Agriculture is too wide and as a result it is divided into branches. The branches under which
agriculture is divided into are as follows:
Crop production or agronomy
This deals with the growing of field crops and
management of soil in the fields. Examples of
field crops which this branch of agriculture
deals with is the growing and management
of maize, sorghum, finger millet, groundnuts,
wheat, tobacco and many more. Soil
management refers to taking care of the soil
so that it remains fertile and is protected
Agronomy
from soil erosion.

2
Agricultural economics
Deals with the financial management, farm management, planning, budgeting and marketing
of farm products. Land use, government policies and law which affect the farming business
are also part of agricultural economics. Generally, agriculture economics covers the operating
of the farm business and deals with money which is earned in the farm and money being
used at the farm.
Forestry

Forestry
This branch of agriculture covers the growing of trees (both exotic and indigenous trees) and
management of trees in woodlots, forest land and in their natural state. The trees are used to
produce furniture, fire wood and papers. Examples of trees grown in forests are Mahogany
and Gumtrees. This branch of agriculture supports the paper making industry.
Wildlife management
It is a branch of agriculture which deals
with the keeping and caring of wild animals
as well as their conservation. The branch
also covers the caring of wild plants, trees
and grasses growing naturally in the wild
or in National Parks or Game Reserves. For
example, at Hwange National Parks and
Gonarezhou Game Reserves. This branch
of agriculture helps to attract tourists and
earns the country foreign currency. Wildlife
Activity 1
In groups of 4 or 5, identify the branches of agriculture which are common and give reasons
why these branches of agriculture are common.

Exercise 1
1. Name a branch of agriculture which deals with the growing and management of field
crops.
2. List any five branches of agriculture.

4
3. Mrs Mary Jones mainly grows flowers, pot plants and some shrubs at her farm. Which
branch of agriculture is she concentrating on?
4. ________, ______ and ______ are crops grown in horticulture.
5. National Parks and Game Reserves fall under which branch of agriculture?
6. A farmer bought a tractor and a disc plough to use at the farm. Which branch of
agriculture do these belong to?

Unit Revision Exercises

Multiple Choice Questions
1. A farmer grows vegetables mainly for export. Which branch of agriculture do you put
the farmer?
A. Agronomy B. Animal husbandry C. Horticulture D. Agriculture Economics
2. All of the following are branches of Agriculture except.
A. Horticulture B. Agronomy C. Fire guard D. Forestry
3. _________ and ________ are branches of Agriculture.
A. Milk and water B. Soil and food
C. Agronomy and animal husbandry D. Vegetables and lacto
4. A branch of agriculture which deals with the growing of field crops and management of
soil is _________.
A. forestry B. agriculture engineering
C. horticulture D. agronomy
5. Hwange National Park has different wild animal species. Under which branch of
agriculture does it belong?
A. Agriculture Engineering B. Wildlife Management
C. Horticulture D. Animal Husbandry
6. Maize and wheat are agriculture produce. Under which branch of agriculture are these
produced?
A. Horticulture B. Agriculture Economics
C. Agriculture Engineering D. Agronomy
7. Choose a branch of agriculture which promote tourism in Zimbabwe.
A. Wildlife Management B. Animal husbandry
C. Agronomy D. Agriculture Engineering
8. Which branch of agriculture uses equipment such as tractors and combine harvesters?
A. Agriculture Engineering B. Soil Science
C. Agriculture Economics D. Forestry
9. The branch of agriculture responsible for breeding and management of animals is
_______.
A. agriculture engineering B. horticulture
C. agronomy D. animal husbandry
10. Which branch of agriculture support paper making industry?
A. Wildlife management B. Forestry
C. Animal husbandry D. Cotton

5
 Unit FARM TOOLS

2
Unit Objectives
At the end of this unit, you should be able to:
(a) explain how to maintain farm tools.
(b) maintain farm tools.
(c) explain how farm tools are stored.
(d) name some storage facilities of farm tools.
(e) make some models of tools racks.

Looking Back
Farm tools are important at a farm because they make work or farm operations easy.
Without farm tools it is difficult to do some farm operations. In previous grades you learnt
about farm tools and their uses. You also learnt about classification of farm tools. Some of
the tools you studied about their uses in grade 4 are hoes, spades, mattock, shovel, axe, pick,
rack and others. These tools should be stored properly. In this unit, focus is on maintenance
of farm tools and their storage facilities.

Key Words
Inventory – a detailed list of all the items at hand or in your stock.
Storeroom – a room used for storage.

Farm tools
Different farm tools are used on daily basis at the farm when doing farm work. Farm work
which needs tools are digging, cultivating, levelling the soil, stumping, cutting trees, cutting
grass and harvesting crops. In order to use the tools for a long time at the farm, they should
be looked after. Tools are also very expensive to buy and it is not possible to buy them
frequently. It is therefore important to look after the farm tools properly.
Maintenance of farm tools
Reasons for maintaining farm tools:
• To prolong or to increase life span of tools.

7
7. A tool used for sharpening blades of axes or hoes is a ____________
A. saw B. file C. rake D. grease
8. Which statement is not a reason for maintenance of farm tools?
A. Maintenance of farm tools increases their life span.
B. Maintenance increases efficiency of tools.
C. Maintenance make tools to break easily.
D. Maintenance reduces costs of buying new tools.
9. Which of the following has an axil?
A. Spade B. Wheelbarrow C. Hoe D. Shovel
10. Farm tools should not be left outside on the ground after use because _______.
A. they will injure live stock B. they will be stolen
C. they will freeze D. they will melt

Structured Questions
1. State three reasons why farm tools need maintenance?
2. Name three farm tools whose blades need to be sharpened.
3. List four routine maintenance measures to be taken on tool.
4. Why is it important to lock storeroom where tools are kept?
5. Where are tools placed in a storeroom?

10
 Unit SAFETY IN AGRICULTURE

3
Unit Objectives
At the end of this unit, you should be able to:
(a) list precautions to take when using and storing agro-chemicals.
(b) identify colour codes used on triangles of chemical labels on containers.
(c) explain how to store agro-chemicals properly.

Looking Back
Many farm workers have been affected and some died due to improper use of agro-chemicals.
These agro-chemical are poisonous. When you were in grade 3, you studied safe us of
garden tools. While you were in grade 4, you learnt about common hazards in agriculture.
Some of the common hazards in agriculture are workers drowning in dams, farms workers
getting injured by farm implements and machinery. Moreover, some farm employees can get
poisoned with agro-chemicals and die. In this unit, you will learn about safe use of agro-
chemicals and how to properly store the chemicals.

Key Words
Farm tools – device used to make work easier.
Implements – a device bigger than a tool that makes work easier.

Agro-chemicals
Agro-chemicals refers to chemicals which are used in agriculture. They include pesticides or
insecticides, herbicides, fungicides and acaricides. These agro-chemicals should be carefully
used and stored.
Safety precautions to be taken when storing agro-chemicals.
When storing agro-chemicals, great care must be taken to prevent chemicals from exploding
or causing fire. The precautions to be taken when storing agro-chemicals are as follows:
• keep chemicals in a storeroom which can be locked.
• keep chemicals in their original containers.
• do not store agro-chemicals in food containers.

11
 • keep chemicals in well ventilated storeroom where air circulates freely.
• do not remove chemical labels from containers.
• keep agro-chemicals away from food.
• store chemicals where children will not reach them.
Safety measures to be taken when using agro-chemicals
When using agro-chemicals, the following safety measures need to be taken known:
• Use agro-chemicals only when it is necessary to apply them.
• All agro-chemicals should be handled with care to avoid unnecessary contact with
skin, mouth, eyes or body.
• Read instructions on chemical labels and understand them before using the chemical.
• Correctly mix the chemical with water to correct proportions on the instructions.
• Wear protective clothing when spraying chemicals. Examples of protective clothing
are overall, gumshoes, rubber gloves, goggles and respirator.
• Do not eat food, drink or smoke cigarettes when spraying chemicals.
• Spray chemicals on a clam day, do not spray chemicals when it is windy.
• Check for expiry dates on the chemical container labels before applying them
• Do not wash spraying equipment in water bodies like dams, rivers or wells.
• Do not blow blocked spray nozzles with your mouth.
• Destroy empty containers by burying the containers into the soil or burning them.
Avoid breathing smoke from the burning flame.
• When chemicals get in contact with the skin, wash the skin with flowing water. Avoid
rubbing the chemical onto the skin.
• Seek medical attention immediately if poison is suspected or has occurred.
• NB. According to the Hazardous Substance Act, minors or school children under the
age of 16 are not NOT ALLOWED to handle chemicals
All chemical containers have a coloured triangle on their labels and some have picture
symbols in addition on the triangle. Each colour on the triangle shows how poisonous the
chemical is, and care must be taken when using the agro-chemical. There are four different
colours on triangles of chemical labels namely green, red, amber (orange) and purple. The
meaning of the colours are discussed below:

Triangle colour Meaning Triangle colour Meaning

Green Red
Caution
Dangerous poison.
Harmful if swallowed.

Amber/orange Purple
Very dangerous poison.
Poison.
Extremely poisonous

12
Weather is the daily condition of the atmosphere at a particular place for a given time. The
weather pattern or state of the atmosphere occurring last for a short time or few hours or
days or weeks.
The study of climate is called climatology. Climate is determined by temperature, rainfall,
altitude, latitude and vegetation cover. However, temperature and rainfall are the key factors
used to come up with climate.
Climate change
Climate change is a long-term shift in weather pattern which is used to be experienced in
an area, region or country. Climates are hanging slowly all over the world due to human
activities on earth. Temperatures are increasing due to emission or releasing of gases which
are warmer from industries into the atmosphere.
Causes of climate change
Human activities are causing climate change. The following activities are some of the
causes of climate change.
• Burning of fossil fuels such as coal, diesel, oil and petrol in industries and cars
increases carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide in the atmosphere.
• Deforestation – trees remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and release
oxygen. Once trees are cut down, carbon dioxide will increase in the atmosphere
leading to increase in atmospheric temperatures.
• Destruction of the ozone layer by gases which comes from burning of fossil fuel like
butane gas, and methane gas.
Effects of climate change on agriculture
Climate change has serious effects on people’s lives and on agriculture. Some of the effects
of climate change are:
• Occurance of frequent droughts and
long dry spell conditions which makes
it difficult to grow crops and keep farm
animals.
• There will be shortage of water for
drinking and irrigating crops.
• There is increased occurrence of
diseases to people, animals and crops.
• There is an increase in occurance
of tropical cyclones in the World. A
cyclone is a low-pressure area where
winds blow torwards the centre of the Homes destroyed by a cyclone
of the low-pressure area.
Weather elements
Weather elements are aspects of weather which are measured using specific different

17
 Natural farming regions of Zimbabwe

Climatic conditions Farming activities Areas covered

• Receives on average • Specialised and • Chimanimani

more than 1000 mm diversified farming • Vumba
rainfall per season. region.
Region 1

• Nyanga
• It experiences • It is suitable for • Chipinge
relatively low and cool intensive tea, coffee,
temperatures ranging fruit, dairy farming,
from 15°C to 25°C. forestry, beef and
maize production.
• Receives an average • Intensive farming • Harare
of between 700 mm to region. • Mazowe
1050 mm rainfall per • Suitable for intensive • Marondera
season. maize, tobacco, • Mutare
Region 2

• Temperatures are on cotton and livestock • Karoi

average ranging from production (beef and
• Chinhoyi
18°C to 30°C. dairy farming).
• Mvurwi
• Winter wheat
production under
irrigation.

20
 Exercise 1
1. How many farming regions are there in Zimbabwe?
2. Name three crops which are grown in natural farming region I.
3. Why is it possible to grow special crops in natural farming region I?
4. Name five places which are located in region III.
5. Why is possible to grow sugarcane in Chiredzi and Triangle?
6. State three drought resistant crops which are grown in region IV.
7. State two factors which were used to mark farming regions in Zimbabwe.

Key points in this unit

• Weather elements influence land use and agriculture activities.
• Climate is the average atmospheric conditions recorded over many years.
• Weather refers to the condition of the atmosphere at a particular time and in a
particular place.
• Elements of weather important in agriculture are rainfall, temperature, humidity and
wind.
• Climate change is caused by human activities.
• Climate change is affecting people and has serious effects on people’s lives as well as
animals and crops.
• Tropical cyclones can kill people and livestock.
• Natural farming regions are determined by rainfall and temperatures which are
experienced in the area.
• There are five natural farming region regions in Zimbabwe.
• Different farming activities are done in different farming regions.

Unit Revision Exercises

Multiple Choice Questions
1. The instrument used to measure temperature at a weather station is ___________.
A. thermometer B. rain gauge C. wind vane D. hygrometer
2. Seasons are mainly determined by ____________.
A. climate and soil B. wind and humidity
C. rainfall and temperature D. humidity and rainfall
3. The instrument used to measure wind speed is ________.
A. rain gauge B. thermometer C. cup anemometer D. wind vane
4. How many farming regions are there in Zimbabwe?
A. 3. B. 5. C. 6. D. 7
5. In which farming region is tea and coffee grown?
A. Region 1 B. Region 2 C. Region 3 D. Region 4
6. Extensive cattle ranching is carried out in region ____________.
A. 2 B. 3 C. 4. D. 5

22
 Topic

3
SOIL

Topic Introduction

Soil is very important in agriculture. Without soil, there is no crop or livestock production.
Soil is composed of minerals, water, air and organic matter. These soil components have
different functions in the soil ecosystem. Soil is formed from a process of weathering which
is caused by various agents such as running water, plant roots, temperature changes, wind
and freezing water.
There are three main soil types, namely clay, loam and sand soil. These soils have different
properties. Soil should be fertile for it to promote high crop yields. Organic manure in form
of animal manure, green manure, compost and liquid manure should be added to the soil
to improve its fertility. If not conserved, the soil can be washed away through a process
called erosion. There are many negative effects caused by soil erosion. The soil can also be
contaminated by harmful substances. This is called soil pollution. There are various effects
of soil pollution which will be discussed later in this topic.

24
 Unit SOIL COMPOSITION

5
Unit Objectives
At the end of this unit, you should be able to:
(a) state the functions of soil components.

Looking Back
In the previous Grades, you learnt about the four components of soil. Can you list these soil
components? You also learnt about the proportions or percentages of these soil components.
In this unit, you are going to learn about the functions of the different components of soil.

Key Words
Aeration – the introduction of air into a material.
Humus – fully decomposed organic matter.
Microorganisms – very small organisms which can only be seen through a microscope.
Organic matter – material from dead plants and animal matter.
pH – a measure of how acidic or alkaline a soil is.
Turgid – a condition when plant cells are full of water and swollen.
Weathering – the breaking down of rocks into smaller particles to form soil.
Wilting – a condition when plants lose water through the leaves and become
weak.

Soil components Water

Organic matter

5%
Remember, soil is composed of mineral matter, water, air
and organic matter. The mineral component consists of 25%
soil particles and minerals. The percentages of these soil
components are shown on the pie chart. 45%
25%
Air
Mineral

Soil components
25
 Exercise 1
1. The four components of soil are ________, ________, ________ and ________.
2. What is organic matter?
3. List any two examples of soil organisms.
4. Two materials which form organic matter are ____________ and ___________.
5. State any one function of water in the soil.

Key points in this unit

• Minerals, water, air and organic matter are the four main soil components.
• The mineral component is also called inorganic matter.
• Mineral matter provides nutrients for plant growth.
• Soil water is important for seed germination, weathering and photosynthesis.
• Soil air is important for seed germination and respiration of plant roots and soil
organisms.
• Humus is fully decomposed organic matter.
• Organic matter improves fertility, structure, aeration and water holding capacity of
the soil.

Unit Revision Exercises

Multiple Choice Questions
1. The following are soil components except ____________.
A. water B. temperature C. air D. minerals
2. The percentage fraction of organic matter in the soil is _________.
A. 45% B. 50% C. 5% D. 25%
3. Which soil component inorganic?
A. Water B. Air C. Minerals D. Humus
4. Organic matter is important because it_______.
A. promotes seed germination B. promotes photosynthesis
C. improves soil erosion D. improves soil structure
5. The following are organic materials except _________.
A. grass B. leaves C. stones D. animal manure

Structured Questions
1. What is humus?
2. Draw a well labelled pie chart to illustrate soil components and their percentages.
3. Explain why minerals are not inorganic.
4. Outline any three functions of soil water.
5. State any three functions of soil organic matter.

27
8. (a) Describe the rearing of a named poultry type under the following headings:
(i) Name of poultry [1]
(ii) Type of feeds given to young and mature poultry.
Young poultry feed [1]
Mature poultry feed [1]
(iii) Housing [2]
(b) Give one external parasite and one disease which commonly affect the named
poultry.
(i) External parasite [1]
(ii) Disease [1]
(c) Give three signs and symptoms of coccidiosis disease in broilers. [3]
9. Describe the production of a cereal crop grown in fields under the following headings:
Name of cereal crop
(a) Soil requirements. [2]
(b) Climatic requirements. [2]
(c) Land preparation. [2]
(d) Care of the cereal crop. [2]
(e) Marketing of the cereal crop. [2]
10. (a) State three factors to be considered when choosing a site for orchard. [3]
(b) State three uses of forest trees. [3]
(c) How are forest trees destroyed? [2]
(d) Explain the following terms:
(i) Afforestation. [1]
(ii) Reforestation. [1]

114
 INTRODUCTION TO ANIMALS
Unit
POULTRY OR RABBITS

20
Unit Objectives
At the end of this unit, you should be able to:
(a) state the products and by-products of poultry or rabbits.
(b) describe suitable houses for poultry or rabbits.
(c) construct poultry or rabbit houses.

Looking Back
In grade 4, you studied the types of animals that is domestic and wild animals. While you
were in grade 5 you learnt about the uses of animals in agriculture and rearing of small
livestock. Domesticated animals such as cattle and donkeys provide draft power to farmers.
They are harnessed and used to pull farm implements.

Key Words
Poultry – refers to all domesticated birds kept by people.
Products – it is any material obtained from the body of an animal which is eaten.
By-products – these are materials made from unused parts which are used to
produce or make some items which are useful to the farmers.

Poultry
Poultry refers to all kind of birds which are
kept by people. Examples of poultry are
chickens, pigeons, ostrich, and guinea fowls.
These birds are kept by both small holder
farmers and in rural areas in Zimbabwe,
people living in towns (urban farmers) and
large-scale farmers.
Most farmers keep poultry because they
bring quick financial returns to farmers.
Poultry require less food per day as well as
small land to keep them. Poultry grow fast Poulty

116
By-products
1. Manure
Rabbit’s droppings and urine are rich source of nitrogen and other trace elements which can
be used to fertilise lawns and flowers.
2. Fur
Angola breed of rabbit produce fur used to make hats, gloves and jackets.
3. Pellets or rabbit skins
The skins of rabbits are known as pellets. The pellets are used to make leather jackets.

Activity 1
1. Visit a nearby farm in your community and observe the products and by-products
obtained from chickens and rabbits.
2. Discuss what you will have seen during your educational tour to a nearby farm with your
classmates.

Exercise 1
1. Four types of poultry which can be kept by people are ______, ________, _______and
________.
2. Why do most people in rural areas and towns prefer to keep chickens?
3. Three products from chickens are _______, ______ and ________.
4. Name three by-products from chickens.
5. _________________ is a product obtained from rabbits.
6. State two by-products from rabbits.

Animal housing
The purpose of providing housing to animals is to protect animals from bad weather and
predators. The house should give comfortable environment to animals.
Poultry housing
Poultry housing should be well constructed in order to:
1. Protect birds from predators such as wildcats, dogs, snakes, thieves and eagles.
2. Protect birds from rain, strong wind, cold and sun.
3. Prevent rats, mice and other wild birds from getting in and eating chicken feeds and
transmitting diseases.
4. Provide safe place for hens to lay eggs.

118
4. Predators
Predators are important matter to consider when building rabbit house. Rats, cats or dogs
scare rabbits by walking over the hutches. They also eat bunnies or young rabbits if they
manage to get into hutches.
5. Good ventilation
Rabbits require well ventilated hutches. Open walls create good ventilation. High building is
better than low building because it is well ventilated. Avoid manure or droppings and urine
to accumulated in the rabbit houses or hutches. Urine cause ammonia gas to fill the house
and this affect rabbits.
Cages or hutches

Cages or hutches
• Hutches or cages can be made out of construction materials such as net mesh wire,
wood, planks.
• The dimension is 50cm x 60 cm x 30 cm for individual rabbits or can be 130cm long
x60cm wide and 65 cm high.
• Wire floors is the cleanest option because it allows droppings to fall through.
• Dimensions of hutches or cages vary depending on the farmer and materials available.
The hutches or cages should be large enough so that nest boxes can be put inside the
hutches.
• Nest boxes are boxes where rabbits will give birth or kindle in. Nest boxes can be
made out of all kinds of materials.
• The nest boxes should be large enough to allow the doe and kindles to have enough
room for movement.
• Nest boxes can be 30cm long x 60cm wide x 30cm high. Wire mesh cages or hutches
can be placed under shade.

Activity 2

In groups of three learners, construct a model of a battery cage housing system of chickens
using cardboard boxes. Use any other local available materials.

121
 Activity 3
Visit a nearby farm where chickens and rabbits are kept. Observe and identify types of
housing systems used at that farm.

Exercise 2
1. List three requirements of a good poultry house.
2. What is the purpose of poultry housing?
3. A poultry housing must be ___________, __________ and ___________.
4. Intensive housing system means ____________.
5. List types of housing systems in intensive housing system and extensive housing.
6. Why is it important to disinfect poultry housing regularly?

Key points in this unit

• Poultry refers to all birds which are kept by people.
• Poultry and rabbits supply people with various products and by products.
• Products are any edible material obtained from chickens or rabbits.
• By products are any material which remain after eating meat, which can be used to
make other things or used for different purposes.
• Chickens can be kept in a battery cage house, deep litter house, fold unit house and
free-range housing systems.
• Deep litter housing system is commonly used when keeping broilers and layers
chickens.
• Battery cage house is used to keep layers chickens.
• Free range system is used to keep indigenous chicken in communal and small-scale
farms.
• Rabbits are kept in hutches.
• Rabbits can be kept in individual hutches or in group hutches.
• Hutches should be large enough in order to allow nest boxes to be put inside the
hutches.
• Nest boxes are boxes where does kindle or give birth in.

Unit Revision Exercises

Multiple Choice Questions
1. A good chicken housing should have the following except ____________.
A. poor ventilation B. easy to clean
C. provision of light D. bedding or litter on the floor
2. Which of the following is not a by-product from poultry?
A. Manure B. Egg shells C. Meat D. Feathers

122
3. Fats and oils
Fats are obtained from animals while oils are from plants. Animals break down fats and oil
into fatty acid and glycerol in their bodies.
Functions of fats and oils
Fats and oils provide energy to animals.
4. Vitamins
Vitamins are nutrients which are needed by animals in very small quantities. There are six
types of vitamins namely: vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E and vitamin
K. Amongst these vitamins A, B, C, D, E and K are eat-soluble. Vitamin A and B are water-
soluble.
Functions of vitamins
• Vitamins helps animal to resist diseases.
• They improve the fertility of the animals.
• They promote growth of animals.
• Vitamins improve animal eye sight.
5. Minerals
There are many minerals which are needed with animal’s body. Minerals which are needed
by animals are calcium phosphorus, magnesium, iron, sodium, copper, iodine, sulphur,
manganese, fluorine, zinc, copper and potassium.
Functions of minerals
• Calcium and phosphorus make bones and teeth to be strong.
• Maintenance of fluids in the body.
• Help in the formation of enzymes.
• They make animals to grow normally.
6. Water
Water is not a mineral but it is very important in animals. Animals must be provided with
fresh clean water at any time. Uses of water in animals’ bodies are:
• to remove waste substances from the body e.g. salts and urea which are removed
through sweat and urine.
• dissolving food so that it is absorbed into the body.
• it is part of blood.
• transport nutrients in the body.
• it is needed in the digestive system; animal take water by drinking free water and
metabolic water which is produced in muscles.

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 Activity 1
1. Collect samples of animal’s feeds which makes a balanced diet.
2. Name the nutrient which is found on the feeds which you collected.

Exercise 2
1. Name the nutrients which make a balanced diet.
2. The amount of food given to an animal per day is known as a ____________.
3. _________and___________ are two types of rations.
4. State two uses of proteins in animals.
5. Why is roughage important to animal’s diet?
6. List the uses of vitamins,
7. What are the uses of water in animal bodies?

Key points in the unit

• Farm animals need to be given a balanced diet.
• There are two types of ration namely maintenance ration and production ration.
• Concentrate feeds needs to be mixed with mashes when feeding them to animals.
• Mashes are already mixed feeds.
• Essential nutrients are carbohydrates, proteins, fats and oils, vitamins and minerals.
• Roughage or fibres prevent constipation in animals.
• Water is important to animal diet as it helps in digestion of food.

Unit Revision Exercises

Multiple Choice Questions
1. Which mineral is needed for bones and teeth formation?
A. Nitrogen B. Potassium C. Calcium D. Sulphur
2. The nutrient needed for repair of worn out cells and tissues is_____________.
A. carbohydrate B. vitamin C. protein D. mineral
3. Which of the following is a source of carbohydrates?
A. Groundnuts B. Sunflower C. Maize D. Soyabeans
4. Which one is a function of carbohydrates?
A. Act as a source of oil B. Give energy
C. Prevent diseases D. Produce enzyme
5. A ration given to animals for them to remain health without losing weight is_______.
A. health ration B. production ration
C. maintenance ration D. food ration
6. Proteins are important in animals’ diet because ______________.
A. It provides energy B. it makes animals to be sick
C. It makes animal to do work D. it produces new cells resulting in growth

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Common diseases of rabbits
(a) Coccidiosis
Prevention and control
1. Keep the floors clean, dry and remove droppings frequently.
2. Disinfect the hutches with cresol or jik to kill the protozoa.
3. Give rabbits clean water and feeds.
(b) Bloat or scours
Prevention and control
Do not give rabbits grasses or legumes especially Lucerne.
(c) Mastitis or Blue mammary glands
The disease affects the teats on breast of female rabbits.
Prevention and control
• If the case is serious, kill affected rabbits.
• Disinfect hutches or cages regularly.
(d) Sniffles or cold
The disease is caused by a bacteria which infect nasal or noses.
Prevention and control
• Keep the cages well ventilated.
• Keep the rabbits warm.
• Prevent strong wind or draught into cages.

Activity 1
1. Discuss in groups some of the steps which you can take to control an outbreak of a
disease at your neighbour’s farm or at your home.
2. Discuss why it is necessary for Veterinary Service Department to impose quarantine
when there is an outbreak of notifiable disease.

Activity 2
1. Visit a nearby farm as a class and observe measures put in place at the farm to prevent
outbreak of diseases in chicken production.
2. Check at the farm if there are some chickens or rabbits showing signs or symptoms of
being sick.
3. Write a short report of what you will have seen at the farm and submit the reports to
your teacher to mark it.

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5. ______________ is caused by a protozoa.
A. Fowl Typhoid B. Coccidiosis C. Newcastle D. Fowl Pox
6. Drugs which are used to prevent occurrence of diseases in poultry or rabbits are known
as ___________.
A. Insecticides B. Herbicides C. Vaccines D. Antibiotics
7. What is the reason for isolating sick chickens or rabbits?
A. To spread diseases’
B. To prevent spread of diseases.
C. To make sick chickens or rabbits find food.
D. To make them not to eat food.
8. Which Government department helps to control the spread of Notifiable diseases?
A. Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education
B. Grain Marketing Board,
C. Ministry of Finance
D. Veterinary Service Department
9. What measure can the farmer take to control poultry and rabbits’ diseases?
A. Practise good hygiene.
B. Sell diseased poultry or rabbits.
C. Mix sick and health poultry or rabbits.
D. Give chickens or rabbits dirty water and feeds.
10. Which poultry disease affects people?
A. Coccidiosis B. Avian Influenza
C. Fowl Pox D. Bacillary White Diarrhoea.

Structured Questions
1. List three sign of good health in chickens.
2. (a) What are external parasites?
(b) Give three examples of external parasites which affect chickens.
3. ______________ and ______________ are internal parasites which affect chickens,
4. Name two poultry diseases which are prevented through vaccination of health chickens.
5. State three ways of controlling external parasites in chickens or poultry.
6. Give three ways in which a farmer can control diseases in poultry or rabbits.

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 Unit APICULTURE

23
Unit objectives
At the end of this unit, you should be able to:
(a) identify materials needed in constructing beehive.
(b) construct beehives.

Looking Back
In the previous grade, you learnt about the natural and artificial beehives. You were taught
that natural beehives include; ant hills and tree hole whilst artificial beehives include; top bar
and bark stroth. Draw the type of beehive you still remember.

Key Words
Beehive – is an enclosed, man-made structure in which some honey bee live and raise
their young.

Apiculture
Apiculture is the keeping of bees at the farm. Bees make honey which can be harvested
and sold. Bee keeping is an art which the farmer should learn.
Materials needed to make bee hives
Bee hives are special made wooden or grass woven baskets where bees are kept so that
they produce honey while inside the hives. In order to make hives, the materials which are
needed are pine tree or cyprus planks or gum trees planks, nails, and straw baskets.
Construction of bee hives
How to construct a beehive
1. Bee hives can be square or rectangular in shape.
2. The hives are made of wooden frames which are joined
together.
3. The boxes should have lids which can be opened when
harvesting or taking honey.
Bee hive
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 Topic

7
FARM IMPLEMENTS AND
MACHINERY

Topic Introduction

Farm implements and machinery have been in use since the evolution of agriculture. In the
past years before modern farming, most farmers relied on using basic hand tools such as
hoes, shovels, picks and mattocks. However, in modern farming, farmers now use farm
implements and machinery. Therefore, in this topic you are going to learn about uses of farm
machinery and its classification.

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 Unit NATIONAL MARKETS

25
Unit Objectives
At the end of this chapter, you should be able to:
(a) name national markets for agricultural products.
(b) prepare income and expenditure of an agricultural enterprise

Looking Back
While you were in grade 5, you were told that record keeping is very important in Agriculture
production. It is true because farm records make a reflection of the farm’s production. The
records make the farmer know if the farm is making a profit or not. This time you will look
into the national markets for agricultural products. This will help you to identify national
markets where you can sell various agricultural products.

Key Words
National market – refers to a place where agriculture produce is sold or can be purchased.
Resources – materials that are used to produce agricultural produce.
Enterprise – is any project or business unit in the farm.

National markets
Agriculture contributes about 19 to 20 % of the money which enters into the Government
coffers. For this to happen it means farmers should sell their produce to the Government so
that it in turn export the products.
National Markets are places where farmers sell their agriculture produce to or come to
buy agriculture produce. Farmers produce different products such as maize, groundnuts,
soya beans, groundnuts, tobacco, horticultural crops, meat, milk, tea, eggs, cotton, flowers,
animals and many more.
These products should be sold to National Markets for the farmers to get money. In turn the
farmers can also buy whatever they want from these national markets.

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5. Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB)
Tobacco Industry Marketing Board is a national marketing board for tobacco. It controls and
regulates the marketing of tobacco in Zimbabwe.
6. Cold Storage Company (CSC)

Slaughtered beef hung on rails inside shades at Cold Storage Company

Cold Storage Company buys, process and market beef, sheep and goats and their by-
products in Zimbabwe.
7. Pig Industry Board of Zimbabwe (PIBZ)
The Pig industry Board (PIB) of Zimbabwe is a parastatal under the Ministry of Agriculture,
Lands and Resettlement. It buys pigs from farmers and markets the pigs and processed pork
products.
8. Dairiboard Zimbabwe Private Limited (DZPL)
Dairibord buys milk from farmers and then process the milk into various milk products.
9. Cotton Company of Zimbabwe (Cottco)

Cotton
The company buys cotton from farmers and exports it. It also processes some cotton to
produce various products.

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Examples of Income and Expenditure account are as follows:
Income and Expenditure Account – Maize Enterprise
INCOME EXPENDITURE
ITEM AMOUNT$ ITEM AMOUNT$
5 bags of green mealies sold
25kg Maize seed 50.00
to
vendors@ $100 per bags 500.00 3X 50kg Compound D
10 tonnes maize grain sold to
4000.00 Fertilizer @ $120 per bag 360.00
GMB @ $400 per tonne
2x 50kg Ammonium nitrate
Fertilizer @ $150 per beg 300.00
Herbicides (chemicals 5 litre) 150.00
1kg Malathion dust 20.00
Labour for 2 people weeding 200.00
TOTAL INCOME 4 500.00 TOTAL EXPENDITURE 1080.00

Profit = Income – Expenditure

Loss = Expenditure – Income
Profit is obtained when income is greater than expenditure.
$4 500 - $1 080 = $3 420
In the enterprise above a profit of $3 420 was obtained by the farmer.

Activity 2
Make an income and expenditure account of any one farming enterprise at your home and
make a presentation to the whole class.

Exercise 2
1. What is income in a business enterprise?
2. What is expenditure in an enterprise?
3. Name three inputs which are written under expenditure in a soya bean enterprise.
4. Mr. and Mrs. Moyo have an A1 farm on which they are growing groundnuts on 1 ha.
They sold 5 tonnes of threshed groundnuts to GMB at a total of $5 000.00. They used
$80.00 to buy seed, $1 500.00 to buy fertilizers, $500.00 to buy herbicides to control
weeds. From these figures of money, draw an income and expenditure account for Mr
and Mrs Moyo’s groundnuts enterprise. Show whether they got a profit or loss.
5. Give one reason why farmers draw up income and expenditure account.

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8. Income and expenditure account belong to which records?
A. Physical record B. Financial record C. Output records D. Inventory record
9. Which crop is sold through auction system?
A. Cotton B. Maize C. Groundnuts D. Tobacco
10. On which side of the income and expenditure account do we enter wages paid to workers
working at a particular enterprise?
A. Income B. Budget C. Expenditure D. Loss

Structured Questions
1. A poultry farmer kept 90 birds and sold them at $5.00. The total expense for the project
was $312.00. Determine the profit and loss of the enterprise.
2. A farmer bought cabbage seed for $7.00 and fertilizer for $35.00. After selling the
cabbages the farmer got $65.00. Calculate profit made.
3. State two functions of the Grain Marketing Board Name two tobacco auction floors
found in Harare?
4. What is the function of the Cotton Company of Zimbabwe?
5. What is the main function of the Cold Storage Commission?
6. Mr. Dhingi is a commercial farmer in a rural area. He sold maize to the Grain Marketing
Board and got $3500.00. He was very happy that he got a high profit from his maize
enterprise. Explain why Mr Dhingi’s thinking is wrong.
7. Why is it important for farmers to draw up income and expenditure account?
8. Explain how a profit is obtained in an income.

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TEST 3
PAPER 1
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS
Answer all the questions in this paper.
1. Which of the folowing is not a branch of agriculture?
A. Dam construction B. Horticulture
C. Agriculture Economics D. Agriculture Engineering
2. A branch of agriculture which deals with the growing of vegetable crops is _____.
A. soil science B. horticulture
C. forestry and wildlife D. agronomy
3. ____________ is put on the wheel axil of wheelbarrow to prevent friction.
A. Water B. Grease C. Soil D. Humidity
4. A record where farm tools are recorded is known as__________________
A. budget B. inventory
C. enterprise budget D. profit and loss account
5. Chemicals which are used to kill weeds are known as ______.
A. pesticides B. herbicides C. acaricides D. fungicides
6. What does the purple triangle colour code on agrochemicals mean?
A. Dangerous B. Caution
C. Extremely poisonous D. Easy to apply
7. What is weather?
A. It is the amount of rainfall received.
B. It is the condition of the atmosphere at a particular place at a given time.
C. It is the amount of water vapour in the atmosphere.
D. It is the direction of wind.
8. Harare is located in natural farming region _____.
A. 1 B. 2 C. 3 D. 4
9. Why is cattle ranching and wildlife management practised in natural farming region 4
and 5?
A. There is too much rainfall in the regions.
B. Rainfall received in the regions is not enough for crop production hence cattle ranching
and wildlife keeping.
C. Soils in the regions are fertile.
D. There is too much humidity
10. Organic matter improves soil ______.
A. texture B. structure C. coarseness D. grains
11. What is the percentage of organic matter in the soil?
A. 5% B. 10% C. 25% D. 45%
12. The process whereby rocks breaks down into small particles to form soil is known as __.
A. texture B. weathering C. structure D. igneous
13. The soil is composed of the following except of _____________
A. organic matter. B. mineral matter. C. soil air. D. glasses.

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32. Soil erosion in paddocks and grazing lands is mainly caused by _______________.
A. monoculture
B. ploughing up and down the slope of land
C. overgrazing
D. pulling sledges
33. Maize is sold to ______.
A. Cold Storage Commission B. Grain Marketing Board
C. Tobacco Auction Floors D. Cotton Company of Zimbabwe
34. ________________ is a product of poultry.
A. Egg B. Manure C. Egg shells D. Chick mash
35. Which of the following is a by-product of rabbits?
A. Meat B. Manure C. Eggs D. Egg shells
36. Which of the following is a by-product of chickens?
A. Manure B. Eggs C. Meat D. Pork
37. A balanced diet is food _______________
A. given to rabbits and poultry.
B. given to farm animals.
C. which contains all essential nutrients of farm animals.
D. which gives energy to animals.
38. The function of proteins is to _____________
A. make animals drink water. B. give energy and warmth.
C. repair worn out body tissues. D. fill the digestive system.
39. The rearing of animals in confined place is _______.
A. semi-intensive system. B. semi-extensive system.
C. intensive system. D. extensive system.
40. Which of the following is an internal parasite of farm animals?
A. Tick B. Tampan C. Tapeworm D. Lice
41. A farmers has 100 layers chickens. The farmers collects 90 eggs per day. What is the
laying percentage of the chickens?
A. 100% B. 80% C. 90% D. 190%
42. A rabbit eats food equal to 3% of its body weight per day. How much food is eaten per
day by a rabbit which weighs 5 kg?
A. 15g B. 30g C. 100g D. 150g
43. Free range system of keeping indigenous chickens is an example of _____.
A. Intensive system B. extensive system C. fold unit system D. battery cage system
44. Farm equipment and machinery are painted to ________.
A. keep them nice B. prevent rust
C. prevent termite attack D. make them clean
45. Which of the following is a National Market?
A. Mbare Musika Traders market B. Grain Marketing Board
C. Informal Market D. Home market
46. An estimate of expected income and expenditure of farm business is __________.
A. a profit B. a loss C. a budget D. an inventory

155
Paper 2: Structured Questions
Section A (30 marks)
Answer ALL questions in this section.
1. (a) A branch of agriculture which deals with growing of vegetable crops and ornamental
shrubs is ________________. [1]
(b) State two maintenance measures to be done on farm tools. [2]
(c) State two safety precaution measures to be taken when using agri-chemicals. [2]
2. (a) List two effects of climate change on agriculture. [2]
(b) How many natural farming regions are in Zimbabwe? [1]
(c) (i) Name on place found in natural farming region 1. [1]
(ii) Name one drought resistant crop which is grown in natural farming region 4. [1]
3. (a) What is weathering? [1]
(b) Name two types of weathering. [2]
(c) State two uses of soil organic matter. [2]
4. (a) Give two properties of clay soil. [2]
(b) Name two sources of organic fertilizers. [2]
(c) State one effect of soil erosion. [1]
5. (a) What is soil pollution? [1]
(b) Name two sources of soil pollution. [2]
(c) State one way of conserving soil moisture in vegetable beds. [1]
6. (a) What is a balanced diet? [1]
(b) Name three essential nutrients of a balanced diet. [3]
(c) Name one National Market in Zimbabwe. [1]

Section B (20 marks)

Answer any two questions. Write your questions in the spaces provided on the question
paper.
You are advised not to spend not more than 45 minutes on this section.
7. Describe the growing of a fruit crop grown in the garden under the following headings.
Name of the crop
(a) Climatic requirements [2]
(b) Soil requirements. [2]
(c) Care of the fruit crop. [2]
(d) Cultural method of pest control. [2]
(e) Marketing of the fruit crop. [2]

157