Back to: Jss1 Agricultural Science (PVS)

Agriculture is the science and art of cultivating crops and raising animals for human use and consumption. 

Agriculture also refers to the practice of cultivating soil, raising livestock, and producing food, fibre, and other products from plants and animals to sustain human life. It involves various activities such as land preparation, planting, harvesting, animal husbandry, pest control, and marketing of agricultural products. Agriculture has been a fundamental part of human civilization since ancient times and plays a vital role in providing food security and economic development in most countries around the world. With the advancement of technology, agriculture has evolved and now includes modern practices such as genetic engineering, precision farming, and biotechnology.

The History of Agriculture 

Agriculture is one of the oldest human activities, and it has been practised in Africa for thousands of years. The history of agriculture in Nigeria can be traced back to the ancient civilizations of the region, which developed complex farming systems to meet the needs of their populations.

Evidence of early agricultural practices in Africa dates back to the Neolithic period, around 10,000 BC. Hunter-gatherer societies began to domesticate wild plants and animals, creating the foundation for modern farming practices.

In Nigeria, agriculture has played a significant role in the country’s economy and cultural development for centuries. The earliest recorded agricultural practices in Nigeria were based on subsistence farming, with small-scale farmers growing crops like yams, cassava, millet, and sorghum for their own consumption.

Over time, these farming systems evolved into more complex and organized forms of agriculture, with the development of irrigation systems and the introduction of new crops and techniques. During the medieval period, the ancient kingdoms of Nigeria, such as the Kanem-Bornu Empire and the Hausa city-states, developed sophisticated agricultural systems based on crop rotation and land management.

With the arrival of Europeans in the 15th century, Nigeria’s agricultural systems were further transformed by the introduction of new crops, such as maize and cassava, and the use of new farming techniques, such as ploughing and animal husbandry.

Today, agriculture remains a vital sector of Nigeria’s economy, providing employment for millions of people and contributing significantly to the country’s GDP. While modern farming practices have brought many benefits to the region, traditional agricultural techniques and crops continue to be an important part of Nigerian culture and heritage.

Stages of Agriculture

Agriculture is the process of cultivating land, raising animals, and producing food, fibre, and other products. The stages of agriculture can be broadly classified into four main categories:

1. Land Preparation Stage: This stage involves preparing the land for planting. It includes clearing the land, tilling the soil, and adding fertilizers and other soil amendments to improve soil fertility. This stage is crucial for ensuring that the crops will grow well.
2. Planting Stage: The planting stage involves planting crops or seeds. It is important to plant the seeds at the right time and depth to ensure optimal growth. The planting process may also involve spacing the seeds, providing support structures for climbing plants, and protecting the plants from pests and diseases.
3. Cultivation and Maintenance Stage: This stage involves caring for the crops throughout their growth cycle. This includes tasks such as watering, weeding, pruning, and protecting plants from pests and diseases. Additionally, fertilizers and other soil amendments may need to be applied periodically to maintain soil fertility.
4. Harvesting Stage: The final stage of agriculture is the harvesting stage, which involves harvesting the crops when they are mature and ready for consumption. This stage may also involve processing the crops to turn them into finished products, such as milling grains into flour or pressing fruit for juice.

Importance of Agriculture

1. Food production: Agriculture is the primary source of food for human consumption. It provides raw materials for food processing industries and ensures food security for the world’s population.
2. Economic development: Agriculture is a significant contributor to the world economy. It provides employment opportunities, generates income, and contributes to economic growth and development.
3. Livelihoods: Agriculture provides livelihoods for millions of people worldwide. It is a primary source of income and sustenance for many rural communities.
4. Raw materials: Agriculture provides raw materials for industries such as textiles, construction, and pharmaceuticals.
5. Environmental conservation: Agriculture plays a crucial role in environmental conservation. It provides ecosystem services such as soil conservation, biodiversity conservation, and carbon sequestration.
6. Rural Development: Agriculture is a critical sector for rural development. It contributes to the development of rural infrastructure, social services, and employment opportunities.
7. Poverty reduction: Agriculture is a powerful tool for poverty reduction. It provides income and employment opportunities for the poor and helps to increase their standard of living.
8. Trade: Agriculture is a significant contributor to international trade. It provides opportunities for countries to earn foreign exchange through exports of agricultural products.
9. Innovation: Agriculture is a sector that constantly requires innovation to improve productivity, increase yields, and enhance food security.
10. Cultural heritage: Agriculture is an integral part of many cultures worldwide. It provides a sense of identity and community, and it is an important aspect of cultural heritage.

Branches of Agriculture 

1. Agronomy: It is the branch of agriculture that deals with the study of soil, crops, and their management. Agronomists study soil fertility, crop rotation, irrigation, and pest management.
2. Horticulture: It is the science of growing and cultivating plants, fruits, and vegetables for human consumption. Horticulturists study the physiology of plants, plant breeding, and genetics, and develop new varieties of crops.
3. Floriculture: It is a subset of horticulture that deals with the cultivation of ornamental plants and flowers. Floriculturists work to improve the quality, yield, and resistance of these plants.
4. Pomology: It is the science of growing and cultivating fruits. Pomologists study the anatomy, physiology, and genetics of fruit trees, and develop new varieties of fruits.
5. Soil Science: It is the study of the composition, structure, and physical properties of soil, as well as its chemical and biological properties. Soil scientists help to improve soil quality for better crop yields.
6. Plant Genetics: It is the study of the genetic makeup of plants and their inherited traits. Plant geneticists work to develop new crop varieties that are more resistant to pests, diseases, and environmental stress.
7. Entomology: It is the study of insects, including their physiology, behaviour, and ecology. Entomologists study the impact of insects on crops and work to develop pest control strategies.
8. Plant Pathology: It is the study of plant diseases, their causes, and their control. Plant pathologists work to develop disease-resistant crop varieties and control strategies.
9. Agricultural Engineering: It is the application of engineering principles to agricultural production and processing. Agricultural engineers design and develop machinery and equipment to improve efficiency and productivity in farming.
10. Agricultural Economics: It is the study of the economics of agriculture, including markets, supply, demand, and trade. Agricultural economists work to improve agricultural policies and ensure food security.
11. Agricultural Education: It is the study of agricultural teaching and learning methods. Agricultural educators teach and train farmers, extension workers, and students in the field of agriculture.
12. Agricultural Extension: It is the application of scientific knowledge and research to practical farming practices. Agricultural extension workers work to disseminate information on new technologies, practices, and methods to farmers.
13. Animal Science: It is the study of the biology and management of domesticated animals, including livestock and poultry. Animal scientists work to improve animal nutrition, breeding, and health.
14. Aquaculture: It is the farming of aquatic plants and animals, such as fish and shellfish. Aquaculturists work to develop sustainable aquaculture practices to meet the growing demand for seafood.
15. Forestry: It is the management of forests and woodlands for conservation, production, and recreation. Foresters work to maintain and improve forest health, prevent wildfires, and promote sustainable forest management.