Basic Knowledge in Agriculture #17

With a close look, over the years agriculture has been the backbone of human civilization. As time goes by, farming methods has developed but traditional agriculture remains an essential practice in many parts of the world.

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What is Traditional Agriculture?

Traditional agriculture is a phrase used to refer to the farming methods which has passed from generation to generation. Traditional agriculture relies on indigenous knowledge, natural resources and lesser use of modern technology. It is mostly practiced in rural areas by farmers who use simple tools and techniques in growing of crops and raising livestock.

Unlike modern agriculture, traditional agriculture relies on natural farming processes such as crop rotation, organic fertilizers, and rain-fed irrigation. This form of agriculture is more sustainable than modern agriculture.

Source

Traditional/Semi-Modern Agricultural Tools and Their Uses

Traditional/semi-modern agricultural tools used by small scale farmers include;

Cutlass

The cutlass is a tool used for clearing bushes, cutting crops and produce, post- planting.It is also useful in harvesting certain crops like sugarcane and plantain.

Hoe

This is a farming tool used for digging, tilling the soil, and removing of weeds. It helps in the preparation of the land for planting.

Sickle

A sickle is a traditional tool that has a curved blade which is used in harvesting grains, clearing grass, and other crops. It allows farmers to cut plants that are close to the ground.

Axe

This tool is mainly used for cutting down trees, chopping or cutting firewood, and clearing farmland.

Plow

A plow is used to loosen the soil before planting. Traditional plows are pulled by animals such as oxen and donkeys, while semi-modern plows are operated with tractors.

Shovel

A shovel is a tool used for digging, moving sand, planting crops and mixing manure into the soil.

Rake

A rake is used by farmers to gather leaves, grass, and dirt from the farm. It also helps in leveling the soil.

Watering Can

A watering can is used for watering the crops manually, mostly in areas without irrigation systems.

Wheelbarrow

Small scale farmers use wheelbarrows to transport their crops, farm produce, compost, manure and other materials across the farm.

Sprayer

A sprayer is used to apply pesticides, herbicides and liquid fertilizers to crops in order to protect them from pests and diseases.

Traditional agricultural Practices Observed/Practiced

Though I haven't practiced most of the traditional agricultural practices, I have learnt and researched on most of them in school and this practices include;

Crop Rotation

This involves planting different kinds of crops in the same field but at different times in order to maintain soil fertility and reduce pest infestation.

Intercropping

This is the practice of growing two or more crops together or on the same land. It helps maximize space and it prevents soil depletion.

Organic Farming

Organic farming is a traditional practice that involves involves the use of natural fertilizers, compost, and biological pest control methods rather than using chemical inputs.

Bush Fallowing

This is a process where farmers leave a piece of land to rest for some years in order to regain its fertility before planting their crops again.

Mixed Farming

This practice involves the growing of crops and raising livestock on the same farm to maximize the farmers resources and reduce waste.

Rain-fed Farming

This is a traditional farming practice where farmers depend on rainfall for irrigation instead of the artificial watering systems which are used by large scale farmers.

Livestock Rearing

This process involves raising of animals like goats, cows, poultry, and sheep by farmer's, for production of food, milk, and manure.

Traditional agriculture is an essential practice for production of food, especially in rural communities. Though modern agriculture has introduced better methods, traditional agriculture is still very valuable.

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