Elementary Agriculture Teacher'S Notes Grade 5: Compiled By: TT Amadhila For Teachers in Oshikoto Region

ELEMENTARY AGRICULTURE
TEACHER’S NOTES
GRADE 5
2018
Compiled By: TT Amadhila For Teachers in Oshikoto

Region
Message to the teacher
It is an undeniable fact that the teaching and learning of our subject,

Elementary Agriculture, has, since the implementation of the revised
curriculum, been compromised. This is attributable to nothing else, but
to lack of proper content, in many, if not all the textbooks in use. You
may have seen, too, that some authors had completely omitted to
cover certain competences, and in some cases, they had presented the
content far from the expectations of some competencies in the
Syllabus. Such situation had left many of us with no option, but to
rather teach learners following what the sources presented.
It is thus against this background that these notes have been prepared
for you (teachers), in a bid to resolve the status quo. The notes cover
all the Themes, Topics, and Competencies as outlined in the revised
syllabus. The use thereof will thus undoubtedly equip us with a
common understanding with regard to the fundamental expectation
of each competence in the Syllabus.
Cognisance should, however, be taken that, due to limited resources,

presentation of pictures and diagrams herein were totally ignored.
Cognisance should further be taken that the notes are merely
simplified to the level of a teacher, who in the use thereof, is expected
to further simplify them to suit the level of learners in Grade 5. On a
cautious note, these notes should not be perceived as a mere
substitution of the textbooks in use, but rather to be viewed as a
complementary source of information to facilitate effective teaching
and learning of our learners in this region. Simply put, Textbooks and
other resources should still be consulted for teaching and learning as
usual.
Lastly, many thanks for your endeavours to have always been

sourcing for the right information, and indeed, for regarding these
notes as of particular significance to your teaching.
Thank You
Elementary Agriculture
2018
Teacher’s Notes Grade 5

Compiled By: TT Amadhila For Teachers in Oshikoto Region
1
THEME 1: General Agriculture
Upon completion of this theme, learners will:
 understand that Agriculture provides food and income to the

family;
 understand that agricultural activities can generate income
through micro, small, and medium enterprises;
 understand the effect of soil erosion to the environment.
Topic 1.1: The Role or Importance Agriculture to the Family
Upon completion of this topic, leaners would be able to:
 distinguish between food for human and animal consumption;

 identify and collect food samples to distinguish between food
provided by animals and plants;
 list the types of food produced locally in their communities.
Agriculture as a food provider
Agriculture provides both human and animal with food. Some food
are either specifically for human or animal consumption, while some
can be for both human and animal consumption. The table below
shows some food provided by Agriculture.
Distinguish the food for human and animal consumption.
Animal Human
Food Both
consumption consumption
rice 
beans 
porridge 
maize/corn 
meat 
lucerne 
apple 
grass 
egg 
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Animal Human
Food Both
consumption consumption
cabbage 
pumpkin 
cheese 
sorghum 
banana 
Food provided by animals and plants
Different animals and plants provide us with a wide range of food.
Food from animals
Animals provide such food as:
 meat
 milk and milk products (e.g. butter, cheese, yoghurt, etc.)
 eggs
 honey/oil
Food from plants
Plants provide such food as:
 fruits (e.g. bananas, apples, pears, oranges, guavas, grapes, etc.)

 vegetables (e.g. cabbages, beans, groundnuts, carrots, tomatoes,
spinach, cauliflower, etc.)
 cereals/grains (e.g. maize, millet, sorghum, rice, and wheat)
 oil (e.g. from sunflower and pumpkin seeds)
NB: Assign learners to Identify and collect food samples to distinguish

between food provided by animals and plants.
Local food
Not all the food we eat are imported from other countries. Some food
are locally produced in our communities.
List the types of food produced locally in your communities.
In many of our communities, we produce:
 meat from farm and or game animals

 fish
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 cereals (e.g. millet/mahangu, maize, and sorghum)
 eggs from chickens and ducks
 vegetables (e.g. cabbage, green peppers, carrots, sweet potatoes,
potatoes, and pumpkins)
 fruits (e.g. grapes, guavas, palm fruits,
 oil (e.g. from sunflower, pumpkin, and marula seeds)
Topic 1.2: The Economic Importance of Agriculture
 list successful Agro-businesses in their communities and their

owners;
 describe the characteristics for the owners of successful Agro-
businesses listed; and
 select simple Agro-business activities.
Agro-business
We can define an Agro-business/Agri-business as follows:
 It is any business collectively associated with the production,

processing, and distribution of agricultural products.
 It is any business of agricultural production.
 It is any industry which engaged in the producing operations of a
farm, the manufacture and distribution of farm equipment and
supplies, and the processing, storage, and distribution of farm
commodities.
NB: We definitely operate from different communities. Some

communities might have no single Agro-business, some have, but they
may not be successful, while some have, and are successful, too.
Thus, based on the definitions given and the knowledge of our
communities, we should be able to List successful Agro-businesses in
our communities and their owners.
Characteristics of the owners of successful Agro-businesses
Despite their difference in terms of what exactly they are involved in,
successful Agri-business owners share some common characteristics or
features.
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Describe the characteristics for the owners of successful Agro-
businesses listed.
The owners of the successful Agro-business share the following

features:
 Honest: They are honest to themselves and their customers or

other people.
 Fairness: They show fair treatment towards their customers and
employees.
 Hardwork: They are hardworking and willing to work long
hours.
 Financial knowledge: They are able to wisely manage their
money.
 Initiative: They are always eager to start something new before
others.
 Self-motivation: They have the drive and enthusiasm to succeed
in doing their business.
 Perseverance: They do not give up, fear obstacles, and have the
ability to continue trying what they wish to.
 Risk taking: They are risk-takers, which means they always dare
to take risks.
 Problem-solving: They are able to solve problems immediately.
 Vision: They have the ability to plan ahead.
 Goal: They set themselves clear goals that they always wish to
reach.
 Vigilance: They are able to see a gap in the market and quick to
take action to fill it.
Farming is just like any other business. Thus, our teaching demands
that learners are given direction that will eventually enable them to
engage in agricultural related money-making activities of small scale.
Learners should thus Select simple Agro-business activities. Some of

such activities learners can choose to run as Agro-businesses are:
 Harvesting animal feeds, e.g. grass, ponds, stover, etc.

 Making organic pesticides
 Making compost
 Poultry farming
 Aquaculture (fish farming)
 Weeding for others
 Vegetable production
 Fruit production
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Topic 1.3: The Environmental Problems Associated with
Agriculture
 identify the causes of soil erosion; and

 explain the effect of soil erosion on crop and animal production.
Soil erosion
Soil erosion is the gradual (slow) removal of the (fertile) top layer of
the soil by wind or water.
Types of soil erosion
 Splash erosion: This is the first stage of soil erosion which occurs
when rain drops hit on a bare soil, splashing up some soil
particles.
 Sheet erosion: This is the second stage of erosion whereby a thin
top layer/sheet is removed by water accumulated on the surface.
 Rill erosion: This is the third stage of erosion, which occurs as
small shallow furrows/channels are formed on bare soil/land.
 Gully erosion: This is the fourth stage of erosion whereby deep
channels (gullies/dongas) are formed.
Causes of soil erosion
Soil erosion does not just happen by itself. There are a number of
factors responsible for this, and human activities are the leading
cause of this phenomenon.
Identify the causes of soil erosion. Some causes of soil erosion are:
 Veld fires
 Deforestation
 Deep ploughing
 Ploughing downhill
 Overgrazing
 Leaving the soil bare
Effect of soil erosion
When soil erosion occurs on our farming land, it will have adverse
effects on both crops and animals.
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Explain the effect of soil erosion on crops
Soil erosion has the following effects on crops:
 Crop roots will be exposed, which may lead to crops to fall down
or not to take up water and minerals from the soil.
 As the structure of the soil is destroyed, crops will easily fall
down or get uprooted (removed from the soil with their roots).
 Crops will grow poor or die as the fertile top soil is washed away.
 Crop seeds will be washed away from the soil before
germination.
Explain the effect of soil erosion on animals
Soil erosion has the following effects on animals:
 Animals will starve, because vegetation, especially grass and

shrubs are washed away.
 Animals may lose condition (become thin) because they do not
get enough feeds.
 Animals will produce less or products of poor quality, e.g. milk,
meat, hide, skin, pelt, wool, etc.
 Animals will contract nutritional diseases, which will
eventually result to death.
 Where gullies are formed, animals may fall and stuck in, and
this may result to breakage and or death if not detected.
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THEME 2: Plant Production
Agriculture
 understand the importance of soil in plant growth;

 understand that water is essential for plant growth;
 acquire knowledge about the influence of light on plant growth;
 know how to determine the damage caused by diseases and pests
on plants.
Topic 2.1: The Soil
 identify different types of soil such as clay, sand, and loam;

 state reasons for growing plants in soil collected from different
areas;
 analyse the growth of the plants in different types of soil.
Soil
Soil is the unconsolidated (loose) mineral or organic material on the

immediate surface of the earth that serves as a natural medium for
the growth of land plants. Soil is formed from the break down of rocks
into small pieces.
Types of soil
There are different types of soil, namely:
 Clay soil
 Sand soil
 Loam soil
Identify different types of soil
Different soil types can be identified based on their characteristics.
Clay soil: This is the soil type that:

 has very small or fine particles
 sticks together.
Sand soil: This is the type of soil that:

 has large or coarse particles
 does not stick together
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Loam soil: This is the type of soil that:
 has medium sized particles
 is the mixture of sand and clay particles
Growing plants
Traditionally, plants are grown in the soil, as the vast available

natural medium.
Plants can be grown in soils collected from different places
State reasons for growing plants in soils collected from different areas
Plants are grown in soils collected from different areas for the
following reasons:
 because different plants prefer different soil requirements

 to check which soil is suitable for plant growth
 to compare the growth of plants in different soils
Plant growth analysis
Soil types, e.g. clay, loam, and sand soils differ in many ways. For
instance, their particle size (texture), arrangement of particles
(structure), nutrient content (fertility), drainage, water-holding
capacity, and pH level are not the same. Because of such variations,
the same plant can grow differently in those different types of soil.
How to Analyse the growth of plants in different types of soil.
To confirm this, an experiment (growing the same plant in clay, loam,

and sand samples) has to be conducted, and observation made to check
plant reaction in those soils.
Topic 2.2: Water
 study the main sources of water (e.g. rain, rivers, dams, and
ground sources) in Namibia;
 describe the importance of water to plant growth.
Namibia is a semi-arid country. This means she does not receive

enough rainfall. However, the growth of plants requires enough
water.
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Sources of water
In Namibia, we grow plants using water from different sources.
Study the main sources of water in Namibia.
The main sources of water for plant growth in Namibia are:
 rain
 rivers
 dams
 lakes
 pans
 groundwater
The importance of water
Water is one of the essential nutrients required by plants. We thus

need to know the exact role water plays in plants.
Describe the importance of water to plant growth
Water plays the following significant roles in plants:
 Water dissolves other nutrients in the soil, thus helps plants to

absorb dissolved nutrients.
 Water helps with the movement of dissolved nutrients along the
plant.
 Water helps plants to make their own food during the process
called photosynthesis.
 During the process called transpiration, water cools down plants
when it is hot.
 Water keeps plants firm and upright.
Topic 2.3: Light for Plants
 predict the effect of light on plant growth;

 study and record plant growth with and without light.
NB: The two competencies are experimental based. That means,

teaching thereof should base on practical/experiments rather than
theory alone.
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Different plants have different requirements for sunlight. That means,
some plant species require direct sunlight, while others do not require
a lot of sunlight.
However, each plant needs sunlight, which they (plants) use to make
their own food during the process of photosynthesis.
Suppose a plant is deprived of sunlight, How would it react?
How to Predict the effect of light on plant growth.
This can be done through conducting some experiments.
For instance, you can conduct an experiment in which one plant is

placed in the room near a window. The plant will grow towards light
(the window). If the same plant is turned around so that the stem and
leaves are turned away from the window, the stem will slowly change
direction and grow towards light (the window) again.
Study and record plant growth with and without light.
This competence demands that learners are made to carry out an

experiment in which they grow one plant exposed to light and
another one deprived of direct sunlight, by keeping it in a dark room
for a period of several weeks. They would then make regular
observations and record all their observations.
Under normal condition, learners would come to a conclusion that the

plant exposed to direct sunlight grow faster than the plant kept in the
dark room.
Topic 2.4: Plant Diseases & Pests
 list the main three types of diseases affecting plants;

 list the main four types of pests that attack plants, and give one
example of each;
 describe how diseases and pests can cause damage to plants.
Plants diseases
A plant disease is an abnormal growth and/or dysfunction of a plant.

It is caused either by a living (e.g. bacterium, fungus, and virus) or by
a non-living factor (e.g. wind, frost, etc.). Diseases are thus the result
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of some disturbance that such factors inflict upon the normal life
process of the plant.
Types of plant diseases
Plant diseases are categorised according to their causes.
List the main types of diseases affecting plants
There are three main types of plant diseases, namely:
 Bacterial diseases: diseases that are caused by bacteria (e.g. ring

rot).
 Fungal diseases: diseases that are caused by fungi (e.g. rust and
powdery mildew).
 Viral diseases: diseases that are caused by virus (e.g. mosaic
virus).
Plants Pests
A plant pest is any organism that causes any type of harm or damage
to crop plants in different ways.
Types of plant pests
Like diseases, plant pests are also categorised typically depending on

the way they feed on the plant.
List the main four types of pests that attack plants, and give one
example of each.
The four main types of plant pests are:
 Biting and chewing pests, e.g. grasshoppers, corn/armoured

crickets, caterpillars, termites, locust, rats/mouse, snails, slugs,
and beetles
 Boring pests, e.g. stalk borers
 Piercing and sucking pests, e.g. red spider mites, fruit flies,
aphids, mealy bugs, and scales.
 Soil pests, e.g. nematodes/eelworms, cutworms, and white grubs.
Plant damage by diseases
Diseases can damage or harm crop plants at any stage during their
growth time.
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Describe how diseases can cause damage to plants.
Following are some ways in which diseases can cause damage to crop
plants:
 Diseases usually cause poor growing condition in crop plants.

 Diseases cause the crop plant to wilt, have discoloured leaves,
and fruits not ripening.
 Some diseases can destroy the entire crop plant.
 A disease like rot decays roots, stem, flowers, leaves, and
fruits.
 Disease like blight causes plant leaves or branches to suddenly
wither, stop growing, and death.
Plant damage by pests
Like diseases, pests can damage or harm crop plants at any stage
during their growth time.
Describe how pests can cause damage to plants.

Following are some of the ways in which pests can cause damage to
crop plants:
 Some pests cause damage to crop plants by feeding on the
whole crop, or by feeding on the plant parts, e.g. leaves, stem,
and roots.
 During feeding, some pests harm crop plants by injecting
toxic saliva into the plant or by introducing disease-causing
organisms (e.g. virus and bacteria) into plant tissues.
 Some, e.g. boring pests and soil pests, damage the plant vessels
in the stem and roots, stopping the movement of water from
the roots into the stem, and the plant may wilt and die.
 Some, e.g. biting and chewing pests, cut the leaves of crops,
thereby reduce photosynthesis – resulting in slow growth and
poor yield.
 Some pests, e.g. biting and chewing, destroy the storage
organs of the crops.
 Some pests, e.g. piercing and sucking, damage the physical
structure of the plant and cause loss of cell sap, which reduces
the rate of plant growth.
 Pests such as nematodes, feed on the roots of crop plants,
causing them to be poorly developed and stunted.
 During feeding, some pests, e.g. nematodes, may inject toxic
substances into the roots, resulting in the development of
swellings or galls.
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Topic 2.4: Weeds
 define weeds;
 distinguish and remove unwanted plants from the desired
plants.
Define Weeds
A weed is any plant that grows where it is not wanted. They may
include any type of plant – a grass, broad-leaved herbaceous plant or
a woody brush.
Types of weeds
There are many different types of weeds affecting our crop plants.
Distinguish unwanted plants from the desired plants. Some common

weeds are:
 dandelions (taraxacum officinale)

 daturas/thorn apple (datura stramonium)
 couch grass (cynodon dactylon)
 black jack (bidens pilosa)
 morning glory (ipomoea purpurea)
 devil’s thorn (tribulus terrestris)
 witch weed (striga bilabiata)
 bitter apple (citrullus colocynthis
NB: Pictures of the above weeds to be sought, and learners to

familiarise themselves with such weeds.
Removing unwanted plants from the desired plants.
When such weeds are observed among crop plants, they have to be
removed immediately. Traditionally, weeds are removed among crop
plants by uprooting (hand pulling), hoeing/weeding, or by using
chemicals (specific weedicides/herbicides).
Reasons for removing weeds among desired plants:
 They can steal or compete with crop plants for nutrients, water,
and space that should be available for crop plants.
 They harbour pests that can attack crop plants.
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 They can transmit diseases to crop plants.
 They can outgrow crop plants and shade them, blocking them
from direct sunlight.
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THEME 3: Animal Production
 know the types of animals kept on the farm in different regions;

 understand why farmers should take care of farm animals;
 realise that animals need food in order to grow, produce, and
reproduce;
 value the importance of animal housing;
 understand the need for protecting animals against predators,
diseases, and parasites.
Topic 3.1: Types of Farm Animals
 identify the various animals found in their regions like cattle,

sheep, goats, poultry, pigs, game, and ostriches;
 explain the uses of different types of animals that are kept in a
particular region.
Animals in our regions
Namibian farmers in many regions keep a wide range of animals for

various purposes.
Identify the various animals found in our regions.
We keep, among others, such animals as:
 cattle
 goats
 sheep
 donkeys
 horses
 pigs
 mules
 fish
 chickens (poultry)
 ducks (poultry)
 pigeons (poultry)
 guinea fowls (poultry)
 turkeys (poultry)
 ostriches (poultry)
 kudu (game)
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 springbok (game)
 gemsbok (game)
 oryx (game)
NB: Pictures of these animals to be made available for identification

purposes.
The use of different types of animals

The types of animals kept on our farms serve different purposes.
Explain the uses of different types of animals that are kept in our
particular regions.
The following animals serve the purposes as indicated:
 cattle: for milk, meat, and hide/skin

 goats: for milk, meat, skin, and mohair
 sheep: for meat, skin/pelt, and wool
 donkeys: for meat and labour
 horses: for labour, sport, and meat
 mules: for labour
 pigs: for meat, fat, and skins
 poultry: for meat, eggs, and feathers
 games: for meat and skins/hides
 fish: for meat
Topic 3.2: Caring for Farm Animals
 describe how farmers should look after their animals.
Taking care of farm animals
As our animals cannot take care of themselves, it is important that

we, farmers, take good care of them so that they can serve the
purposes they are kept for.
Describe how farmers should look after their animals.
As farmers, we can take care of our animals by regularly:
 providing them with adequate quality feeds and clean water.

 providing them with proper shelter to protect them against bad
weather (e.g. rainstorm, wind, cold, and hot sun.
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 providing medications to sick animals.
 guarding them to give protection against predators and thieves.
 vaccinating them to prevent them from diseases and parasites.
Topic 3.3: Feeding of Animals
 list the type of food needed by animals;

 distinguish between natural pasture and fodder.
Animal feeding
Animals in general require the same nutrients as humans. For their

normal growth, production, reproduction, and to serve other purposes,
our animals need to be fed on a regular basis.
List the type of food needed by animals.
Animals such as cattle, goats, sheep, horses, mules, and donkeys need
the following types of feeds:
 Natural pasture grass, shrubs, forbs, and trees

 Fodder (hay, silage, grains, and straw)
 Mineral licks/licks
 Water
Pigs need feeds such as:

 meat and meat products
 oilseed meal
 mash (a mixture of crushed grains)
 water
Poultry need feeds such as:

 cereal grains
 crumbles (broken grains)
 pellets
 mash (a mixture of crushed grains)
 water
Fodder and natural pasture
Some animals can be given fodder or they can feed themselves from
the natural pasture.
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Distinguish between natural pasture and fodder.
Fodder is any man-prepared feed that is given to animals by the

farmer. Fodder is food that a farmer prepares and given to the
animals (including plants cut and carried to them), rather than that
which they forage for themselves (called forage). Fodder includes hay,
straw, silage, compressed and pelleted feeds, oils and mixed rations,
sprouted grains, and legumes (e.g. bean sprouts and fresh malt) that
are prepared and put out for animals.
Natural pasture is any area or veld with grass and vegetation or

plants that grow naturally and grazed or eaten by animals as feeds.
Natural pasture contains vegetation that naturally grown, and
animals can graze by themselves.
Topic 3.4: Housing
 discuss the importance of animal houses;

 select and build a simple structure for animal houses using local
materials.
Animal housing
Like human beings, animals also need housing or shelter for various
reasons.
The importance of housing
Animal houses such as cage, kraal, pen, or stall, are very important to
animals.
Discuss the importance of animal houses.
Animal houses are important because they:
 offer animals protection from harsh weather elements, e.g. rain

storm, heat, wind, etc.
 help to protect animals against diseases.
 help with easy feeding.
 protect animals against predators and thieves.
 make it easy to feed and handle animals when carrying out
certain operations, e.g. castration, dehorning, etc.
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Building animal structure
Learners should choose to build a simple structure, e.g. for chickens,

pigs, or goats. However, the house/structure should be built with
readily available material, e.g. reeds, stones, bush poles, etc. – the
material that are cost-free.
Select and build a simple structure for animal houses using local
materials.
Topic 3.5: Animal diseases, parasites, and predators
 list any two common diseases, parasites, and predators that

attack animals in their areas;
 explain how these diseases, parasites, and predators can be
prevented from attacking our animals.
Animal diseases
Like plants and humans, animals also do suffer from diseases. An

animal disease is simply any condition whereby the normal functions
of any organ or the body of an animal is disturbed or impaired. Such
condition (disease) is caused either by a pathogen (e.g. bacterium,
protozoon, parasite, fungus, and virus) or by other agents.
Common diseases
There is a wide range of diseases commonly affecting different

animals.
List any two common diseases that attack animals in our areas.
Following are different diseases commonly affecting various farm

animals in our areas:
 Foot and mouth disease (affecting all cloven-

(FMD)
hooved/divided hooves farm animals, e.g. cattle, goats, etc.)
 Rift Valley Fever (RVF) (affecting cattle, goats, sheep, and
buffalo).
 Anthrax (affecting cattle and horses)
 Rubies (affecting dogs, cattle, sheep, and horses)
 Newcastle disease (affecting poultry)
 Fowl pox (affecting poultry)
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 Lung sickness (affecting cattle, donkeys, and horses)
 Footrot/foot scald (affecting goats)
Disease prevention
It is vital that our animals are prevented against such diseases.
Explain how such diseases can be prevented.
Animal diseases can be prevented by:
 Keeping animal living and sleeping areas clean all time as

germs stay in dirty conditions.
 Feeding your animals with clean and nutritional feeds.
 Regularly dipping or physically spraying animals to control
disease-causing parasites.
 Isolating any sick animal from the rest of the herd for the
disease not to spread to healthy animals.
 Regularly vaccinating your animals to keep them healthy.
 Avoiding animals to stay in swampy/wet areas, as they
encourage diseases like Footrot.
 Properly disposing of all carcasses, either by burying or by
burning.
 Regularly clean and disinfect animal houses to kill germs and
disease-causing parasites.
 Rotate the grazing for animals such as goats, sheep, and cattle
to disrupt the life cycles of diseases.
 All new arrivals (new animals) to the farm should be isolated for
at least 30 days and dewormed.
Parasites for animals
A parasite is an organism that is dependent on another organism for

food. Some parasites live inside (internal parasites) while others live
outside (external parasites) another organism. Parasites, unlike
predators, are usually much smaller than their host (the organism on
which they are dependent for food), and they reproduce at a faster
rate. Parasites can result in great economic losses.
Common animal parasites
Our animals are usually affected by a wide range of parasites.
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List any two common parasites affecting animals in our regions.
Parasites such as:
commonly affect various farm animals in our areas.
Prevention of parasites
Like in case of diseases, animals should also be prevented from

parasites.
Explain how such parasites can be prevented.
Parasites can be prevented by:
 Regularly dipping or spraying animals for external parasites.

 Selecting for animals that are parasite-resistant.
 Oral dosing or deworming animals regularly, to prevent
internal parasites.
 Avoiding animals to stay in swampy/wet areas as they
encourage parasites stay there.
 Inspecting animals regularly to detect early signs of parasite
infestation.
 Regularly shearing (removing the wool) animals such as sheep,
because their long wool can be a safe habitat for certain
parasites.
 Regularly cleaning and disinfecting animal houses to keep them
parasite-free.
 Rotating the grazing of animals such as goats, sheep, and cattle
to disrupt the life cycles of parasites.
 Isolating and deworming all new arrivals (new animals) to the
farm for at least 30 days.
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Predators for animals
A predator is any animal that hunt and kill other animals for food.
Many of our farm animals always fall prey to a wide range of
predators. Like diseases and parasites, animal predators can also
result in great economic losses.
Common predators
List any two common predators affecting animals in our areas.
Following are predators commonly affecting various farm animals in

our areas:
 Caracals
 Cheetah
 African wild dogs
 Leopards
 Snakes
 Hawks
 Eagles
 Skunks
 Lions
 Jackals
Predator prevention
Like in the case of diseases and parasites, animals should also be

prevented from predators.
Explain how such predators can be prevented.
This can be done by:
 Using effective fencing or predator-proof fence.

 Patrolling the fence on a regular basis.
 Keeping properly trained and aggressive guardian dogs to kill
or keep predators away.
 Ensuring night confinement of all animals are close to residence.
 Using noise, light, and other deterrents to scare predators.
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THEME 4: Financial Management
 outline the procedures used in preparing a family budget by

identifying the sources of income expenditures and match the
two;
 calculate income by keeping personal and family financial
records.
Financial management
Financial management is simply the efficient and careful use of

money. If you are tired of being stressed out about money all the time,
you thus need to get a hold on your personal finances.
Family budget
A family budget is a plan or statement which shows the distribution

of how the family income is spent on various items of expenditure. A
family budget can be simple or detailed, depending on the needs. It is
an important tool, because:
 It is used to manage personal finances and save family money.

 It is key to success, as it will give you the most control of your
financial future.
 It can help you reach the rest of your plans.
Preparation of a family budget
Preparing a family budget is an important task in financial

management. Such task (preparing a family budget) may appear to be
simple to some families, while it remains overwhelming to others.
Outline the procedures used in preparing a family budget
In any case, drawing up a family budget follows the following

procedures:
1. Determine your family's monthly income earnings from all

sources. This should include all income from all members of the
household that participate in paying the bills.
2. Create an expense chart, listing out all expenses, including basic
needs. This will absolutely provide an opportunity to thoroughly
review expenses.
3. Determine monthly spending, and include a reasonable amount
for fluctuating bills and unexpected expenses.
2018

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4. Compare the monthly income against the expense chart, by
subtracting the lower number from the higher. This will give
you either a surplus (+) or deficit (-) for the income amount.
5. Balance the budget by reviewing all of the numbers on the
expense chart. Consider how you can reasonably cut spending
for each item.
6. Make cuts where they are reasonably possible, mindful of actual
living realities.
7. After cuts are made, re-balance the budget.
8. Review the budge regularly, especially when considering major
purchases.
Calculate income by keeping personal and family financial records.
An example of a Family monthly budget with expenses and income

from different sources is given below.
Income Amount (N$) Expenses Amount (N$)

Father’ s wage 2,000.00 Food 500.00
Mother’ wage 800.00 Water 150.00
Interest from 350.00 School uniform 200.00
savings/dividends
Auctioned horse 1,500.00 Books 50.00
Sold tomatoes 50.00 Car instalment 1,000.00
Hospital 200.00
Cattle herder 350.00
Fertiliser 150.00
Others 800.00
Total 4,700.00 3,400.00
Net Income (Income – Expenses) 1,300.00
Base on the calculations, after all the expenses of their needs and
wants have been taken out, the family still has a surplus (+) of
N$1,300.00.
2018

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ELEMENTARY AGRICULTURE
TEACHER’S NOTES
GRADE 5
2018

26

Elementary Agriculture Teacher'S Notes Grade 5: Compiled By: TT Amadhila For Teachers in Oshikoto Region

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ELEMENTARY AGRICULTURE

Compiled By: TT Amadhila For Teachers in Oshikoto

It is an undeniable fact that the teaching and learning of our subject,

Cognisance should, however, be taken that, due to limited resources,

Lastly, many thanks for your endeavours to have always been

Teacher’s Notes Grade 5

Upon completion of this theme, learners will:

 understand that Agriculture provides food and income to the

Topic 1.1: The Role or Importance Agriculture to the Family

Upon completion of this topic, leaners would be able to:

 distinguish between food for human and animal consumption;

Agriculture as a food provider

Distinguish the food for human and animal consumption.

Teacher’s Notes Grade 5

Food provided by animals and plants

Different animals and plants provide us with a wide range of food.

Food from animals

Animals provide such food as:

Food from plants

Plants provide such food as:

 fruits (e.g. bananas, apples, pears, oranges, guavas, grapes, etc.)

NB: Assign learners to Identify and collect food samples to distinguish

List the types of food produced locally in your communities.

In many of our communities, we produce:

 meat from farm and or game animals

Teacher’s Notes Grade 5

Topic 1.2: The Economic Importance of Agriculture

Upon completion of this topic, leaners would be able to:

 list successful Agro-businesses in their communities and their

We can define an Agro-business/Agri-business as follows:

 It is any business collectively associated with the production,

NB: We definitely operate from different communities. Some

Characteristics of the owners of successful Agro-businesses

Teacher’s Notes Grade 5

The owners of the successful Agro-business share the following

 Honest: They are honest to themselves and their customers or

Learners should thus Select simple Agro-business activities. Some of

 Harvesting animal feeds, e.g. grass, ponds, stover, etc.

Teacher’s Notes Grade 5

Upon completion of this topic, leaners would be able to:

 identify the causes of soil erosion; and

Types of soil erosion

Causes of soil erosion

Effect of soil erosion

Teacher’s Notes Grade 5

Soil erosion has the following effects on crops:

Explain the effect of soil erosion on animals

Soil erosion has the following effects on animals:

 Animals will starve, because vegetation, especially grass and

Teacher’s Notes Grade 5

Upon completion of this theme, learners will:

 understand the importance of soil in plant growth;

Topic 2.1: The Soil

Upon completion of this topic, leaners would be able to:

 identify different types of soil such as clay, sand, and loam;

Soil is the unconsolidated (loose) mineral or organic material on the

There are different types of soil, namely:

Identify different types of soil

Different soil types can be identified based on their characteristics.

Clay soil: This is the soil type that:

Sand soil: This is the type of soil that:

Teacher’s Notes Grade 5

Traditionally, plants are grown in the soil, as the vast available