INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURE

GENERAL OBJECTIVES

On completion of this section, students should:

1. understand the concept of agricultural science and agriculture;

2. understand the role of agriculture in the local, regional and international economies;

3. be aware of the role of support services in modern agricultural economies; and,

4. be aware of the challenges affecting agriculture locally and regionally.

Agricultural Science and Agriculture

Specific objectives

1. explain the relationship between agriculture and agricultural science;

2. explain the history of agriculture in the Caribbean;

3. describe conventional and nonconventional crops and livestock farming systems;

4. explain the principles that govern organic farming.

Topics

• Definition and scope of agriculture and agricultural science.

• Brief discussion of the development of agriculture in the region in pre-colonial, colonial and post-colonial times.

• Conventional vs Non-conventional Crop and Livestock Farming

• Organic Farming: Principles and Practices

Role of Agriculture and Support Services

Specific Objectives

1. Discuss the importance of agriculture in national, regional and international economies;

2. Describe types of agricultural enterprises;

3. State the functions of the local, regional and international institutions.

Topics:

• Role and Importance of Agriculture

• The Scope and Scale of Agricultural Operations

• Local Agricultural Institutions

• Regional Agricultural Institutions

• International Agricultural Institutions

Challenges in Agriculture

Specific Objectives:

Students should be able to:

1. discuss the major challenges affecting local and regional agriculture and possible solutions.

Topics:

Local and Regional Challenges to Agriculture