Level: JHS, Basic 8 | Subject: Integrated Science | Strand: Systems | Topic: Agricultural Tools
Curriculum reference: NaCCA Basic 8 Integrated Science, Systems (Farming). These notes cover the standard scope of the topic.
1. Why Tools Matter in Farming
Farm tools and machines make work easier, faster and less tiring. They help farmers clear land, prepare the soil, plant, weed, harvest and process crops, and look after animals.
2. Hand Tools
| Tool | Use |
|---|---|
| Cutlass | Clearing bush, cutting weeds, harvesting plantain and cassava |
| Axe | Felling trees and chopping wood |
| Hoe | Loosening soil, weeding, making mounds and ridges |
| Spade and shovel | Digging, moving soil and compost |
| Fork | Loosening soil, turning compost, lifting root crops |
| Rake | Levelling the soil, collecting weeds and dry leaves |
| Trowel | Transplanting seedlings and digging small holes |
| Pickaxe | Breaking hard ground and stones |
| Watering can | Watering nurseries and seedlings |
| Wheelbarrow | Carrying soil, manure, harvests and farm waste |
| Secateurs | Pruning branches of trees and shrubs |
| Sprayer | Applying pesticides, herbicides or liquid fertiliser |
| Sickle | Harvesting grains such as rice and millet |
3. Farm Machines
- Tractor: pulls ploughs, harrows and trailers.
- Plough: breaks and turns the soil (primary tillage).
- Harrow: breaks soil lumps into fine tilth (secondary tillage).
- Planter or seed drill: places seeds at the right spacing and depth.
- Combine harvester: harvests and threshes grain crops like maize and rice.
- Irrigation pump: supplies water to crops in the dry season.
- Grating and milling machines: process cassava into gari and grind grain.
4. Grouping Tools by Farm Operation
| Operation | Tools |
|---|---|
| Land clearing | Cutlass, axe, bulldozer |
| Land preparation | Hoe, pickaxe, plough, harrow, rake |
| Planting | Dibber, trowel, planter |
| Weeding and crop care | Hoe, cutlass, sprayer, watering can |
| Harvesting | Cutlass, sickle, combine harvester |
| Transport | Wheelbarrow, trailer |
5. Simple Machines in Farm Tools
Many tools work as simple machines. A wheelbarrow is a lever with the wheel as the pivot. A hoe and a spade are levers. A cutlass blade, an axe and a knife are wedges. Wheels and axles reduce friction when moving loads.
6. Care and Maintenance of Tools
- Clean tools after use and remove soil.
- Sharpen cutting edges such as cutlasses and axes.
- Oil metal parts lightly to prevent rust.
- Tighten loose handles and replace broken ones.
- Store tools in a dry place and hang them up properly.
- Service machines regularly (oil, filters, belts).
7. Safety Rules
- Use the right tool for the right job.
- Wear boots, gloves and protective clothing.
- Carry cutting tools with the blade pointing down and covered.
- Keep children away from sharp tools, sprayers and machines.
- Wear a mask and gloves when handling chemicals, and wash hands afterwards.
- Never leave tools lying on the ground where people can step on them.
Remember: Match each tool to its job, keep it clean and sharp, and always work safely.
Ready to practise?
Education Always (education.inspiringalways.com). Original notes written to follow the NaCCA Basic 8 Integrated Science curriculum.