AGRO 102 – Introduction and Development of
Agriculture
Definition of Agriculture
• Agriculture is the science, art, and business of cultivating crops and rearing animals for human
use.
• Components include crop production, animal husbandry, agroforestry, fisheries, and apiculture.
Origin and Development of Agriculture
• Early humans were hunters and gatherers before transitioning to farming (~10,000 years ago).
• Domestication of plants and animals provided a reliable food supply.
• Agriculture spread globally: Mesopotamia (irrigation), Asia (rice, tea), Americas (maize,
potatoes), Africa (sorghum, yams, coffee).
• Phases: Subsistence farming → Commercial farming → Modern farming.
Branches of Agriculture
• Crop Science – agronomy, horticulture, plant breeding.
• Animal Science – livestock production, veterinary science.
• Soil Science – fertility, conservation, land use.
• Agricultural Economics – farm management, agribusiness, marketing.
• Agricultural Engineering – mechanization, irrigation, post-harvest.
• Agricultural Extension & Education – farmer training.
Importance of Agriculture
• Economic: GDP, employment, foreign exchange.
• Social: food, shelter, clothing, cultural values.
• Environmental: land use, conservation, biodiversity.
• Industrial: provides raw materials (cotton, sugarcane, pyrethrum).
Systems of Agriculture
• Shifting cultivation – temporary land use.
• Subsistence farming – small-scale for household needs.
• Pastoralism – livestock rearing in ASALs.
• Plantation farming – large-scale cash crop farming.
• Mixed farming – crops + livestock.
• Modern/Mechanized farming – machinery, irrigation, chemicals.
• Agroforestry – integration of crops, trees, and livestock.
Factors Influencing Agriculture
• Physical: climate, soils, topography.
• Biological: pests, diseases, weeds.
• Economic: capital, markets, credit, infrastructure.
• Social/Cultural: land tenure, traditions, labor.
• Technological: mechanization, biotechnology.
• Government policies: subsidies, extension services.
Agricultural Development in Africa
• Colonial era introduced cash crops like coffee, tea, sisal, cotton.
• Post-independence: irrigation expansion (Perkerra, Bura schemes in Kenya).
• Challenges: land fragmentation, climate change, low mechanization.
Challenges Facing Agriculture
• Climate change and drought.
• Soil degradation and deforestation.
• Pests and diseases (locusts, armyworms).
• Inadequate infrastructure.
• High cost of inputs.
• Poor policies and market fluctuations.
Future of Agriculture
• Sustainable farming systems.
• Use of ICT in agriculture.
• Climate-smart agriculture.
• Biotechnology and GMOs.
• Mechanization and robotics.
• Youth involvement in agribusiness.
Sample CAT Questions
• 1. Define agriculture and explain its main components.
• 2. Discuss the origin and spread of agriculture worldwide.
• 3. Explain five systems of agriculture practiced in Africa.
• 4. Highlight the importance of agriculture to the economy of a country.
• 5. Discuss challenges facing agricultural development in Africa.
• 6. Suggest strategies for sustainable agriculture in the 21st century.
