Skills – at the end of the module the learner will have gained the expertise to:

Theme: Living Nature

a) Practice utilising proper safety gear under supervision.

b) Distinguish between the different types of soil with special reference to the local types.

c) Identify nutrient deficiencies in soil.

d) Perform a simple soil test.

e) Spot recurrent patterns in nature and analyse their functions.

f) Use water saving techniques.

g) Discover the properties and uses of different wild and cultivated plants and trees.

h) Observe interactions between elements, habitats and how the whole is more than the sum of the parts. (Everything is connected).

i) Distinguish between different landscapes (garigue, fields, hills, beaches, etc.)

j) Give a brief review of Integrated Pest Management basics including healthy, living

soil, healthy environment, the use of natural pesticides and natural pest predators and the use of animals in pest control.

 

Theme: Growing Food

k) Follow instructions given by a supervisor (e.g. measuring the right proportions of nutrients and water as indicated by a supervisor).

l) Interact with peers using the correct terminology used in farming.

m) Arrange processes in a sequential manner (e.g. the steps followed to plant a seed; water a plant; take a cutting).

n) Use tools and equipment according to the job entailed (e.g. a spade to prepare a hole in the soil; watering can to water plants).

o) Follow health and safety protocol when handling tools, equipment and material.

p) Collect, save and store seeds.

q) Design a crop rotation plan.

r) Practise companion planting, crop diversity not monoculture, and making use of dynamic accumulators and non-hybrid seeds.

s) Practice farming techniques which promote independence (these include using local resources as much as possible, using organic methods of farm management including compost and mulch, catching and storing rainfall, integrating several variety of crops thus improving productivity, using efficient systems of irrigation, using organic weed control methods).

t) Construct raised garden beds, wicking beds and keyhole beds.

u) Practice calculating cost of production