Page 14 - Agriculture_Form_3

Agriculture for Secondary Schools

FOR ONLINE READING ONLY

Figure 1.2 (i): Lima bean Figure 1.2 (j): Green gram

Tanzania has diverse agricultural climates and soils, allowing different cereal
and pulse crops to thrive in specific ecological conditions. Farmers choose crops
based on local conditions to ensure a better yield. Maize is the most popular
cereal that grows in many regions with high and moderate rainfall. Sorghum and
millets are drought-tolerant crops cultivated in dry areas, while rice thrives in wet
environments. Wheat and barley grow well in cooler regions.

Among pulses, common beans are widely grown and offer the cheapest and most
reliable source of protein and other nutrients such as B vitamins, iron, calcium
and zinc. In addition to providing nutrients, pulses such as cowpeas, pigeon peas,
peanuts and bambara groundnuts are known to thrive in drier areas and are good
for improving soil fertility.

Activity 1.1

Visit nearby farms, markets, or home gardens and observe various cereal and
pulse crops grown/sold. Write a report on the crops that are most common in
your area.

Exercise 1.1

1. Identify cereals and pulses that are commonly grown in your area. Explain
why.

2. Cereals and pulses are considered staple food crops. Justify this statement.

Student’s Book Form Three 5

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