HOW FARMING IS DONE IN MY COMMUNITY AND THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF FARM TOOLS USED @kataali

Hello colleague steemians and those in the Steem Cameroon community. I hope everyone is doing well 😍. Steem Cameroon in partnership with @thegreens has organized a wonderful contest which aim at promoting our knowledge and skills regarding the farming activities in our various Communities. Thank you so much for organizing such contest.

HOW FARMING IS DONE IN MY COMMUNITY

_{A picture of me in a plantain farm.}

Farming refers to the cultivation of crops and rearing of animals. planting of seeds, cultivation of edible plants and rearing of animals for milk or meat, hunting and gathering are all examples of farming activities in my community

I lived in the Northern part of Ghana were by our main source of income is through these farming activities.

The principal food crops in my community include; maize, millet, cowpeas, sorghum , rice, groundnuts, and yam. Also livestock and poultry such as goats, sheep , cattles, dogs, rabbit, birds, fowl , gunea fowl are kept by the majority of rural households in my community.

_{A picture of cassava farm in my community.}

TYPES OF FARMING SYSTEMS IN MY COMMUNITY

There are different kinds of farming systems which are practiced by the people of my community. some of them include ;

Mixed farming
This is an agricultural farming practice in which a farmer simultaneously grows crops and raises animals on the same piece of land. At the same time, he plants a variety of crops with varied maturation phases.

Cropping continues throughout the season. In mixed farming, the droppings of the animals are used as manure by the farmer, therefore less synthetic fertilizer is used. Some farm animals are also raised and used as farm traction by the farmer.

Subsistence Farming
This type of farming allows the farmer to feed himself and his family. Farming is typically done on tiny plots of land with basic farm equipment. The farmers in this system are commonly thought to be poor. They don't use as much fertilizer or enhanced seeds as they should.

In most cases, productivity is low. Furthermore, they rarely have access to electricity or irrigation. The farmers and their families consume the majority of the food they grow.

Livestock/pastoral farming
In this type of farming, farmers only rear cattles but do not cultivate crops. Dairy farming, beef cattle production, and wool production are just a few examples.

Farmers employ available feed supplies to feed their cattle in this system. Unlike nomadic farming, they do not relocate their cattle. Farmers create pastures for their animals.

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Arable Farming
The farmer plants solely crops in this farming technique. He grows annual crops such as vegetables, plantains, cassava, cereals, and legumes, among others. This technology can be used on a small or large scale for business purposes.

In Arable farming, the farmer grows only crops, the farmer need specialised skills and know-how .

Plantation Farming/ Tree crop farming
In plantation Farming, a farmer plants one type of crop on a reasonably big amount of land, this is referred to as monoculture. Rubber, tea, coffee, and cocoa are among the crops grown. Spices, coconut, apples, grapes, oranges, mangoes, avocado, and other fruits and vegetables are also included.

It is frequently done on a business basis with a significant capital outlay. The system necessitates sound management and technological expertise. Machines, fertilizers, irrigation, and other facilities may be required.

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POSITIVE IMPACT OF FARMING IN MY COMMUNITY

Agriculture plays a crucial role in the economy of my community and Ghana as a whole and provides the main source of food, income and employment to the people.

Through farming ,majority of the world's food and textiles are produced. Agricultural items include cotton, wool, and leather. Wood for construction and paper products are also provided through farming activities.

NEGATIVE IMPACT OF FARMING ON MY COMMUNITY

Some major farming activities contributes to a larger number of environmental issues that cause environmental degradation such as bush burning, climate change, deforestation, biodiversity loss, dead zones, genetic engineering, irrigation problems, pollutants, soil degradation, and waste.

_{A rare picture of bush burning emanating from bad farm practices.}

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CHALLENGES AFFECTING FARMERS IN MY COMMUNITY

The fundamental challenges affecting smallholder farmers in my community include ;
poor soils, low productivity and changes in climatic conditions. In addition, land grapping by foreign private companies has become a significant concern of peasant farmers in my community .

Climate change is another issue that is harming their farming technique and ability to produce on time. Purchasing goods is increasingly in demand during natural disasters

Insufficient amount of water
Agriculture is the most water-intensive industry on the planet.This is because water is one of the major fundamental needs which is suppose to be taking into consideration before engaging in any farming activities.
Water is one of the most serious issues most of the peasant farmers in my community are struggling with.

Cost of Energy
The high cost of power or electricity that our farmers are responsible for is a major issue. This is one of the most pressing concerns farmers in my community face on a daily basis. The cost is excessive, and the farmer frequently loses half of his earnings.

THE TYPES OF FARM TOOLS USED IN MY COMMUNITY

Farm tools are all the instruments that are used in farmlands to make farm work easier. Some are simple hand tools that are frequently used on small farms, while others are massive agricultural machinery that are used on much larger farms.

Human labor is reduced by the use of tools and machinery. Farmers are employing tools, equipment, and machinery to increase farm production while also cutting labor costs.
Below are some of the farm tools used in my community.

Hoe
A hoe is a multipurpose agricultural hand tool that may be used to shape soil, control weeds, remove soil, and harvest root crops. Piling earth around the base of plants (hilling) or constructing narrow furrows (drills) and shallow trenches for planting seeds and bulbs are two ways to shape the soil.

Cutting leaves from the roots and removing the soil of old roots and crop leftovers can be done with a hoe to control weeds. Hoes can be used to dig and move dirt during the harvesting of root crops like cassava, sweet potatoes, yam, etc

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Spade and Shovel
A shovel is a tool that is used to dig, lift, and move bulk items like soil, coal, gravel, snow, sand, or ore. Shovels are widely used in farming, construction, and gardening. The majority of shovels are hand tools with a broad blade attached to a medium-length handle.

Hand Sickle
A sickle is a hand-held agricultural implement with a curved blade that is commonly used for harvesting grain crops or cutting succulent fodder for livestock feed (either freshly cut or dried as hay). Hand sickles come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and they're utilized in a variety of cultures.

Pickaxe
They are used as gardening tools, as well as to break up hard terrain and as farming instruments.

Rake
The main function of the rake is to loosen and level the ground .

Sprinkler
A sprinkler is a gadget that is used to water farm goods, yards, and other areas. The sprinkler is highly effective for cooling and controlling flying debris. It's a method of applying water that mimics natural rainfall.

Pumping is used to move water via a system of channels. Sprinklers spray water into the air with the objective of separating it into little water drops that fall to the ground.

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Tractor
The tractor is an important piece of agriculture equipment. This is now standard farming equipment all around the world. Because of its size and power, it can work in difficult terrain while dragging or towing agricultural items. It is the most widely used and multifunctional agricultural machine.

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Harvester /Combine-harvester
The combine harvester is a large piece of equipment with mowing combs and a rake. The utilization of labor and production expenses have both been reduced thanks to this machine. It has the ability to operate and harvest with accuracy. For the farmer, harvesters are a guarantee of efficiency.

CONCLUSION

Thanks to @steem-cameroon and @thegreens for organizing such a wonderful contest.

Thank you for reading .