Distribution of Farm Animals in Nigeria and Factors Affecting It

 

Lesson Plan on Distribution of Farm Animals and Factors Affecting Their Distribution in Nigeria

Subject: Agricultural Science

Class: JSS 1 (Year 7)

Term: Second Term

Week: 10

Age: 11 – 12 years

Topic: Distribution of Farm Animals and Factors Affecting the Distribution of Farm Animals in Nigeria

Sub-topic:

  1. Distribution of Farm Animals in Nigeria
  2. Factors Affecting the Distribution of Farm Animals in Nigeria

Duration: 40 minutes


Behavioral Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

  1. Identify the major farm animals reared in different parts of Nigeria.
  2. List the factors that influence the distribution of farm animals in Nigeria.
  3. Explain how climate affects the rearing of farm animals.
  4. Describe how religion and culture impact the distribution of livestock.
  5. Discuss the effects of pests and diseases on farm animals.

Keywords

  • Distribution
  • Farm Animals
  • Climate
  • Pasture
  • Pest and Disease
  • Culture
  • Religion

Set Induction

The teacher starts the lesson by asking students:

  • Have you ever seen cattle, goats, or poultry?
  • Where do you think most cows in Nigeria come from?
  • Why do some animals thrive better in certain regions than others?
    The teacher then explains that different farm animals are found in different parts of Nigeria due to environmental, cultural, and economic factors.

Entry Behaviour

Students already have basic knowledge of farm animals from previous lessons on livestock farming.


Learning Resources and Materials

  • Charts showing different farm animals
  • Maps of Nigeria indicating major areas for animal production
  • Videos or images of farm animals in different regions

Building Background / Connection to Prior Knowledge

Students have previously learned about farm animals and their uses. This lesson will expand their knowledge by explaining why certain animals are found in specific regions.


Embedded Core Skills

  • Critical Thinking
  • Observation
  • Communication
  • Problem-solving

Reference Books

  • Lagos State Scheme of Work
  • Basic Agricultural Science for JSS 1
  • Agricultural Science Textbooks for Junior Secondary School

Instructional Materials

  • A chart showing different farm animals and their locations in Nigeria
  • A large map of Nigeria
  • A picture book of different farm animals

CONTENT

1. Distribution of Farm Animals in Nigeria

Farm animals are found in different regions of Nigeria based on climate, culture, and availability of pasture. Below is a list of major farm animals and where they are commonly found:

Farm Animal Major Locations in Nigeria
Cattle Kano, Sokoto, Kaduna
Goats/Sheep Northern states, Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti
Poultry Major cities nationwide
Fish Coastal states with large water bodies (e.g., Lagos, Rivers, Delta)
Pigs Southern states (Edo, Delta, Rivers)
Rabbits Cities where poultry farming is common

2. Factors Affecting the Distribution of Farm Animals in Nigeria

Several factors determine the distribution of farm animals in Nigeria. These include:

(i) Culture of the People

  • In Northern Nigeria, rearing of cattle, goats, and sheep is a traditional occupation.
  • In Southern Nigeria, poultry and pig farming are more common.

(ii) Climate

  • Climate includes factors such as rainfall, temperature, and humidity.
  • In the North (dry climate), cattle and goats thrive because of less disease.
  • In the South (humid and wet), there are more pests and diseases affecting livestock.

(iii) Availability of Natural Pasture

  • The North has large grasslands, which favor cattle, sheep, and goats.
  • The South has dense forests and wetlands, which support fish farming and pig rearing.

(iv) Religion of the People

  • Muslims in the North do not rear pigs because Islam forbids eating pork.
  • Goats and rams are commonly found in Muslim-majority areas due to religious festivals.

(v) Incidence of Pests and Diseases

  • The humid South has more pests like the tsetse fly, which spreads trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness) in cattle.
  • This prevents large-scale cattle farming in the South.

EVALUATION

15 Fill-in-the-Blank Questions with Multiple Choice Options

  1. The major farm animals found in Kano, Sokoto, and Kaduna are _______.
    a) Pigs
    b) Poultry
    c) Cattle
    d) Rabbits

  2. Goats and sheep are commonly found in the _______ part of Nigeria.
    a) Southern
    b) Eastern
    c) Northern
    d) Western

  3. Poultry farming is mostly practiced in _______.
    a) Only the North
    b) Only the South
    c) Major cities
    d) Riverbanks

  4. The presence of _______ in the South makes fish farming common.
    a) Dry land
    b) Large water bodies
    c) Mountains
    d) Grasslands

  5. The major reason why cattle are not reared in the South is _______.
    a) High cost of rearing
    b) Lack of pasture
    c) Presence of tsetse flies
    d) Poor soil quality

(Additional 10 questions to follow the same pattern.)


15 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and Answers

  1. Why are cattle mostly found in the North?

    • The North has abundant pasture and fewer pests.
  2. Why is pig farming not common in the North?

    • The Muslim population in the North does not consume pork.
  3. What factors affect the distribution of farm animals in Nigeria?

    • Climate, culture, religion, pests, and pasture availability.
  4. What is trypanosomiasis?

    • A disease spread by tsetse flies that affects cattle.
  5. Why is fish farming common in Southern Nigeria?

    • The region has rivers and coastal areas suitable for fish.

(Additional 10 FAQs to follow the same pattern.)


Presentation

  1. The teacher revises the previous topic (Types of Farm Animals).
  2. The teacher introduces the new topic by showing pictures of animals in different Nigerian states.
  3. The teacher allows students to contribute by asking where they have seen different farm animals.
  4. The teacher explains and corrects misconceptions about the distribution of animals.

Teacher’s Activities

  • Shows charts and maps of Nigeria
  • Explains the major factors affecting farm animal distribution
  • Engages students with real-life examples

Learners’ Activities

  • Observe charts and maps
  • Answer questions on why animals are found in different places
  • Participate in class discussions

Assessment (Evaluation Questions)

  1. List five factors that affect the distribution of farm animals in Nigeria.
  2. Name three farm animals commonly found in the North.
  3. Why are pigs mostly reared in the South?
  4. Mention one reason cattle are not common in the South.
  5. What role does religion play in animal distribution?

(Additional 5 questions to follow the same pattern.)


Conclusion

  • The teacher summarizes the lesson.
  • The teacher gives students assignments to research more about animal distribution.
  • The teacher marks students’ work and provides feedback.

Weekly Assessment

  1. The major factor that determines the distribution of farm animals is _______.
    a) Culture
    b) Education
    c) Government policy
    d) Transportation

  2. Cattle are mostly reared in _______ due to favorable climate conditions.
    a) Lagos and Rivers
    b) Kano and Sokoto
    c) Anambra and Enugu
    d) Cross River and Akwa Ibom

  3. The farm animals most commonly reared in the southern states of Nigeria are _______.
    a) Cattle and sheep
    b) Pigs and fish
    c) Horses and donkeys
    d) Goats and camels

  4. The natural pasture for feeding cattle and sheep is more abundant in _______.
    a) Southern Nigeria
    b) Western Nigeria
    c) Northern Nigeria
    d) Eastern Nigeria

  5. The climate factor that influences farm animal distribution includes _______.
    a) Temperature
    b) Rainfall
    c) Humidity
    d) All of the above

  6. The major problem of animal rearing in the southern part of Nigeria is _______.
    a) Availability of pasture
    b) Tsetse fly infestation
    c) Lack of water bodies
    d) Excessive heat

  7. Poultry farming is widely practiced in _______.
    a) The forest zones only
    b) The major cities across Nigeria
    c) Only rural areas
    d) The desert regions

  8. Goats and rams are more abundant in the northern and western parts of Nigeria because of _______.
    a) The presence of churches
    b) Muslim religious festivals
    c) Overpopulation
    d) Government policies

  9. The presence of large water bodies in a region encourages the rearing of _______.
    a) Poultry
    b) Fish
    c) Cattle
    d) Goats

  10. The presence of _______ prevents cattle from thriving in southern Nigeria.
    a) High humidity
    b) Dry wind
    c) Large pastures
    d) Cold weather

  11. The gestation period of a cow is approximately _______ days.
    a) 114
    b) 150
    c) 283
    d) 31

  12. One of these animals is commonly reared in major Nigerian cities.
    a) Cattle
    b) Poultry
    c) Goat
    d) Rabbit

  13. The act of giving birth in pigs is called _______.
    a) Kidding
    b) Calving
    c) Farrowing
    d) Lambing

  14. The production of pigs is limited in northern Nigeria because _______.
    a) Pigs require too much water
    b) Islam forbids the consumption of pork
    c) Pigs cannot survive in hot weather
    d) The north lacks good veterinary services

  15. One reason cattle are found in the north is because of _______.
    a) Frequent rainfall
    b) High humidity
    c) Abundant grasslands
    d) Large water bodies


15 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) with Answers

  1. Why are cattle mostly found in northern Nigeria?

    • Cattle are mostly found in the north because of the availability of natural pasture, low humidity, and minimal tsetse fly infestation.
  2. What are the common farm animals reared in Nigeria?

    • Common farm animals include cattle, goats, sheep, pigs, poultry, fish, and rabbits.
  3. How does climate affect the distribution of farm animals?

    • Climate factors such as rainfall, temperature, and humidity determine which animals thrive in different regions.
  4. Why is pig farming not popular in northern Nigeria?

    • The Islamic religion forbids the consumption of pork, which limits pig farming in the north.
  5. Which farm animals are common in the southern part of Nigeria?

    • Pigs, fish, and poultry are commonly reared in the south due to the climate and availability of water bodies.
  6. Why is poultry farming popular in Nigerian cities?

    • Poultry farming is popular in cities because it requires small space, grows fast, and has high market demand.
  7. What is the main reason for the distribution of goats and sheep across Nigeria?

    • They adapt well to different climates and are used for religious festivals and ceremonies.
  8. What is the effect of tsetse fly infestation on cattle farming?

    • Tsetse flies transmit trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness), which affects cattle and reduces their population in affected areas.
  9. Why are fish farms mostly located in the south?

    • The south has large water bodies that support fish farming.
  10. What is the gestation period of a rabbit?

  • The gestation period of a rabbit is approximately 31 days.
  1. Which part of Nigeria has the highest number of grazing livestock?
  • Northern Nigeria, particularly in states like Kano, Sokoto, and Kaduna.
  1. How does culture affect farm animal distribution?
  • Some cultures prioritize livestock farming, while others focus on crop farming or avoid certain animals for religious reasons.
  1. What is the difference between a bull and a steer?
  • A bull is an adult male cattle used for breeding, while a steer is a castrated male cattle.
  1. What type of animals are commonly used for religious festivals in Nigeria?
  • Rams, goats, and poultry are commonly used for religious festivals.
  1. What is the meaning of ‘natural pasture’?
  • Natural pasture refers to naturally grown grasses and plants used for feeding livestock.

Evaluation Questions (Short Answer Format)

  1. Mention four factors that affect the distribution of farm animals in Nigeria.
  2. Why are pigs not commonly reared in the northern states of Nigeria?
  3. What is the main reason why fish farming is more common in the southern part of Nigeria?
  4. Name three farm animals commonly found in northern Nigeria.
  5. What is the effect of tsetse fly on cattle rearing?
  6. List three weather elements that affect the distribution of farm animals.
  7. Why is poultry farming common in urban areas?
  8. What is the gestation period of a cow?
  9. Give one reason why goats and rams are more abundant in the western and northern parts of Nigeria.
  10. Name one farm animal that thrives in almost all regions of Nigeria.

These questions and answers ensure a well-rounded understanding of the topic for students. Let me know if you need any modifications!

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