AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE

THEME – PROCESSES OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION

CLASS – JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS – JSS 2

 

TOPIC – FORESTS AND FOREST USES

LEARNING AREA

1. Meaning of Forest and Forest Resources

2. Uses of Forest Resources

3. Effects of Forest on the Environment

4. Human Acctives that Affect the Forest

 

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

1. Pictures and charts showing forest products.

2. Real product where available.

 

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

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

1. describe forests.

2. list the resources of the forest.

3. state the uses of forest resources.

4. explain the effect of forest on the environment.

5. state the various human activities that affect the forest.

 

CONTENTS OF THE LESSON

MEANING AND TYPES OF FORESTS

Forest is a large area covered by tree and undergrowth.

There are three (3) of forest – mangrove (swampy), rain forest (many trees) and derive forest (few trees).

 

1. MANGROVE (SWAMPY) 

Mangrove is a wet area, seahorse or riverbank that is covered by tree. It is also known as swampy.

 

2. RAINFOREST 

Rainforest is an area that is covered with too many trees.

 

3. DRIVE FOREST 

Derive forest is an area that is covered with few tress.

 

FOREST RESOURCES

Forest resources refer to the various components of forest ecosystems that provide benefits and services to people and the environment. Forests are valuable natural resources that play a crucial role in supporting biodiversity, regulating the climate, providing habitat for wildlife, and offering a wide range of ecosystem services. Some key forest resources include:

1. Timber

2. Non-timber forest products (NTFPs)

3. Biodiversity

4. Water resources

5. Carbon storage

6. Recreation and tourism

7. Cultural and spiritual values

8. Ecosystem services

Protecting and sustainably managing forest resources is crucial for maintaining the ecological integrity of forests, preserving biodiversity, and ensuring the continued provision of ecosystem services for present and future generations. Conservation efforts, sustainable harvesting practices, reforestation and restoration projects, and community-based forest management can help protect forest resources and promote their sustainable use.

 

TIMBER

Forests are a major source of timber, which is used for building materials, furniture, paper products, and other industrial purposes. Sustainable timber harvesting practices are essential to ensure the long-term viability of forests and maintain healthy ecosystems.

 

NON-TIMBER FOREST PRODUCTS (NTFPs)

In addition to timber, forests provide a wide range of non-timber products that have economic, cultural, and ecological value. NTFPs include items such as fruits, nuts, mushrooms, medicinal plants, cork, resin, and wild game that can be harvested sustainably for various purposes.

 

BIODIVERSITY

Forests are home to a diverse array of plant and animal species, many of which are unique to forest ecosystems. Forest biodiversity is essential for maintaining ecosystem resilience, supporting pollinators, and providing genetic diversity for species adaptation to changing environmental conditions.

 

WATER RESOURCES

Forests play a critical role in regulating the hydrological cycle by influencing rainfall patterns, groundwater recharge, and water quality. Healthy forests can help prevent soil erosion, reduce flooding, and protect water sources for downstream communities.

 

CARBON STORAGE

Forests act as carbon sinks, sequestering large amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through photosynthesis and storing it in trees, soil, and vegetation. Protecting and restoring forests can help mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting carbon sequestration.

 

RECREATION AND TOURISM

Forests provide opportunities for outdoor recreation, ecotourism, and wilderness experiences that promote physical and mental well-being. Activities such as hiking, camping, birdwatching, and nature photography attract visitors to forests and support local economies.

 

CULTURAL AND SPIRITUAL VALUES

Forests hold cultural significance for many indigenous communities and societies around the world. Forests are often sacred sites, traditional gathering places, and sources of inspiration for art, music, storytelling, and cultural practices.

 

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

Forests provide a wide range of ecosystem services that benefit people and the environment, including air and water purification, soil fertility, climate regulation, and habitat for wildlife. These services are essential for sustaining healthy ecosystems and supporting human well-being.

 

USES OF FOREST RESOURCES

1. It provides timber for building house and canoe, construction of bridges, railway carriages, making furniture and fitting, etc.

2. It is a source of fire wood and charcoal for fuel in homes and in industries.

3. It is used for making paper and rayon industries.

4. It is a source of honey, food and medicines.

5. It is used for making beewax for candles, medicines, shoe-making, etc.

6. It is used for making baskets, mats, chairs, ropes, walking sticks and umbrella handles.

7. They provide sandal wood for carved boxes and small.

8. It is used for making tools needed in farming, fishing, hunting, and livestock production.

9. It is used as game reserve.

10. It prevents or reduces soil and water erosion.

11. It reduces air and noise pollution.

12. It conserves the soil and water.

13. It homses the wildlife.

14. It serves as a tourist centers.

 

EFFECT OF FOREST ON THE ENVIRONMENT

1. It protects the environment.

2. It increases the soil fertility.

3. It reduces water evaporation.

4. It beautifies the environment.

5. It purifies the air and water.

6. It preserve and improve soil formation, etc.

 

HUMAN ACTIVITIES THAT AFFECT THE FOREST

The human activities that affect the forest are as follows:

1. Clearing/deforestation

2. Hunting

3. Bush burning

4. Farming

5. Depletion of wild life

6. Mining and industrialization, etc.

 

LESSON PRESENTATION

TEACHER’S ACTIVITIES

The teacher,

1. facilitates discussion on resource, potentials of the forest, forest products, e.g. fruits, gums, animals, etc.

2. visits to the saw mill or carpenter.

3. summarizes the lesson on the board.

 

STUDENT’S ACTIVITIES

The students,

1. state resources obtained from the forest and discuss their uses.

2. copy board summary.

 

LESSON EVALUATION

Teacher asks students to,

1. describe a forest.

2. list five resources found in the forest.

3. state five uses of the forest.

4. describe five effects of the forest on the environment.

5. list five human activities which result in loss of forest resources.