Forestry

Cultivation of Mushroom

Importance and uses of mushroom (economic, nutritional, medicinal, agricultural). Biology of mushroom: classification of fungi (emphasis on Basidiomycetes), features of poisonous/non-poisonous and commercial/non-commercial mushrooms, commonly cultivated mushrooms in West Africa, how mushroom obtains nutrients, and life cycle. Methods of mushroom cultivation (local/pit, high bed, low bed, indoor/commercial/plastic bag). Production practices: composting, bagging, sterilizing, inoculation, cropping. Harvesting: signs of maturity, techniques, precautions, frequency, and yield. Post-harvest handling: processing, packaging, and preservation methods (roasting, freezing, canning).

PREAMBLE

The Senior High School Forestry Syllabus has been structured to assess candidates' knowledge of forestry and forest conservation. It will also assess candidates' knowledge and skills in forestry practices that will form the basis for sound tertiary education in forestry and also make them employable in the forestry industry and related disciplines.

Policy-making, Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation

Functions of the Ministry responsible for forestry and the Forestry Commission (FC). Functions of implementing agencies: Forest Services Division (FSD), Wildlife Division (WD), and Timber Industry Development Division (TIDD).

Introduction to Wildlife and Plant Identification

Methods and skills in identification and classification of plants and animals (wildlife). Using observation skills to recognize wildlife through footprints, tracks, droppings, size, form, external features, and prominent organs. Recognizing plant parts (stem form, crown shape, size, texture, arrangement of vegetative parts, colour of flower, fruit, etc.) and applying conventional keys. Knowledge of habitats of wildlife and the anatomy of leaves, stems, and roots.