Farm work uses simple tools and machinery. Knowing their names, uses and maintenance is a regular WAEC topic.
Simple Farm Tools and Their Uses
| Tool | Use |
|---|---|
| Cutlass | Clearing bushes, cutting stems, weeding |
| Hoe | Making ridges, tilling soil, weeding |
| Spade | Digging and moving soil |
| Shovel | Scooping and moving loose materials (soil, manure) |
| Rake | Levelling soil, gathering litter/leaves |
| Hand fork | Loosening soil, transplanting seedlings |
| Secateurs | Pruning and cutting small branches |
| Watering can | Applying water to young plants |
| Wheelbarrow | Carrying farm materials (soil, manure, produce) |
| Sickle | Harvesting cereals/grasses |
Farm Machinery
- Tractor: the main power source on large farms; pulls implements like ploughs, harrows and planters.
- Plough: primary tillage — turns over the soil.
- Harrow: breaks up soil clods after ploughing.
- Planter/seeder: plants seeds at the right depth and spacing.
- Harvester/combine: harvests crops (the combine cuts and threshes grain).
Maintenance of Tools and Machinery
- Clean tools after use and remove soil and plant sap.
- Oil metal parts to prevent rust.
- Sharpen cutting edges regularly.
- Store tools in a dry place.
- Service machinery according to the manufacturer’s schedule.
Reasons for maintenance: tools last longer, work better, cost less to replace, and are safer to use.
Summary
Simple tools (cutlass, hoe, rake, etc.) handle small-scale work, while machinery (tractors, ploughs, harvesters) handles large-scale farming. Regular cleaning, oiling and sharpening keep tools in good condition.
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