The JAMB syllabus for Agriculture is designed to help students prepare for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and gain the necessary knowledge and skills for the study of Agriculture. It focuses on practical knowledge, the application of data, and critical thinking in solving agricultural problems. The syllabus is divided into five main sections, each of which helps students develop a broad understanding of agriculture and its significance to the economy and society.
JAMB Agriculture syllabus for 2025/2026
General Objectives of the Agriculture Syllabus
The key objectives of the Agriculture syllabus include:
- Stimulating and sustaining interest in Agriculture
- Acquiring basic knowledge and practical skills in Agriculture
- Learning how to interpret and use agricultural data
- Developing the ability to make informed deductions based on agricultural knowledge
Detailed Breakdown of the Syllabus
The syllabus is divided into five sections:
| Section | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| 1. General Agriculture | Meaning and Scope of Agriculture, Branches of Agriculture, Types of Agriculture, Importance of Agriculture, Agricultural Ecology |
| 2. Agronomy | Crop production, soil types, irrigation systems, pest control |
| 3. Animal Production | Livestock breeding, management, and diseases |
| 4. Agricultural Economics & Extension | Economic importance of agriculture, rural development, and extension services |
| 5. Agricultural Technology | Farm tools and equipment, mechanization, technology in agriculture |
SECTION A: General Agriculture
1. Meaning and Scope of Agriculture
- Definition of Agriculture: Modern terms covering production, processing, and marketing of agricultural products.
- Branches of Agriculture: Different branches such as crop production, animal husbandry, forestry, etc.
- Types of Agriculture: Subsistence agriculture vs commercial agriculture.
2. Importance of Agriculture
- Provision of raw materials for agro-allied industries
- Creation of employment opportunities
- Rural development and infrastructure improvement
3. Agricultural Ecology
- Ecological Zones of West Africa: Different zones and their agricultural outputs.
- Environmental Factors: The effect of climate, soil, and other factors on crop and livestock production.
Learning Outcomes for General Agriculture:
- Understand the definition and importance of Agriculture in modern contexts.
- Differentiate between branches and types of Agriculture.
- Classify agricultural products based on ecological zones.
- Identify environmental factors affecting agricultural production.
SECTION B: Agronomy
4. Crop Production
- Farm Inputs: Planting materials, fertilizers, and agrochemicals.
- Soil Types & Fertility: Factors influencing soil health.
Learning Outcomes for Agronomy:
- Knowledge of key farm inputs and their proper usage.
- Understanding how soil health impacts crop production.
SECTION C: Animal Production
5. Livestock Management
- Breeding and Rearing of Animals: Effective livestock management practices.
- Animal Diseases: Prevention and treatment strategies.
Learning Outcomes for Animal Production:
- Understanding the essentials of livestock breeding and management.
- Identifying common animal diseases and how to manage them.
SECTION D: Agricultural Economics and Extension
6. Agricultural Economics
- Economic Contributions of Agriculture: How agriculture drives economic growth, job creation, and food security.
- Agricultural Development Projects (ADPs): Projects like FADAMA, RTEP, and others designed to improve agriculture at the national level.
7. Extension Services
- Role of extension workers in educating farmers about modern practices and techniques.
Learning Outcomes for Agricultural Economics and Extension:
- Analyze the economic importance of agriculture and how it contributes to national development.
- Evaluate the impact of extension services in improving farming practices.
SECTION E: Agricultural Technology
8. Farm Technology
- Agricultural Tools and Machinery: Understanding farm tools and how to use them for increased productivity.
- Mechanization in Agriculture: The role of technology in modern farming practices.
Learning Outcomes for Agricultural Technology:
- Understand the role of modern technology in improving agricultural productivity.
- Gain knowledge about farm tools and machinery.
Key Topics Summary
| Topic | Learning Objectives |
|---|---|
| Genetics | Apply Mendel’s laws, understand cell division, genotype, and dominance. |
| Farm Inputs | Classify and use farm inputs like seeds, fertilizers, and agrochemicals. |
| Agricultural Systems | Understand systems like shifting cultivation and bush fallowing. |
| Agricultural Development | Analyze the role of research institutes and agricultural programs in development. |
Roles of Government and NGOs in Agricultural Development
| Topics/Contents/Notes | Objectives |
|---|---|
| Government Policies and Agricultural Development | Evaluate the effects of government policies on agricultural development. |
| a. Fiscal policies (import duties, import bans) | Identify agricultural laws and their effect on agricultural production. |
| b. Agricultural laws and reforms (e.g., Land Use Act) | Identify various agricultural incentives provided by the government. |
| c. Government programs (subsidies, credit facilities) | Assess the effects of government programs on agricultural development. |
| d. Infrastructure development (transportation, communication) | Compare government-provided infrastructure and their use in agricultural growth. |
| e. Role of NGOs in supporting agricultural development | Examine the roles of NGOs in the development of agriculture. |
SECTION B: Agronomy
| Topics/Contents/Notes | Objectives |
|---|---|
| Rocks and Soil Formation | Identify major types and properties of rocks and soils; understand the factors and processes of soil formation. |
| a. Factors affecting rock weathering and soil formation | Differentiate between the horizons in a soil profile. |
| b. Physical properties of soil | Analyze soil into its constituent parts; determine the water-holding capacity of soil. |
| – Soil profile, texture, structure | Determine soil pH. |
| c. Chemical properties of soil | Compute the proportion of soil constituents. |
| – Soil acidity and alkalinity | |
| – Chemical components (e.g., silicate) | |
| Soil Water and Soil Conservation | Compare capillary, gravitational, and hygroscopic water. |
| a. Importance and sources of soil water | Determine water-holding capacity, wilting points, and plant-available/unavailable water. |
| b. Techniques for conserving soil and water |
Soil Conservation, Irrigation, and Fertility Management
| Topics/Contents/Notes | Objectives |
|---|---|
| Soil Conservation | Identify the causes of erosion and leaching, and determine control methods. |
| b. Meaning and importance of soil conservation | Understand the prevention and control of leaching, erosion, continuous cropping, burning, and oxidation of organic matter. |
| c. Irrigation and drainage methods | Classify irrigation and drainage systems; examine their importance and challenges. |
| i. Causes and effects of erosion and leaching | |
| Soil Fertility | |
| a. Macro and micro-nutrients and their roles in plant nutrition | Classify plant nutrients; identify factors affecting their availability. |
| b. The living population of soil (flora and fauna) and their role in soil fertility | Examine the roles of soil flora and fauna in maintaining soil fertility. |
| c. Methods of maintaining soil fertility (e.g., use of cover crops, organic manures) | Compare different methods of maintaining soil fertility, and differentiate between organic and inorganic fertilizers, and their application methods. |
| d. Nutrient deficiency symptoms (e.g., chlorosis, sickle leaves, stunting, apical necrosis) | Identify common nutrient deficiency symptoms and suggest remedies. |
| Land Preparation and Soil Tillage | |
| a. Principles and practices of land preparation and soil tillage | Compare the different methods of land preparation and soil tillage for different crops. |
| b. Factors affecting choice of tillage methods (e.g., zero tillage, minimum tillage) | Understand the advantages and disadvantages of land preparation and soil tillage methods. |
| Plant Forms and Functions | |
| a. Parts of monocot and dicot plants and their functions | Identify parts of crop plants and their functions. Differentiate between monocot and dicot plants. |
| b. Anatomy and morphology of storage organs of common crop plants | Identify and differentiate between various storage organs of crop plants. |
Summary of Key Learning Objectives:
- Soil Conservation: Learn how to manage soil to prevent erosion and leaching, and control environmental factors such as burning and oxidation.
- Soil Fertility: Understand the roles of soil nutrients, the importance of soil fauna and flora, and methods to maintain soil fertility using cover crops and organic manures.
- Irrigation and Drainage: Recognize the different irrigation systems and their importance in farming.
- Land Preparation and Tillage: Learn about the practices involved in preparing land for planting and the factors influencing soil tillage methods.
- Plant Parts and Functions: Understand the role of different parts of plants, such as roots, stems, and leaves, and how they help in growth and development.
SECTION C: Animal Production
| Topics/Contents/Notes | Objectives |
|---|---|
| Crop Improvement | |
| Methods of crop improvement: introduction, selection, crossing, quarantine | Understand the reasons for crop improvement. Distinguish between the various methods used for improving crops. |
| Forms and Classification of Major Farm Animals in West Africa | |
| a. Species, breeds, and distribution of farm animals | Classify various breeds of farm animals and locate where they are found in West Africa. |
| b. External features of cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, rabbits, and poultry | Identify the external features of these farm animals. |
| General Terminology in Animal Production | |
| Common terms used in animal husbandry (e.g., calving, kidding, castrate, capon, veal, mutton) | Understand and use various terms in animal husbandry. |
| Anatomy and Physiology of Farm Animals | |
| a. Functions of tissues and organs of farm animals | Understand the functions of different tissues and organs in farm animals. |
| b. Animal body systems (digestive, reproductive, respiratory, urinary, and nervous systems) | Compare and contrast the different body systems in farm animals. |
| c. Effect of environmental changes (e.g., climate change) on physiological development of farm animals | Assess the effects of climate change and environmental factors on the physiological development of farm animals. |
| Reproduction in Farm Animals | |
| a. Gametogenesis, estrous cycle, signs of heat, secondary sexual characteristics, gestation periods, parturition, and the role of hormones in reproduction | Understand the process of reproduction in farm animals and the role of hormones in regulating reproductive functions. |
Summary of Key Learning Objectives:
- Crop Improvement: Learn about various methods of crop improvement, such as selection, crossing, and quarantine, and the reasons for improving crops.
- Animal Classification and Features: Classify the species and breeds of major farm animals in West Africa, and recognize their external features.
- Animal Husbandry Terminology: Understand and correctly use common terms in animal husbandry.
- Anatomy and Physiology of Farm Animals: Understand the functions of tissues and organs in animals, and compare body systems like digestion, reproduction, and respiration.
- Reproduction in Farm Animals: Learn about the reproductive process in animals, including gametogenesis, estrous cycle, and the role of hormones in reproduction.
TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES
b. Development, Nourishment, and Birth of the Young
- Development process from fertilization to birth.
- Care of the young after birth.
- Mammary glands and lactation in farm animals.
c. Egg Formation, Incubation, and Hatching in Poultry
- The process of egg formation in poultry.
- Incubation conditions and procedures for successful hatching.
5. Animal Nutrition
a. Feed Nutrients and Functions
- Different feed nutrients, their sources, and their functions in farm animals.
b. Feeds and Feeding
- Simple ration formulation: balanced ration for farm animals.
- Common pasture/forage crops: Guinea grass, Elephant grass, Giant star grass, Andropogon, Calopogonium sp.
- Hay and silage preparation.
- Different types of rations: maintenance ration and production ration.
c. Nutrient Deficiencies
- Causes and symptoms of malnutrition in farm animals.
- Methods for correcting nutrient deficiencies.
OBJECTIVES
- Development and Birth in Farm Animals
- Trace the development of farm animals from fertilization to birth.
- Understand the care of young animals after birth.
- Explain the role of mammary glands and the process of lactation.
- Egg Formation in Poultry
- Understand the process of egg formation in poultry.
- Learn about incubation techniques and successful hatching.
- Animal Nutrition
- Identify various feed nutrients and their functions in farm animals.
- Differentiate between different types of animal feeds and how they are formulated.
- Relate various types of rations to different classes of livestock.
- Trace symptoms of nutrient deficiencies and apply corrective measures.
6. Livestock Management
a. Housing, Feeding, and Sanitation
- Management practices for ruminants, pigs, rabbits, and poultry under intensive, semi-intensive, and extensive systems.
- Effective management from birth to slaughter.
7. Animal Health
a. Animal Diseases (Pathology)
- Environmental factors that predispose animals to diseases.
- Symptoms, transmission, and effects of various diseases.
- Preventive and curative methods for diseases caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, and protozoa.
b. Parasites (Parasitology)
- Life cycles and economic importance of livestock parasites.
- Endoparasites (internal parasites).
- Ectoparasites (external parasites).
- Disease vectors (organisms transmitting diseases).
- Methods for managing parasites in livestock.
OBJECTIVES
- Livestock Management
- Apply management practices for housing, feeding, sanitation, and veterinary care of livestock under different management systems.
- Understand the processes from birth to slaughter.
- Animal Diseases
- Identify symptoms and causes of livestock diseases.
- Understand the transmission and effects of diseases caused by pathogens.
- Apply preventive and curative measures against diseases.
- Parasites and Their Role in Disease Transmission
- Classify livestock parasites and understand their role in disease transmission.
- Trace the life cycle of parasites from egg to adult stage.
JAMB Recommended Textbooks FOR 2025/2026
- Adeniyi, M. O. et al. (1999). Countdown to Senior Secondary Certificate Examination in Agricultural Science. Ibadan: Evans.
- Akinsanmi, O. (2000). Junior Secondary Agricultural Science. UK: Longman.
- Akinsanmi, O. (2000). Senior Secondary Agricultural Science. UK: Longman.
- Anthonio, Q. B. O. (1999). General Agriculture for West Africa. London: George Allen.
- Are, L. A. et al. (2010). Comprehensive Certificate Agricultural Science for Senior Secondary Schools. University Press Plc.
- Egbuna, C. K. et al. (2014). Modern Agricultural Science for Senior Secondary Schools (2010 Edition). Extension Publications.
- Emmanuel, C. A. (2003). A Dictionary of Agriculture. Benue: Agitab Publishers, Makurdi.
- Falusi, A. O. and Adeleye, I. O. A. (2000). Agricultural Science for Junior Secondary Schools (Books 1-3). Ibadan: Onibonoje.
- Komolafe, M. F., Adegbola, A. A., Are, L. A., and Ashaye, T. I. (2004). Agricultural Science for Senior Secondary Schools (Books 1-3). Ibadan: University Press Ltd.
- Philips, T. A. (1986). Agricultural Notebook. Lagos: Longman.
- STAN (1999). Agricultural Science for Senior Secondary Schools. Lagos: Longman.
RECOMMEDED POST:
The JAMB Agriculture syllabus provides a comprehensive framework to guide students through the essential areas of agriculture. From general agriculture and animal production to agricultural technology and economics, the syllabus ensures that students gain a well-rounded understanding of agricultural systems. By the end of the course, students will be equipped with the knowledge to interpret data, solve agricultural problems, and contribute to the development of the sector.
By focusing on practical applications and fostering critical thinking, this syllabus prepares candidates not only for their JAMB exams but also for future careers in agriculture.
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