Introduction



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At this point you should have already completed the code from the beginner resource and the intermediate.

If you have not go to https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/649272936/  the beginner resource.

Go here  https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/649273113/ for the intermediate resource.

In this example we will code a project at advance level using Scratch which replicates the running of a farming or agricultural business software.

This project will help you develop an understanding how coding is used in the agricultural industry and the importance of technology in the farming sector. Women play a major role in agriculture but their contribution is often overlooked. They are often innovative and if not raised on a farm may bring a fresh perspective to the farm business. 

Farming from twenty years ago to today has changed hugely, due to technology. Significant technological advancements have made farming more efficient, cost-effective, and even more environmentally friendly. This change has led to an increase in tech-focused agriculture jobs and recruitment agencies specialising in this field. 

In order to progress your career, you should avoid stagnation and aim for growth. With these dynamic changes and movements you can now pursue your dream job. The link 'Tech-Focused Agriculture Jobs' gives you an insight into the jobs availablein this sector. 

Also the document How can women achieve their full potential in the agricultural sector? will help you understand your value in the sector, as it reminds you of the significant role and contribution of women play in the farming industry, and with the right support how they can achieve even more.

Task



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In this example we will code a project which replicates the running of a farming or agricultural business software.

This project will help you develop an understanding how coding is used in the agricultural industry and the importance of technology in the farming sector. After completing the project you should be able to:

Show produce list
Show the equipment list
Show fields available for planting
Show fields occupied
Be able to harvest fields and make them available for replanting
Calculate profit from crop yield

At the Advance Level, we are going to program the buttons that show which fields are ready for harvest and make them available for replanting, also
calculate profit from crop yield . These are the buttons 5 and 6 at the menu stage, see above in bold.

Process

In order to complete this task, please follow the instructions in the document titled 'Farming and Agriculture Software - Advance' in the resources section. The instructions start from slide 5.

A number of global trends are influencing food security, poverty, and the overall sustainability of food and agricultural systems. In addition to learning a programming language it is also useful to learn and understand the perspective of farmers and the impact of climate. The two links within our resources section - A farmer’s perspective of technology and  Climate change: Impact on agriculture and costs of adaptation - will help you gain this understanding. They highlight the importance of reducing food waste and understanidng crop growth under climate change.

As we go forward farms and agricultural operations will have to be run very differently, primarily due to advancements in technology such as sensors, devices, machines, and information technology. Future agriculture will use sophisticated technologies such as robots, temperature and moisture sensors, aerial images, and GPS technology. These advanced devices and precision agriculture and robotic systems will allow farms to be more profitable, efficient, safe, and environmentally friendly - and need trained individuals to develop the programmes to do this.

 

 

Conclusion

Congratulations!

You have completed the advance section of the farming and agriculture management software and can now deisgn software to:

  • Show produce list
  • Show the equipment list
  • Show fields available for planting
  • Show fields occupied
  • Be able to harvest fields and make them available for replanting
  • Calculate profit from crop yield

By the end of this lesson, your project should look like this https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/649651718/ (Use this if you get stuck)

At this point we hope participants will be able to better integrate creativity into other aspects of their personal, family and working life. They can collaborate with each other through the use of Scratch and share their projects online. To have gained programmming skills through the use of technology, whilst connecting to their own lived experience and mother-tongue. And utilise the learning beyond the programme in all aspects of their life. To do more please see the link titled 'Code at home Activities' which will offer some additional activities to do, to build further confidence and skills.

The link to 'FARMING PERSPECTIVES: LOOKING TO THE FUTURE' will look to the next 50 years, at the major challenges facing food and feed production and what steps can be taken to ensure agriculture continues to flourish. Giving you a real world insight from two young farmers, so you can better understand their needs and how technology can inform their solutions.

 

Learning Objectives

  • Develop and understanding of how coding and technology is used in farming
  • Design a software that show which fields are ready for harvest and make them available for replanting, also calculate profit from crop yield
  • Learn Scratch coding
  • Gain experience in using Scratch
  • Gain Inquiry-Based Learning
  • Enhance problem-solving skills
  • Better communication skills
  • Learned how to apply critical thinking
  • Understanding accountability
  • Patience and persistence to finish course
  • Recognise connections between coding and their own life