SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Diploma in Crop Production 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
100980  Diploma in Crop Production 
ORIGINATOR
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Diploma (Min 360)  Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation  Primary Agriculture 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2027-06-30   2029-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The qualification that provides students with knowledge, skills and applied competencies to function in the agricultural sector with specific reference to crop production. This qualification educates learners to think analytically, innovatively and creatively, and engage in different agricultural challenges to find solutions, whilst building practical skills and experience in applying techniques and technologies in crop production and promoting an entrepreneurial mind-set. This qualification thus enables students to: understand and apply concepts and theories in crop production and agriculture in general; acquire practical skills and experience in the use of techniques and technologies in agriculture for productivity and sustainability; and to engage in entrepreneurial activities. It prepares learners to function effectively in the agricultural industry, with specific reference to value chains of vegetables, fruit, and field crops. The qualification pays attention to plant growth factors, resource requirements in crop production, crop protection, post-harvest technologies and economics. It prepares learners to function effectively in the agricultural industry, with specific reference to value chains of vegetables, fruit, and field crops. The qualification pays attention to plant growth factors, resource requirements in crop production, crop protection, post-harvest technologies and economics.

Rationale:
The qualification is intended for learners who wish to improve their skills in farming, understand and apply agricultural concepts after completing. A gap has been identified in the Higher Education domain that brings Agriculture and Farming together as one component, which has resulted in the Diploma in Agriculture in Crop Production being developed. The long-term demand for lay agriculturalists and farmers will increasingly become more urgently needed as communities across South Africa face a growing challenge of transition to the new South Africa. By global standards, Southern Africa has an impressive network of agricultural and farming areas, which has enormous production potential. These areas consist of complex production resources and components in urban and rural areas. As the human population increased over time, the demand for land for housing and agriculture increased together with the demand for more food and water. Climate change places additional pressure on these natural resources which poses unprecedented challenges for agricultural and farming research and management. There is a limit to resources available and it increasingly becomes important that the use of agricultural and farming resources is optimised without them being destroyed. The continued existence of resources can only be guaranteed through the correct management. In order to optimise the sustainable use and conservation of agricultural and farming resources in a continuously changing environment, it is required that students be qualified with the necessary knowledge and skills to fulfil roles as farmers, agricultural administrators or managers, agricultural technicians, farm managers, agricultural marketers and agricultural entrepreneurs. This qualification is a combination of learning outcomes that has the defined purpose of capacitating the learner with workplace applicable competencies which will provide the learner with a solid foundation for any future learning endeavours in the agriculture and farming industry. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
  • As per institutional policy, credits towards this qualification may be obtained by means of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • National Senior Certificate National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 4. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Levels 5 and 6 totalling 360 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, L5, 132 Credits:
  • Life Skills, 2 Credits.
  • Communication for Academic Purposes, 10 Credits.
  • Agricultural Mechanisation I, 12 Credits.
  • Agricultural Economics, 12 Credits.
  • Crop Protection I, 12 Credits.
  • Crop Production I, 12 Credits.
  • Botany I, 24 Credits.
  • Information Literacy I, 2 Credits.
  • Maths and Statistics I, 12 Credits.
  • Soil Science I, 12 Credits.
  • Science for Occupational Purpose I, 12 Credits.
  • Computer Literacy II, 10 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 228 Credits:
  • Field Crops II, 21 Credits.
  • Crop Protection II, 24 Credits.
  • Soil Science II, 21 Credits.
  • Fruit Production II, 21 Credits.
  • Vegetable Production II, 21 Credits.
  • Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) in Crop Production I, 120 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate detailed knowledge and an understanding in the different fields of crop production including administrative, financial and personnel requirements pertaining to crop enterprises, as well as the ability to apply the key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories.
    2. Demonstrate an ability to evaluate different sources of information in the field of crop production and to apply well developed processes of analysis and synthesis. They should also be able to interact with all stakeholders in the industry, communicating information reliably, accurately and coherently, using conventions appropriate to the context, either in writing, verbally or in practical demonstration.
    3. Demonstrate the ability to evaluate, select and apply appropriate methods, procedures or techniques in processes of investigation or application within a defined context pertaining to agriculture.
    4. Demonstrate an ability to work effectively in a supervisory role as well as in a team or group and to take responsibility for his or her decisions and actions, including accountability for implementing best practice management ethics and the use of resources where applicable.
    5. Demonstrate detailed knowledge in field crops, fruits and vegetables. They should demonstrate an ability to apply entrepreneurial skills in crop production and be able to identify, analyse and solve problems within the agricultural industry.
    6. Demonstrate promotion of lifelong learning and sound welfare practices within the agricultural industry. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes:
  • Knowledge of appropriate economic terminology is demonstrated and applied to agricultural economics.
  • Knowledge of budget planning is demonstrated and applied.
    > All relevant aspects are included in the budge.
    > The budget is effective for all expected expenditures of a production unit.
    > Budget is managed effectively.
  • The economic implications of interest rates are applied in the management of a production unit.
  • The economic implications of inflation are applied in the management of a production unit.
  • Knowledge of the principles of demand and supply is demonstrated.
    > The effect of the relationship between demand and supply on product price is understood and applied.
  • Knowledge of workplace organisation is demonstrated.
    > Knowledge of conditions of employment is demonstrated.
    > Knowledge of appropriate legislative aspects relating to employment is demonstrated.
    > Conflict resolution skills are demonstrated.
    > Dynamics of negotiations are understood and demonstrated.
    > Knowledge of intercultural communication is applied.
    > A workplace code of conduct is designed, communicated and maintained.
    > Moral standards are adhered to.
    > Mutual respect for supervisor, peers and subordinates is demonstrated.
    > A variety of routine and non-routine responsibilities are managed effectively.
    > Job descriptions are designed, communicated and implemented effectively.
  • Problem solving skills are demonstrated.
    > Decision making skills are demonstrated.
    > Financial planning is done effectively.
    > Knowledge of risk and uncertainty management is demonstrated.
    > Stock is controlled and used effectively.
    > Co-ordination is effective.
    > An evaluation system of production management is designed and implemented.
    > Loss control is managed effectively.
    > Purchasing functions are applied effectively.
    > Price indexes are calculated and applied.
    > The planned profit margin has been maintained or improved upon.
    > Information systems are applied effectively.
    > Economic management principles are applied.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated Assessment will be achieved by a variety of strategies. At key exit points on the programme, learners are required to demonstrate their learning achievements through Integrated Assessment methods that draw on a range of knowledge and skills learnt from across the modules of the programme. These include written tests and examinations, group and individual projects and assignments and practical examinations. Continuously Integrated Assessment strategies enable learners to achieve applied competence in vocational oriented subject and modules. Formative Assessment: Learning and assessment are integrated. Continual Formative Assessment is done so that learners are given feedback on their progress in the achievement of learning outcomes. The scheme of work includes assignments based on the learning material and learners are given feedback. The process continues and focuses on smaller sections of the work and limited numbers of outcomes. Summative Assessment: Summative Assessment is concerned with the judgement of the learning in relation to the Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification. Such judgement includes Integrated Assessments which test the learner's ability to integrate the larger body of knowledge, skills and attitudes that are represented by the Exit Level Outcomes as a whole. Examinations, projects, laboratory reports or equivalent assessment such as a portfolio of evidence assess a representative selection of the outcomes practised and assessed in the formative stage. Summative Assessment also tests the learner's ability to manage and integrate a large body of knowledge to achieve the stated outcomes of a module. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The qualification was compared to qualifications, outcomes and purposes for agricultural and farming in higher education institutions in: Malaysia, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. A direct comparison of the title, Exit Level Outcomes and Assessment Criteria was undertaken with each. It seems that the many of the international Agricultural and farming qualifications are pitched at Diploma, Degree and Postgraduate level and many of those that are at Certificate level are often graduate certificates that are aimed at candidates who have work experience. The qualifications that have been selected are the most closely aligned in terms of their being semester qualifications with comparable learning outcomes. The international qualifications with which this qualification was compared have the same themes and purposes as this qualification but seem to offer it more compartmentally. Thus, although the content is similar, the structure of the qualification differs.

    Malaysia: The University of Putra Malaysia's agricultural studies program has the same objective of providing knowledge and professional expertise in agriculture and related disciplines, including scientific and management principles and their integration. This broadly based, interdisciplinary program emphasises problem-solving skills, and advances learners' professional training and development. Learners gain a conceptual basis and understanding of research techniques and data interpretation; and depth and breadth of understanding in a chosen field of study. This qualification focuses on agriculture related fields such as plant and animal sciences, food crop and livestock production, pest management, land management, economics and farm management, agri-entrepreneurship and extension.

    Bangladesh Technical Educational Board: This qualification compares favourably, in particular with the curriculum content that includes physics, biology, introduction to agriculture and principles of productions, environment, poultry rearing, pisci culture management, English, development of life and psychology, chemistry, physics, biology, field crop cultivation, rearing animals, shrimp culture management, mathematics, horticulture nursery management, field crop cultivation, feed and nutrition for livestock and birds, integrated poultry and fish culture and hatchery management, feed and nutrition for fish, development of life of psychology, mathematics, cultivation of flower and ornamental plants, plant nutrition and fertilizer management, weed and weed control, spices crops, crop diseases and control, nursing fish health, fish catching and preservation, computer science, seed technology, vegetable cultivation, nursery forest and.forestation, irrigation management, IPM store pest and rodents control, fruit cultivation, agricultural economics, agricultural power (agricultural mechanisation), soil and soil management, crop diseases and control, agricultural extension, fruit-vegetable processing, diseases and control of domestic animals and birds, calves, cows and goat management, breed improvement of livestock, self-employment, ministration and statistics, agro based food, agro forestry and biodiversity, land and soil resources utilization, agricultural equipment (agricultural mechanization), development of agriculture in Bangladesh, principles of education, method and evaluation. Field Attachment Training is carried out at the third year.

    Sri Lanka: The programme that the University of Sri Lanka offers includes crop production and farming systems, plant and soil science, agricultural biology, land and soil tillage management, post-harvest biology and technology, biostatistics, mathematics for agriculture, integrated crop protection, special training (agriculture), integrated crop protection, food and nutrition, soil and water conservation, irrigation and drainage engineering, rural sociology, agricultural economic and management, agricultural marketing and agricultural biology. In conclusion, the content of the qualification is in line with international practices. The approach of balancing theory and practice is also vital to the success of students and this is reflected in both in international qualifications and in the qualification. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Diploma in Agriculture in Animal Production, Level 6.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Advanced Diploma in Agriculture in Crop Production, Level 7. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced qualification.
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.