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: 

Advanced Diploma in Agricultural Extension and Community Development 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
101894  Advanced Diploma in Agricultural Extension and Community Development 
ORIGINATOR
Mangosuthu University of Technology 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Advanced Diploma  Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation  Secondary Agriculture 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 07  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2021-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

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.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to equip learners with knowledge, skills and competencies that will enable them to operate effectively within the agricultural field in product production, processing, extension and marketing. Qualified learners will be competent in the fields of agriculture, extension and sustainable community development and be able to play part in ensuring physical, economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food at all times. They will also be equipped with research skills that will enable them to write mini research projects.

The Advanced Diploma in Agriculture Extension and Community Development is designed to provide learners with integrated knowledge of agriculture extension and community development and equip them with skills that will enable them to solve related problems.

Rationale:
The Advanced Diploma in Agricultural Extension and Community Development will provide access to Postgraduate Diploma qualifications for students.

The national department responsible with agriculture has stated that there is an urgent need to improve the human resource capacity of Agriculture Extension and Community Development personnel in terms of competence and skills and qualifications that will enable them to render high quality extension service to clients, which include farmers and communities. There is therefore a need of a cadre of well-trained, dedicated and motivated skilled staff in agricultural production (scientific and technical expertise), business (economics, marketing and financial management expertise), extension and communication techniques. The provision of effective training through the development of qualifications is therefore in the long-term interest of the agricultural extension and advisory service. Therefore, this affirms the needs for the Advanced Diploma in Agricultural Extension related qualifications in order to address such needs.

This qualification will produce competent Agricultural Extension Officers, Advisors or Community Development Officers who will be able to operate effectively in the agricultural and food processing industry in the public sector.

The aim of this qualification is to address issues relating to food security. Food security is one of the challenges faced by South Africa, whereby the majority of the people within society do not have access to safe, adequate and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an active healthy life. Food security is part of the vision of the Integrated Food Security Strategy for South Africa with the vision to attain universal physical, social and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food by all South Africans at all times. Food security is part of the Section 27 human rights in South Africa where the Constitution states that every citizen has the right to have access to sufficient food and water and the state must by legislation and other measures, within its available resources, avail to progressive realisation of the right to sufficient food. The urgent challenge of food security requires professionals that are competent in fields of agriculture, extension and community development in ensuring that food security and sustainable development exist in the country. Therefore, the qualification contributes to national priorities. This qualification contributes direct to the strategic goals of the university especially Strategic Priority 2 aimed at developing Postgraduate qualifications and enhancing learner employability. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The candidates that do not have prerequisite qualifications, but who have sufficient formal, non-formal and informal training or have developed adequate skills in the area of expertise required, may apply for admission to this qualification in terms of the Institution's RPL policy. The candidate without Level 6 or pre-requisite qualification but who has extensive non-formal and informal prior learning that is equivalent to entry level requirements to the entry level requirements of this qualification, will be considered for advanced standing as stipulated in the Institution's RPL policy.

The assessment of a RPL candidate for advanced standing or admission to this qualification will be done in accordance with the institution's Procedures for Assessment of Recognition of Prior Learning and the candidate will be required to submit a completed application form and a Portfolio of Evidence showing how the candidate meets the departmental level criteria for entry into this qualification in accordance with RPL policy. RPL documents for admission (after signed by the Head of Department) will then serve at various institutional structures for approval including approval by Faculty Quality Assurance Committee, Faculty Board (Dean of Faculty), Academic Planning Committee and then Senate.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • A Diploma at Level 6. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises compulsory and elective modules at Level 7 totalling 135 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, 125 Credits:
  • Biometry IV, 10 Credits.
  • Agri-business Management IV, 12 Credits.
  • Agro-Processing IV, 12 Credits.
  • Research Methodology IV, 10 Credits.
  • Extension IV, 12 Credits.
  • Nutrition IV 12 Credits.
  • Human Ecology IV, 12 Credits.
  • Land Use Planning IV, 15 Credits.
  • Water Management IV, 10 Credits.
  • Food Security IV 10 Credits.
  • Food and Food Processing IV, 10 Credits.

    Elective Modules, 10 Credits (select one):
  • Poultry Production IV, 10 Credits.
  • Principles of Fruit and Vegetable Production IV, 10 Credits.
  • Small Stock Production IV, 10 Credits.
  • Agronomy IV, 10 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Understand the concepts and terms in research and statistical techniques.
    2. Understand and apply the principles of fruit and vegetable production.
    3. Demonstrate skills of product development and conduct sensory evaluation for consumer appeal.
    4. Develop sustainable products/projects.
    5. Develop products with indigenous produce and identify and present cultural heritage to the target audience.
    6. Conduct research experiment, present research results, and write scientific reports.
    7. Understand principles and apply various experimental designs.
    8. Understand statistical techniques for data analysis in agricultural research.
    9. Conduct the technology verification experiments.
    10. Classify land capabilities and recommend appropriate agronomic practices.
    11. Utilise, manage, and monitor resources in a sustainable manner.
    12. Apply appropriate post-harvest activities.
    13. Understand and apply microeconomics in agriculture industry (production economics).
    14. Understand and apply principles of financial management, marketing and sales of agricultural and household products in agribusiness environment.
    15. Plan, recommend and apply scientific extension programmes.
    16. Uphold work ethics and professionalism.
    17. Comply with the relevant legislative framework.
    18. Understand and apply principles of co-ordination for effective communication.
    19. Establish, design, implement and manage projects in the community.
    20. Promote sustainable utilisation of natural resources.
    21. Understand and apply principles of food security.
    22. Understand and apply principles of agricultural food production systems for increasing productivity and nutritional value improvements.
    23. Understand and apply agro-processing techniques of agricultural products.
    24. Assess the nutritional of sheep and goats and recommend appropriate feeding techniques.
    25. Understand and apply the principles of poultry production for good quality poultry products.
    26. Understand and apply water management principles and techniques.
    27. Understand and apply land use and soil management techniques. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Understand, define and apply elements of statistics for measuring central tendency and variability (mean, median, mode, standard error, standard deviation, coefficient of variation, variance, 95% confidence limits of the mean; Degrees of Freedom; Statistical Error and Control; Frequency Distribution, Sample Analysis; Analysis of Variance (ANOVA)].
  • Compare qualitative and quantitative research.
  • Illustrate the research process diagrammatically.
  • Apply appropriate sampling designs, statistical and/or techniques.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Determine the most suitable areas for fruit trees and vegetables.
  • Demonstrate familiarity with the orchard layout.
  • Manage an orchard.
  • Cultivate fruit trees and vegetables.
  • Monitor growth of fruit trees and vegetable crops.
  • Arrange and organise marketing of fruits and vegetables.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Comply with relevant policies and acts.
  • Develop a product, calculate costs, test against prescribed requirements, and document the process.
  • Develop, prepare food products and present food that is safe and of excellent sensory quality.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Design food products using the identified resources effectively (raw ingredients and packaging material), efficient and economically viable.
  • Understand and interpret/analyse principles of food labeling.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Reflect application of Indigenous ingredients and authentic, cooking and processing techniques in food preparation and presentation to an audience/consumers.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Identify research problem and formulate research question.
  • Demonstrate the ability to conduct literature review.
  • Formulate research design experiments.
  • Capture, interpret, and analyse data.
  • Write, report and present results.
  • Publish research findings.
  • Use appropriate software in data analysing and referencing.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Define various factor experiments (single factor, two factor and three or more factor).
  • Illustrate different types of experimental designs (Completely Randomised Experiment Design: CRD, Randomized Complete Block Design(RCBD) with associated randomisation, plot layout blocking technique and analysis of variance.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of Regression and Correlation analysis of data (simple linear regression and correlation, multiple linear regression and correlation).

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
  • Demonstrate the ability to conduct agricultural research project.
  • Compare the performance of the farmer's technology to the new technology generated from research station in the farmer's field.
  • Provide solutions to the problems encountered in conducting field experiments.
  • Select suitable test sites for field experiments.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:
  • Apply advanced agronomic practices.
  • Assess the feasibility of engaging in an agronomic enterprise based on the prevailing natural resources.
  • Understand principles of crop selection.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 11:
  • Formulate a programme of action based on existing natural resources.
  • Assess the suitability of a given area in terms of its potential, limiting factors and management ability.
  • Apply agronomic principles in a sustainable manner without compromising the land capability.
  • Understand and apply principles of Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act (CARA).
  • Monitor and manage agricultural enterprise through proper application of all relevant practices to chosen enterprises.
  • Maintain and monitor growth of selected agronomic crops through judicious application of appropriate practices (fertilization-amount and different types, chemicals - type and amounts, irrigation - amount, type and the time of application and post-harvest activities at correct time.
  • Promote integrated biological management of pests and diseases.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 12:
  • Render the products to consumers at acceptable state.
  • Arrange and organise marketing of products through proper packaging, standardisation, labelling, storage and transportation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 13:
  • Analyse the production efficiency.
  • Understand the economic importance of factors of production.
  • Determine marginality; in terms of profit maximisation given limited resources.
  • Differentiate between production and productivity.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 14:
  • Understand the philosophy behind profit maximisation against scarce resources and unlimited needs.
  • Understand farm management tasks.
  • Understand the importance of record keeping.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 15:
  • Liaise with relevant stakeholders and structure (socio-political norms).
  • Provide relevant advice.
  • Appreciate indigenous knowledge.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 16:
  • Display and demonstrate a high standard of ethical conduct in order to promote confidence and trust in extension services.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 17:
  • Demonstrate the ability to comply with the guidelines/regulations/procedures governing establishment of MOU's/MOA and or contracts.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 18:
  • Interact with public and private sectors.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 19:
  • Design self-help projects.
  • Apply advanced principles of community development in various disciplines.
  • Apply stages of project management.
  • Advocate with relevant stakeholders.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 20:
  • Illustrate the implications of knowledge of development environments.
  • Demonstrate ability to encourage societies to understand and adhere to principles of CARA (Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act) when utilising natural resources.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 21:
  • Apply principles of food security.
  • Manage natural resources for food security.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome22:
  • Manage natural resources for food security.
  • Apply principles of agricultural food production system and improve their nutritional value.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 23:
  • Apply agro-processing technologies for major agricultural products.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 24:
  • Demonstrate knowledge of nutritional assessment and application of feeding techniques for sheep and goats.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 25:
  • Apply nutritional requirements for good quality poultry products.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 26:
  • Apply techniques of water management for sustainable agricultural production.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 27:
  • Apply land use techniques and manage soil properly.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Formative assessment will include the following:
  • Minimum 2 written tests per subject, a minimum 1 assignment per subject.
  • Minimum 1 mini project per each of the 4 subjects, (Agronomy IV, Food and Food Processing IV, Research Methodology IV, Land Use Planning IV).
  • Minimum 1 research project per each of the 2 subjects, (Human Ecology IV, Extension IV).
  • Minimum 1 oral presentation of project per 2 subjects, (Agronomy IV, Extension IV, Land Use Planning IV) Minimum 1 practical report per subject.

    Summative assessment will include:
  • A 3 hour written examinations. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification compares favourably with the following qualifications:
  • Ghana, University of the Cape Coast offers a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Agricultural Extension and Community Development.
  • United States of America, New Mexico State University offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Agricultural and Community.

    Both qualifications prepare learners to be competent in agricultural production skills extension and communication skills in order to be able to address community development challenges in general and agricultural food production challenges in particular and further, to contribute meaningfully as Extension Agents/Extension Officers, in addressing socio-economic challenges faced by the society so that there will be sustainable community development in the country.

    Similarities: Qualifications from both institutions include technical agriculture (agricultural production related skills e.g. Crop Production/Agronomy, Horticulture, Animal Production/Animal Science, Agricultural Economics Farm Management, Agribusiness Water Management), agricultural extension related modules in the curriculum. In addition, these qualifications include experiential learning at third year level which is similar to the Project Based Learning offered in this qualification.

    Differences: However, this qualification does not offer Food and Nutrition modules. Although the qualification offered by the New Mexico state university does include food related modules, the difference is that the emphasis is on the economic part. In addition, the curriculum also does not include Food Security as stand-alone module. The University of the Cape Coast also includes one module on food at fourth year level and emphasis is on the economic part. The other difference is that these are four-year qualifications. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification offers articulation possibilities for systemic articulation with the following qualifications offered by other institutions.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Agriculture, Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Agriculture Honours in Agriculture Extension, Level 8. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS 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. Mangosuthu University of Technology 


    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.