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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Advanced Diploma in Agricultural Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
109920  Advanced Diploma in Agricultural Management 
ORIGINATOR
Central University of Technology, Free State 
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  2019-07-25  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 provide learners with the opportunity to progress in their understanding of the agricultural field through the inculcation of a deeper and more systematic understanding of current thinking, practice, theory and methodology in that industrial area.

The learner will also be prepared for further Postgraduate study by the development of their ability to formulate, undertake and resolve more complex theoretical and practice-related problems and tasks through the selection and use of appropriate methods and techniques.

As a result, studying towards this qualification will supply the agricultural industry with competent agriculturalists that can be positioned as managers in agricultural enterprises. The qualifying learner will have had exposure and orientation to various agricultural systems and will be competent to manage and apply their basic knowledge, skills and attitudes towards agricultural production at a higher level than was the case with the National Diploma.

Rationale:
South Africa on various counts has a limited potential in terms of agricultural production and food security. Sophisticated farming practices have enabled large farming units to not only survive but to increase their profits dramatically. However, the conditions for achieving such profits are also sophisticated and raised commanding barriers to entering the productive agricultural industry.

The number of employing (commercial) farming units has decreased to about 30 000 by 2015. The total number of farm employees has dropped from 1,6 million in 1971 to 628,000 in 2005. Given the population increase over that time, agriculture's contribution to national employment dropped from 8,3% to 1,3% in relative terms. This is still more than for mining sector (419 000) but less than the transport sector (947 000) as in the 2011 national census.

This qualification therefore, is designed to create an economically relevant improved understanding of the general conditions for industrial success in agriculture; the best practices in agricultural production; and the food security of the country, urban in particular.

Such an improved understanding has to be obtained by various means of which tertiary education is core. The importance of managing marginal land in South Africa is both an art and a science as is highlighted by the issues such as: water shortage, natural aridity, the occurrence of salinization, the little fertile land available and the degradation of land by overgrazing. Gaining both the art and the science is a challenge that needs to be managed carefully.

In particular, subsistence farming which benefits more than 2 million South Africans has to benefit from proven best practices. Secondly, those participating in subsistence farming have to be informed of the eco-impact of what they do. Finally, subsistence farmers, especially on land with economic potential, need to see the importance of producing surpluses, i.e. of becoming commercial farmers. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
RPL of learners will be conducted on an individual basis in accordance with the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy of the institution. RPL will be provided for access or for awarding of credits.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirements are:
  • A 360 Credits Diploma in Agricultural Management. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 7 totalling 120 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules: 90 Credits:
  • Strategic Management 4, 30 Credits.
  • Financial Management 4, 30 Credits.
  • Research Methodology 1, 30 Credits.

    Elective Modules: 30 Credits (Select one module):
  • Plant Production 4, 30 Credits.
  • Animal Production 4, 30 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Conduct a mini-research project, justify the methodologies used and make a final presentation of the results thereof.
    2. Compile a financial management plan for an operational farming enterprise.
    3. Formulate a strategic repositioning plan for a farming enterprise on the basis of the analysis of the current situation.
    4. Compile and present an enterprise development plan, inclusive of the budget for a selected crop production cycle.
    5. Compile an enterprise plan, inclusive of the budget for a selected animal production cycle. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Explain the basic elements and paradigms of proper research.
  • Compile a literature review that is relevant to the various aspects of a specific research project.
  • Formulate specific research design in terms of current protocols.
  • Develop research instruments as appropriate.
  • A research project is planned, structured, organised and implemented in an orderly manner and according to the prescribed formats.
  • Process the data collected according to a statistically correct manner.
  • Analyse and interpret the data collected according to the appropriate criteria for the specific research project.
  • Write and present a report on research done according to the applicable criteria.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Complete a selected range of financial statements for a farm as per a variety of case studies as provided.
  • Analyse the financial information provided for a farming enterprise.
  • Draw up the financial management plan of a farming business.
  • Perform a number of selected financial management operations.
  • Perform a variety of alternative tax planning approaches.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Analyse both the external and the internal environments for farming enterprises.
  • Identify some competitive advantages of a specific farming enterprise.
  • Conduct a strategic analysis of various aspects of the specific farming enterprise.
  • Formulate a mission, vision and desired culture for a farming enterprise.
  • Identify all types of goals and objectives for the specific farming enterprise.
  • Formulate key implementation policies and a related action plan.
  • Formulate strategic repositioning review and control mechanisms.
  • Explain the importance of individual leadership for an organisation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Study and report on strategic trends for a selected crop in the local and international scene.
  • Compare and match production and management techniques for a selected crop.
  • Compile an annual cash flow and budget statement for a current crop production enterprise.
  • Explain the principles of making a successful public presentation of an agricultural development plan.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Analyse an existing livestock enterprise in terms of its adherence to the principles of livestock production.
  • Explain the principles of livestock production that apply only to extensive animal production systems.
  • Explain the principles of livestock production that apply only to intensive animal production systems.
  • Compile an annual cash flow and budget statement for a current livestock production enterprise.
  • Compile an elementary development plan for a small livestock enterprise.
  • Explain the principles of making a successful public presentation of an agricultural development plan.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Provision is made for integrated assessment in its entirety. The underpinning principle for the achievement of integrated assessment is ensuring that all work and assessments are directed at enabling learners to commence with situations and required decisions in an end-user support environment. Both formative and summative forms of assessment practices are accommodated.

    Furthermore, as the qualification is practice-oriented, the theory acquired is put into practice. This synergy between theory and practice are achieved via:
  • Addressing a number of outcomes together.
  • Clustering a number of assessment criteria together.
  • Promoting and raising awareness of the connections and relationships between the knowledge, processes and skills inside the different modules.
  • Using a combination of several different assessment methods, instruments and tools to achieve outcome(s). 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification was developed and compared with various qualifications from global academic industry.

    Firstly, the Advanced Diploma in AgriBusiness Management from Longerenong College and Tocal College both in Australia were used. Secondly, the qualification was also compared with the Advanced Diploma in Agriculture from ACS Distance Education from Australia to formulate a context responsive course.

    The Advanced Diploma in AgriBusiness Management from both Longerenong College and Tocal College are offered in Australia at the level above a Diploma qualification. The qualification requirement is that a learner must have obtained a Diploma in Agriculture or have a relevant industrial experience for the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process. The qualification also requires a learner to complete a set number of competencies as prescribed by the Australian Qualification Framework. The qualification is delivered on a full-time and part-time basis. Time-tabled sessions include a combination of lectures, practical activities, demonstrations and tours. From a disciplinary point of view, the qualification focuses on broad cropping and livestock production.

    Similarities exist in the exit outcomes in order to find employment in primary industry sectors such as:
  • Agricultural machinery sales.
  • Agronomy.
  • Farm management.
  • Livestock agency.
  • Rural financial services.
  • Rural merchandise sales.
  • Agriculture related research.
  • Agricultural contracting.

    Modules presented for this comparability study include the following:
  • Advanced Diploma: Tocal College.
  • Cropping and Grazing Management.
  • Crop Agronomy.
  • Business Management.
  • Animal Reproduction.
  • Risk Management.
  • Human Resource Management.

    Advanced Diploma: Longerenong College:
  • Management Risk.
  • Manage the production system.
  • Analyse business performance.
  • Manage business capital.
  • Manage estate planning.
  • Manage human resources.
  • Plan and manage infrastructure requirements.
  • Develop climate risk management strategies.

    The assessment criteria for both Longerenong College and Tocal College Advanced Diploma is through written assignments, oral presentations and online tests which is in line with the assessment criteria for this Advanced Diploma in Agricultural Management. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification offers the following articulation possibilities.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Advanced Diploma in Agricultural Extension, Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Agricultural Management, Level 8.
  • Bachelor Honours Degree in Agricultural Management, 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. Central University of Technology, Free State 


    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.