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 Agriculture 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
111314  Diploma in Agriculture 
ORIGINATOR
Fort Cox College of Agriculture and Forestry 
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
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2019-09-03  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2033-06-30  

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 the qualification is to address the production entrepreneurship skills, which are significant for the agricultural sector by producing learners that are technically capable to manage sustainable primary farming operations and conversant with value-addition of various products.

Rationale:
The farming industry representatives in the department advisory committee have identified poor knowledge and skills in the National Certificate learners and more knowledge and lack of practical skills in the University learners and thus, a need for a holistic Diploma qualification that will train learners in Agriculture was needed. Direct industry involvement has been sought in the design of this qualification through the Department's Advisory Committee meetings. The qualification is designed for the learner who plans to seek employment in agriculture industry, manage, or own a farm. For those who want to further their studies they can to progress into an Advanced Diploma in Agriculture. Skilled workforce would result in efficient production leading to improved productivity and thus contribute to economic development.

Upon completion of this qualification, the learners would be able to work as farm managers, supervisors, a facilitator in short courses, extension officer, agriculture teachers, agriculture sales representatives as well as technicians in various farming operations/enterprises. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The RPL policy of the institution has been approved and in place for implementation. The RPL process will involve the application, assessment and acknowledgement of knowledge and skills obtained through informal and non-formal learning. The institution will offer two options for RPL, namely, access into first-year level for applicants and exemption from certain modules. For access into first year level studies a learner should have work experience that is related to Agriculture but does not meet the academic requirements for entry into the first year of the qualification, they may apply for RPL for access. For exemption of modules a learner should have gained knowledge in specific areas through informal and non-formal learning and this knowledge is closely related to the Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification but the learner who is seeking to enrol may apply for 'Exemption RPL' rather than 'RPL for access'. In this case, the learner's knowledge will be assessed against the Exit Level Outcomes of particular module (s), for recognition. Based on the assessment results, the applicant will be enrol and be may be exempted from modules.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Senior Certificate without endorsement.
    Or
  • National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4, granting access to Diploma studies. 
    		•

    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.

    This qualification has 3 specialisations, a learner must select one specialisation:
    Specialisation in Animal Production.
    Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 120 Credits:
  • Agricultural seminar, 8 Credits.
  • Basic Scientific Concepts, 12 Credits.
  • Agricultural Mathematics, 8 Credits.
  • Fieldwork Practical 1, 12 Credits.
  • Introduction to Crop Production, 12 Credits.
  • Introduction to Agricultural Economics, 8 Credits.
  • Farm Accounting, 8 Credits.
  • Fieldwork Practical 2, 12 Credits.
  • Introduction to Agricultural Engineering, 12 Credits.
  • Introduction to Animal Production, 12 Credits.
  • Animal Anatomy and Physiology, 8 Credits.
  • Agricultural Extension 1, 8 Credits.

    Compulsory Module, Level 6, 240 Credits:
  • Agricultural Extension 2, 12 Credits.
  • Farm Structures, 12 Credits.
  • Animal Nutrition, 12 Credits.
  • Poultry Production, 12 Credits.
  • Pig Production, 12 Credits.
  • Entrepreneurship, 8 Credits.
  • Business Management, 8 Credits.
  • Rangeland and Pasture Management, 12 Credits.
  • Beef Production, 12 Credits.
  • Small Stock Production, 12 Credits.
  • Animal Health Management 1, 8 Credits.
  • Agro-Processing: Animal, 16 Credits.
  • Dairy Production, 16 Credits.
  • Animal Health Management II, 12 Credits.
  • Agricultural Projects, 16 Credits.
  • Work-Integrated Learning, 60 Credits.

    Or
    Specialisation in Agribusiness.
    Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 120 Credits:
  • Agricultural seminar, 8 Credits.
  • Basic Scientific Concepts, 12 Credits.
  • Agricultural Mathematics, 8 Credits.
  • Fieldwork Practical 1, 12 Credits.
  • Introduction to Crop Production, 12 Credits.
  • Introduction to Agricultural Economics, 8 Credits.
  • Farm Accounting, 8 Credits.
  • Fieldwork Practical 2, 12 Credits.
  • Introduction to Agricultural Engineering, 12 Credits.
  • Introduction to Animal Production, 12 Credits.
  • Animal Anatomy and Physiology/Crop Physiology and Ecology, 8 Credits.
  • Agricultural Extension 1, 8 Credits.

    Compulsory Module, Level 6, 240 Credits:
  • Agricultural Extension 2, 12 Credits.
  • Production Economics, 12 Credits.
  • Agricultural Marketing 1, 8 Credits.
  • Human Resource Management, 8 Credits.
  • Field Crop Production, 12 Credits.
  • Pig Production/Poultry Production, 12 Credits.
  • Entrepreneurship, 8 Credits.
  • Agricultural Marketing 2, 8 Credits.
  • Business Management, 8 Credits.
  • Agricultural Industry, 8 Credits.
  • Vegetable Production, 12 Credits.
  • Beef Production/Small Stock Production, 12 Credits.
  • Agro-Processing: Crop/Animal, 16 Credits.
  • Project Management, 12 Credits.
  • Financial Management, 8 Credits.
  • Supply Chain Management, 8 Credits.
  • Entrepreneurship Projects, 16 Credits.
  • Work-Integrated Learning, 60 Credits.

    Or
    Specialisation in Crop Production.
    Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 120 Credits:
  • Agricultural Seminar, 8 Credits.
  • Basic Scientific Concepts, 12 Credits.
  • Agricultural Mathematics, 8 Credits.
  • Fieldwork Practical 1, 12 Credits.
  • Introduction to Crop Production, 12 Credits.
  • Introduction to Agricultural Economics, 8 Credits.
  • Farm Accounting, 8 Credits.
  • Fieldwork Practical 2, 12 Credits.
  • Introduction to Agricultural Engineering, 12 Credits.
  • Introduction to Animal Production, 12 Credits.
  • Crop Physiology and Ecology, 8 Credits.
  • Agricultural Extension 1, 8 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 240 Credits:
  • Agricultural Extension 2, 12 Credits.
  • Farm Structures, 12 Credits.
  • Fruit Production 1, 8 Credits.
  • Field Crop Production, 12 Credits.
  • Crop Protection, 12 Credits.
  • Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition, 8 Credits.
  • Entrepreneurship, 8 Credits.
  • Business Management, 8 Credits.
  • Fruit Production II, 12 Credits.
  • Vegetable Production, 12 Credits.
  • Irrigation, Soil and Water Conservation, 16 Credits.
  • Agro-processing: Crop, 16 Credits.
  • Farm Mechanisation, 12 Credits.
  • Agricultural Projects, 16 Credits.
  • Land Use Planning, 16 Credits.
  • Work-Integrated Learning, 60 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Understand the principles of agricultural production and the use of the different resources in an environmentally sustainable way.
    2. Design, apply and implement the practices of agriculture in sustainable, socio-economic local, regional and national development and production.
    3. Evaluate, compare, advice and integrate appropriate agricultural management strategies in order to promote sustainable land use practices, improve rural livelihoods and improve commercial production. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Define and describe the principals involved in agriculture.
  • Demonstrate a working knowledge of living entities, plant and livestock, soils and agricultural economics.
  • Identify and explain ecological principles.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the concepts of conservation and sustainability.
  • Categorise traditional and commercial systems in agriculture.
  • Select and apply traditional and commercial knowledge in agrarian development.
  • Display observational competency in fieldwork and data information collection.
  • Effectively communicate information to specific audiences.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Describe the role of plants and animals in agriculture.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the principles involved in the agricultural Industry.
  • Apply the theory in a South African agricultural context.
  • Identify and categorise a variety of production and management systems.
  • Provide evidence of practical experience in these production systems.
  • Demonstrate theoretical and practical competency.
  • Design an extension tool to obtain specific information.
  • Utilise and apply collected information in a variety of agrarian development situations.
  • Display appropriate knowledge and understanding of communication aspects critical to development of agricultural activities.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Critically analyse interaction between different production, economic, environmental systems and cultural groups.
  • Demonstrate awareness and understanding of the personality traits, attitudes and skills necessary for successful interactions within agricultural development.
  • Draft plans to incorporate interventions aimed at obtaining realistic outcomes.
  • Utilise multi resource inventories, appropriate technology and indigenous knowledge.
  • Analyse and evaluate different management options for sustainability and improved production.
  • Demonstrate critical knowledge of sustainable and commercially economical agricultural management within the appropriate legislation.
  • Assemble and convey knowledge of policies and legislation of agriculture in the South African environment.
  • Write a report and present it to peers and external examiners on the practical application of the theory gained in experiential training.
  • Compare and evaluate holistic approaches integrating acquired skills and attitudes in the form of case study analyses.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The formative assessment comprises assignments or practicals which account 40% and tests account 60% to the semester mark. Summative assessment comprises a final examination contributing 50% to the final mark. While experiential learning programme account a total of 120 Credits of the whole qualification. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification is comparable to a New Zealand NQF (NZQF) National Diploma in Agribusiness Management at Level 5 in a plant production context as well as with a National Diploma in Horticulture, NZQF Level 6. The NZQF qualification has been developed for a specific sub-field of specialisation whilst a more generic approach is taken in this qualification allowing for contextualisation of the qualification across a wider range of sub-fields. In the NZQF qualifications the focus is given to local conditions, practices and approaches to agriculture whilst this qualification focuses on agriculture within a South African context.

    This qualification is also comparable to the Diploma of Higher Education in Agriculture at Writtle University College in the United Kingdom even though the duration is two years and it does not have a work integrated learning.

    This qualification is also similar to the Diploma in Animal Science and Technology, Diploma in Horticulture and Diploma in farm and resource management from Ergeton University in Kenya in terms of the focus areas in the modules, duration of the qualification and the Work Integrated learning duration.
    Modules offered by Ergeton University:
  • Principles of Crop Improvement.
  • Vegetable Production.
  • Farm Management and Accounts.
  • Extension Education.
  • Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition.
  • Introduction to Soil Science.

    Furthermore, the qualification is comparable with Diploma in Agriculture from University of Manitoba in Canada. This qualification is similar in terms of the module content and work integrated learning however the qualification differs in duration as it is 2 years. The qualification is aimed at preparing learners to manage a farm or work in an agricultural business. The qualification includes the following modules:
  • Business Management.
  • Crop Management.
  • Livestock Management.
  • General Agriculture. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Diploma in Animal Health, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Crop Production, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Agriculture in Plant Production, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Horticulture, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Nature Conservation, NQF Level 6.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Advanced Diploma in Animal Health, NQF Level 7.
  • Advanced Diploma in Agriculture in Crop Production, NQF Level 7.
  • Advanced Diploma in Horticulture, NQF Level 7.
  • Advanced Diploma in Nature Conservation, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    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.
     
    NONE 


    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.