SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in Agricultural Economics

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
111681	Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in Agricultural Economics
ORIGINATOR
University of Limpopo
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
National First Degree(Min 480)	Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation		Secondary Agriculture
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	480	Not Applicable	NQF Level 08	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		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 qualification is designed to produce well qualified, competent people who wish to pursue a career in Agricultural Economics or related fields. It is expected that upon completion learners will be able to apply knowledge, skills, analytical techniques and methods in identifying and solving problems pertinent to agricultural economics. The Graduate will play an important role in analysing, understanding and maximising agricultural production, as well as linking agriculture with the economics thereof. Importantly, Graduates of the qualification will have been introduced to research methodologies within the specialised field of study, which will provide them with skills for problem solving and advancing the knowledge within the sector.

Rationale:
The National Development Plan 2030 clearly outlines the relevance Agricultural Developments will play in achieving its objectives of reducing poverty and inequality. In order to meet South Africa's potential in agriculture, we need to educate a substantial cohort of the population in the value of agriculture, in theories and good practices in agriculture and in the value of life-long learning. It is only through an education within agriculture that the sector will advance and ensure a sustainable production of food supply. In particular, a qualification with an Agriculture Economics focus will ensure a cadre of learners that understand and can advise on the agricultural markets, the value of the agricultural processes and be able to provide predictors of the sector to various stakeholders. Agriculture Economics Graduates will be relevant in the business and industry sectors, the public sector, local agencies engaged in rural economic development and in international organisations working in the field of economic development, poverty alleviation and related matters. Agricultural Economists also provide an important role on the development within the sector through the analysis of trends and projections, opinions on, and formation of, policies, and the formulation of strategic objectives within the sector.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may be used to access the qualification where the admission requirements obtained do not meet those required. In addition, this qualification may be achieved in part through the recognition of relevant prior learning and experience as per the institution RPL policy in general, which outlines the structure and processes that must be followed to RPL a qualification when the need arises. Appropriate assessment tasks and tools are designed to assess individual learners against the module/course outcomes on a case-by-case basis, with detailed records maintained. The institution has trained RPL in various disciplinary fields to facilitate this process.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:

Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 granting access to Bachelor Studies.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification comprises of compulsory modules at NQF Level 8 totalling 524 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, 524 Credits:

Elementary Calculus, 12 Credits.

Elementary Linear Algebra and Statistics, 12 Credits.

Elementary Statistics I, 12 Credits.

Elementary Statistics II, 12 Credits.

Health Education and Life Competencies I, 12 Credits.

Health Education and Life Competencies II, 12 Credits.

Introduction to Biological Studies, 12 Credits.

Regional Studies: South Africa, Space, People, and Environment, 12 Credits.

Introduction to Business Management, 12 Credits.

Entrepreneurship, 16 Credits.

Introduction to Plant Production, 12 Credits.

Introduction to Agricultural Economics: Microeconomics, 16 Credits.

Introduction to Animal Science, 12 Credits.

Introduction to Agricultural Economics: Macroeconomics, 16 Credits.

Basic and Intermediate Farm Management, 12 Credits.

Agricultural Development Planning and Rural Finance, 12 Credits.

Introduction to Agricultural Mechanization, 12 Credits.

Introduction to Rural Sociology, 12 Credits.

Agricultural Project Analysis, 12 Credits.

Agricultural and Rural Development, 12 Credits.

Basic and Intermediate Agricultural Marketing, 12 Credits.

Agricultural Policy Analysis, 12 Credits.

International Trade, 12 Credits.

Production Economics, 12 Credits.

Introduction to Agricultural Extension, 12 Credits.

Local Economic Development, 12 Credits.

Poultry and Pig Production, 12 Credits.

Experiential Training, 20 Credits.

Principles of Field Crop Production, 12 Credits.

Research Methodology & Research Project, 32 Credits.

Econometrics, 16 Credits.

Mathematical Economics, 16 Credits.

Microeconomic Theory, 16 Credits.

Resource Economics, 16 Credits.

Agribusiness Management, 16 Credits.

Institutional Economics, 16 Credits.

Macroeconomic Theory, 16 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Provide a conceptual critique on specialised knowledge within a particular field of interest.
2. Apply knowledge and competencies to various contexts within the field of Agriculture Economics.
3. Synthesise information from relevant sources to provide background knowledge and insight on contextualised topics.
4. Identify a relevant research question and attempt to answer this through planning a suitable research protocol.
5. Conduct a research protocol using appropriate methods and forms of analysis, and report using appropriate means.
6. Be conversant with ethical values and legal practices within the scope of Agricultural Economics.
7. Communicate effectively regarding topics with their field of specialisation.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Reflect in the correct use of the terminology, concepts, principles and theories in written and/or oral communication.

Represent the appraisal of the relationship among concepts and principles of the agricultural sector and the economics thereof.

Discuss and show a depth of comprehension of topics across the disciplinary area of Agricultural Economics.

Apply and propose solutions to well-structured and practical problems (both concrete and abstract).

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Discuss and contextualise case studies within the field of agricultural economics provides insight into the various aspects and nuances within the field.

Calculate and analyses are performed using appropriate methodologies, are accurate and results interpreted and communicated correctly.

Optimise and increase revenue within the agricultural sector are proposed based on contextualised case studies.

Apply knowledge learned to appropriately structured work case assignments.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Source relevant and current information through access to various kinds of information resources, such as the library, Internet, and primary and secondary sources related to the topic.

Structure a literature survey on a particular topic and indicate the direction of the answer through the use of subheadings.

State the context in which the basic concepts of the topic are to be evaluated in the literature survey.

Develop a coherent discussion, as well as citing and discussing illustrative examples.

Draw a conclusion that is consistent with the information gathered, and suggest possible alternatives.

Present the literature survey/research report according to appropriate and/or recommended word processing and referencing protocol.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Identify a valid research question after reviewing relevant literature sources and pose it in a coherent yet succinct manner.

Draft a coherent research plan, taking into account resource availability, statistical approaches used, under the guidance of a supervisor and ethical protocols that are required to be observed, and

Ensure the safety of life and the environment.

Review various methodologies that could be used to attend to the research question and validate the use, or not, thereof to solve the problem.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Apply experimental or computational procedures identified from the research protocol accurately, conserving resources and with due diligence to the sensitivity of equipment, consumables and safety.

Collect and record appropriate data truthfully and in the appropriate format.

Analyse results using relevant methods and interpret them accordingly.

Present the research orally/or in written format using appropriate discourse and presentation techniques, considering the audience.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Describe the ethical implications contextualised to the field of Agricultural Economics

Work within the specifications of the discipline and be able to refer work appropriately.

Provide a balanced view on a contextualised problem using theories and evidence previously provided in the specialised area.

Discuss on the legislation that relates to the sector of agricultural economics and related contexts shows understanding.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

Communicate and show an awareness of audience, and capability in using different modes of communication (oral and written) and discipline-specific conventions, and utilisation of different techniques and strategies for communicating results.

Provide relevant guidance to stakeholders and sectors within the Agricultural Economics field within the confines with an exit level Agricultural Economist.

Integrated Assessment:
Learning and assessment are integrated throughout this qualification. Continuous formative assessment is required to ensure that learners get feedback on their progress towards the achievement of specific learning outcomes. Assignments designed to meet the requirements of integrated assessment are such as to achieve: An integration of the achievement of exit-level outcomes in a way that demonstrates that the purpose of the qualification as a whole has been achieved, either as a whole in the component parts of the qualification of study; Evaluation of learner performance to demonstrate applied competence; and Criterion-referenced assessment, which is clearly explained to and understood by the learners. Summative assessment is concerned with the judgement of the learning in relation to the exit level outcomes of the qualification. Such judgement includes integrated assessment, which assesses the learners' ability to integrate the larger body of knowledge, competencies and attitudes that are represented by the exit-level outcomes, either as a whole or as components of the qualification. The qualification includes a research module, which measures all learning outcomes in an integrated manner.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

The University of Kentucky in the United States of America offers a four-year Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics which is aimed at people wanting to acquire skills and knowledge in amongst others marketing, management, leadership, problem-solving and all the skills needed for careers in agribusiness, food industries, international trade, credit/finance and farm management. This qualifications offers specialisation in two areas which are Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Management and Food Marketing which differs from the University of Limpopo qualification which focusses on agricultural economics only. The topics included within the courses are similar with a confluence of agricultural subjects and those more of economics and finance. Both courses include some social sciences concepts such as the module on agricultural extension in the institution qualification.

The University of New England in Australia offers a four-year Bachelor of Science in Agricultural and Resource Economics. This qualification and that of the institution compare well in terms of aim, outcomes and content. The qualification aims to provide learners with an understanding of the key challenges and trade-offs confronting business, government and the community at large. The outcomes of the qualification include knowledge, skills and attributes required for high level problem solving and economic decision making across a diverse range of agricultural and natural resource issues such as food safety and security, natural resource depletion, climate change, sustainability and increasing globalisation and integration of agricultural and food networks. The qualification structure includes courses on Microeconomics and Macroeconomics, Farm and Resource Management, Rural Finance and Risk Management, Environmental And natural resource economics, international trade and business, and economic analysis of chains and networks. The qualification includes a global perspective on the current challenging issues across the economic, environmental, social and political environments, as well as an understanding of social responsibility in relation to agricultural and business practices, and an appreciation of the importance of the environment and sustainability.

The University of Edinburgh in Scotland offers a four-year Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics qualification. The qualification is focussed on improving the effectiveness and sustainability of agri-food systems, which is vital to tackling the challenges of global population growth, rapid urbanisation, food and environmental security, and diet and health. The qualification applies economic principles to critical topics for developing international agri-food systems. Learners will develop analytical skills in production and consumption economics, the evaluation of trade and government intervention, advanced modelling and econometrics, and apply them to a range of issues relevant to the production and consumption of food. This qualification aligns very well with that of the institution in that it includes a research focus in the qualification. One difference is that although the admission requirements are similar, graduates of the Edinburgh qualification may, based on performance, articulate into a Doctoral qualification, whereas graduates of the institution qualification may articulate into a Masters qualification.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows for both horizontal and vertical articulation.
Horizontal Articulation:

Bachelor of Agriculture Honours in Agricultural Economics, NQF Level 8.

Vertical Articulation:

Master of Agriculture in Plant Protection, NQF Level 9.

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.

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