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: 

Bachelor of Agriculture Honours 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
115729  Bachelor of Agriculture Honours 
ORIGINATOR
University of KwaZulu-Natal 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Honours Degree  Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation  Primary Agriculture 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  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
2028-06-30   2032-06-30  

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 purpose of the Bachelor of Agriculture Honours is to equip learners with the necessary skills to engage with the body of knowledge in a specialised field of agriculture as well as the application of that knowledge. The qualification will contribute to the quality and effectiveness of agricultural extension services. The qualification will address the demand needed for professionals who can lead and manage agricultural extension through the complex world of agricultural and rural transformation.

Qualifying learners will gain competencies that will promote expertise in this field by being able to:
  • Provide leadership in an extension unit by designing, implementing, integrating, and managing extension projects and programmes.
  • Co-ordinate and evaluate extension communication plans by using written and verbal communication techniques and skills.
  • Apply principles of group dynamics and leadership amongst interacting groups.
  • Evaluate theories and practices of behaviour of change and innovation in extension.
  • Further their learning, practice, and careers within the agricultural extension and/or associated industries and through their own personal growth.
  • Expand the capacity of farmers and communities to integrate various agricultural systems and resource bases with one another and with non-agricultural activities.
  • Expand the capacity of farmers and communities to resolve more complex conflicts inhibiting development.
  • Increase the qualification and skills base from which lecturers, trainers, etc. can be selected.
  • Contribute to the sustainability of extension, advisory and development services to communities.
  • Create a foundation for engaging in independent research.
  • Provide leadership among colleagues.

    This qualification includes broader and specialised competencies in terms of communication, behaviour changes, facilitation, leadership and group dynamics, adult learning, technology innovation and transfer, project planning and management, extension evaluation and community development. It also includes client orientation and customer focus, service delivery innovation, problem-solving honesty and integrity and people management and empowerment.

    The purpose of this qualification is to develop the capacity of Agricultural Extension Practitioners who will work in agricultural and rural development in the Non-Government Organisation (NGO) sector, for government service, for agribusiness and for other private sector companies involved with farmers and rural communities.

    Rationale:
    The South African agricultural landscape has a long history of inequitable development. There are millions of land users who are marginalised from the mainstream agricultural sector and the social and economic benefits derived thereof. The qualification offers an opportunity to transform South African agriculture and enable the masses who were denied full participation. One of the ways to do this is through training Agricultural Extensionists who can contribute to the development of farmer capacity for production, research, innovation, and agri-business to help reach food security goals and increase productivity, international competitiveness, and profitability.

    South Africa's economy is heavily reliant on the agricultural sector. Agriculture delivers more jobs per rand invested than any other productive sector and remains critical in the face of rural poverty and food insecurity. The primary production component of this sector contributes nearly 3% to the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), but for the entire value chain, the contribution to GDP increases to nearly 12%. The qualification strives therefore to build capacities and equip a range of professionals and practitioners with the specialised knowledge and skills to contribute to the economy of the country.

    The agricultural sector is the largest user of land, covering approximately 68% of the country. South Africa is well known for sugar cane, dairy, subtropical fruit, nuts, and a variety of vegetables. To this can be added many thousands of hectares of commercial forestry. Together, these two industries can and do have significant social, economic, and environmental impacts. South Africa is well positioned to expand its contribution to GDP as well as to the livelihoods of thousands of smallholder farmers. Together, forestry and agriculture have, however, also caused increasing degradation of natural vegetation and ecosystems in the country.

    Agricultural extension is an important element in the transformation of the agricultural sector in South Africa. The National Development Plan calls for increasing and refocusing investment in research and development for the agricultural sector. To carry this investment to farmers and engage them in the process will require a constant stream of Agricultural Extensionists between now and 2030 and beyond.

    The qualification promotes life-long learning by putting emphasis on critical thinking, problem-solving and reflection. Agricultural extension in the broader context of agricultural development was identified among the critical skill shortages identified by the South African National Strategy for Agricultural Education and Training. Further, the norms and standards developed for agricultural extension in South Africa indicated a need to strengthen the knowledge and skills within agricultural extension including skills as well as in practical agricultural skills.

    The qualification aims to provide candidates with specialised training and education in areas relevant to agricultural extension and rural development practice and extension development to meet the changing demands of agricultural development in Africa in general and in South Africa in particular. The qualification prepares graduates for further study and research in Agricultural Extension. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy applicable to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications.

    RPL for access:
  • Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
  • To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations.

    RPL for exemption of modules:
  • Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

    RPL for credit:
  • Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.
  • Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Agriculture, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Agriculture in Agricultural Extension, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Advanced Diploma in Agricultural Extension, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Advanced Diploma in Sustainable Agriculture in Rural Development, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Bachelor's Degree in a cognate field, Level 7. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    Exit Level Outcomes
    1. Provide leadership in an agricultural extension unit to promote excellence and effectiveness in service delivery.
    2. Demonstrate an ability to apply critical communication skills to agricultural extension practice and research to promote learning.
    3. Demonstrate an ability to apply the principles of group dynamics and leadership amongst interacting groups to improve the effectiveness of the groups.
    4. Demonstrate an ability to critically evaluate theories and practices of behaviour change and innovation in agricultural extension to improve learning among practitioners and clients.
    5. Demonstrate an ability to conduct scientific research in an area relevant to agricultural extension to develop postgraduate-level research and writing skills. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Design, implement, integrate, and manage extension/development projects and programmes in a manner consistent with the principle of good leadership.
  • Manage an agricultural extension unit in accordance with the mandate, objectives and policies of the parent organisation.
  • Apply knowledge and mentor colleagues and subordinates in extension to foster excellence in performance and commendable behaviour.
  • Select, integrate, and evaluate extension theories and approaches in a manner that demonstrates critical thinking.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Assess, integrate, and develop communication plans to enhance two-way learning.
  • Coordinate multiple development communication plans to maximise the overall impact of the qualifications being implemented.
  • Evaluate multiple development communication plans against the intended outcomes of the qualifications being implemented.
  • Apply written and verbal communication in a manner that is consistent with scientific research.
  • Apply the principles of group dynamics and leadership amongst interacting groups to improve the effectiveness of the groups.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Demonstrate critical thinking in the assessment and evaluation of theories, principles, techniques, and tools of group dynamics.
  • Integrate and evaluate the implementation of theories, principles, techniques, and tools of group dynamics.
  • Critically determine effectiveness in terms of the intended outcomes of the qualification being implemented.
  • Formulate appropriate groups to facilitate their functioning to enhance effectiveness.
  • Engage and foster the practical use of leadership principles and skills to improve group credibility among stakeholders.
  • Facilitate group discussions and decision-making to improve the achievement of group goals.
  • Critically evaluate theories and practices of behaviour change and innovation in agricultural extension to improve learning among practitioners and clients.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Establish a methodology to evaluate theories and processes that are consistent with scientific research.
  • Evaluate theories and processes of behaviour change, diffusion, and adoption of innovations, participatory technology innovation/development and decision-making according to the established methodology.
  • Apply critical thinking and draw conclusions from evaluations.
  • Develop recommendations regarding theories and processes in accordance with the evaluation.
  • Disseminate recommendations among practitioners and clients to promote learning.
  • Conduct scientific research in an area relevant to agricultural extension to develop postgraduate-level research and writing skills.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Design a research project to investigate an issue relevant to an extension.
  • Develop a theoretical framework for the research based on a review of relevant literature.
  • Conduct original primary research using a research methodology that is scientifically defensible.
  • Develop and articulate findings from research in a manner consistent with scientific research standards.
  • Draw conclusions and recommendations from the research findings showing critical thinking.
  • Document the completed research in a manner that is consistent with peer-reviewed scientific research publications. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification is comparable with similar qualifications offered in various higher education institutions internationally.

    Country: United States of America
    Institution: University of North Carolina
    Qualification Title: Agricultural and Extension Education (Certificate)
    Credits: 15 credit hours
    Duration: One year

    Entry requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree (or equivalent)
    Or
  • GPA of at least 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale) undergraduate degrees.

    Course Structure:
    Purpose:
    Graduate Certificate in Agricultural and Extension Education focuses on developing the knowledge and skills needed to be effective teachers of agriculture in public schools and community colleges or to work as an educator with the Cooperative Extension Service or in other non-formal educational settings such as public gardens, nature centers and in international development.

    Compulsory Modules:
  • Agricultural Education, Schools, and Society
  • Foundations of Agricultural and Extension Education
  • Youth Program Management
  • Occupational Experience in Agriculture compares with Rural development placement.
  • Coordinating the High School Agricultural Education Program
  • Curriculum Development in Agricultural and Extension Education
  • Teaching Agriculture in Secondary Schools
  • Practicum In Agricultural and Extension Education compares with Rural development placement
  • Effective Teaching in Agriculture and Life Sciences
  • Program Planning in Agricultural and Extension Education compares with Project design and management.
  • Adult Education in Agriculture
  • Leadership and Management of Volunteers in Agricultural and Extension Education.
  • Organizational and Administrative Leadership in Agricultural and Extension Ed
  • Evaluation in Agricultural and Extension Education
  • International Agricultural Development

    Assessment:
    The certificate program involves the completion of 15 credit hours and the preparation of a professional portfolio. The career goals of the student will determine which sequence of courses to take.

    Similarities:
  • The University of North Carolina (UNC) and the South African (SA) qualifications require learners who have completed a bachelor's degree.
    Both the UNC and SA qualifications are offered over a period of one year.
  • Both qualifications share a similar module such as Occupational Experience in Agriculture.

    Differences:
  • The purpose of the SA qualification is to develop the capacity of Agricultural Extension Practitioners who will work in agricultural and rural development in the NGO sector, whereas the UNC qualification focus is on developing the knowledge and skills needed to be effective teachers of agriculture in the public schools and community colleges.

    Country: India
    Institution: Indian National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management
    Qualification Title: Post-Graduate Diploma in Agricultural Extension Management
    Credits: 32 credits
    Duration: One year part-time

    Entry requirements:
    Bachelor's degree in agriculture
    Or,
    Bachelor's degree in any discipline

    Learners who are currently employed in the departments of Agriculture / Allied sectors of Central / State / UT Governments and State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) are eligible to enrol for the programme.

    Purpose:
    The Post Graduate Diploma in Agricultural Extension Management public extension system has a vital and indispensable role in providing extension support to a large population of farmers. The public extension system needs to be strengthened to match the scale and diversity of agriculture. The extension/development functionaries must be transformed into a vibrant and useful knowledge force to bring about the desired changes in agriculture and allied sectors. The private extension/development functionaries also need to be empowered through capacity building to improve the effectiveness in the extension delivery system.

    The overall purpose of the qualification is:
  • To enhance the techno-managerial competence of extension functionaries.
  • To acquaint the extension functionaries with the latest developments in the field of agricultural extension.
  • To equip the extension functionaries with the tools and techniques for participatory decision-making.
  • To develop an insight into various extension models to enrich the Agri-value chain.

    Qualification structure:
    The qualification consists of the Compulsory Modules.

    Compulsory Modules:
  • Introduction to Agricultural Extension compared with Systems thinking foundations.
  • Facilitation for Development.
  • Communication for Development.
  • Gender Mainstreaming for Agricultural Development.
  • Leadership and Management Skills.
  • Rural Sociology, compares with Rural development placement
  • Farm Business Management.
  • Planning for Agricultural Management compares with Project design and management.
  • Extension for Sustainable Agricultural Development.
  • Project work compares with Extension research project.

    Assessment:
    Summative:
  • Written examinations and assignments.
  • The written examination of each course is for 70 marks and the assignment is for 30 marks.
    A combined minimum of 50 marks is required to qualify besides a minimum of 50 marks in project work. The candidates scoring 80% and above will be awarded first division with distinction and those scoring 70% to 79.9% will be awarded first division while those scoring between 60% to 69.9% will be awarded second division.

    Formative:
  • Project work
  • Work integrated learning

    Similarities:
  • The Indian National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (NIAEM) and the South African (SA) qualifications learners who have completed a bachelor's degree.
  • Both qualifications are offered over a period of one year.
  • Both the NIAEM and the SA qualifications share similar modules such as Project design and management.
  • Both the NIAEM and the SA qualifications offer solutions and support to farmers.
  • Both qualifications are assessed through formative and summative assessments.

    Differences:
  • The NIAEM qualification has 32 credit hours whereas the SA qualification has 128 credits.
  • The NIAEM qualification is offered over one year of part-time study while the SA qualification takes one year of full-time study.

    Country: Namibia
    Institution: Namibia University of Science and Technology.
    Qualification Title; Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Honours
    NQF Level: NQF Level 8
    Credits: 120
    Duration: One year full time

    Entry Requirements
  • Candidates must have a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, or a Bachelor of Agriculture, with a minimum average of 60% in exit-level courses.
  • Alternatively, candidates should have an equivalent qualification at NQF level 7 from a recognised institution, worth at least 360 credits.
  • Holders of the National Diploma in Natural Resource Management (Agriculture) from the Polytechnic of Namibia (now NUST) will be considered for admission provided they have an overall minimum average of 60%, and completed the following courses that form part of the Bachelor of Science in Agriculture curriculum:
  • Animal Health.
  • Basic Research Methodology Food Science and Technology Rural Development Sociology.
  • Financial Management (Agriculture).

    Purpose/Rationale:
    Food and agriculture are at the centre of a rapidly changing and growing world, and the challenges we face are some of the most important. The next generation of growers, policymakers, business leaders, innovators and educators are needed to shape the future of agriculture.

    The Bachelor of Science Honours in Agriculture (with specialisation in Agribusiness Management or Sustainable Agriculture) builds on the outcomes of the Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (with specialisation in Agribusiness Management or Sustainable Agriculture). The qualification aims at consolidating and deepening the knowledge and skills of students in the main cognate area of learning, as well as developing their capacity to conduct supervised applied research.

    Exit Level Outcomes
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, principles, and theories relating to subject areas.
  • Understanding the value and processes of life-long learning and professional development.
  • Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written contexts in the form of technical papers, project reports, design documents and seminar presentations.
  • Graduates are expected to be equipped with problem-solving philosophical approaches that are pertinent across the disciplines.
  • Play effective roles in multidisciplinary teams.
  • Understand the impact of professional disciplinary solutions in societal and environmental contexts and demonstrate knowledge towards sustainable development.
  • Graduates are expected to design a scientific experiment through statistical hypothesis testing and other a priori reasoning including logical deduction.
  • Graduates are expected to know the basics of cognitive biases, mental models, logical fallacies, scientific methodology and constructing cogent scientific arguments.
  • Graduates are expected to be digitally literate and increase their core competency via e-learning resources such as MOOC and other digital tools for lifelong learning. Graduates should be able to spot data fabrication and fake news by applying rational scepticism and analytical reasoning.
  • Ability to think, acquire knowledge and skills through logical reasoning and inculcate the habit of self-learning.
  • Collect, analyse, and interpret scientific data.
  • Apply ethical principles and commit to professional ethics and responsibilities and norms of scientific practice.
  • Recognise, analyse problems, and plan strategies for their solutions with the help of computer skills.

    Qualification structure:
  • Research Project in Agricultural Economics compares with Extension research project.
  • Research Methodology in Agricultural Economics compares with Extension research project.
  • Project Planning and Management compares with Project design and management.
  • International Agricultural Trade
  • Beef Production
  • Agricultural Policy Analysis
  • Agricultural Business Management
  • Small Ruminant Production
  • Rural Development compares with Rural development placement.

    Similarities:
  • The Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) and the South African (SA) qualifications take one year full-time study.
  • Both qualifications are registered at NQF Level 08 and consist of a minimum of 120 credits.
  • Both the NUST and the SA qualifications require applicants who completed a bachelor's degree in agriculture or equivalent fields.
  • Both qualifications aim at deepening the knowledge and skills of students in the main cognate area of learning, as well as developing their capacity to conduct supervised applied research.
  • The NUST and the SA qualifications develop the same graduate attributes as they have the same exit-level outcomes.
  • Both qualifications consist of the compulsory Research module culminating to the Research Report. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Agriculture, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Agriculture Honours in Agricultural Economics, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Agriculture Honours in Rural Development Planning, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in Agribusiness, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Agriculture Honours in Agricultural Extension, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Agriculture Honours in Extension, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Agriculture, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Sustainable Agriculture, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Agriculture, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Agriculture in Extension, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Science in Agriculture, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Agriculture in Agricultural Extension, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Sustainable Agriculture, NQF Level 9.

    Diagonal Articulation:
    No diagonal articulation options are available. 
    		•

    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. University of KwaZulu-Natal 


    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.