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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Advanced Diploma in Agriculture and Livestock Production 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
116410  Advanced Diploma in Agriculture and Livestock Production 
ORIGINATOR
Cape Peninsula 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  Primary 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  2020-02-29  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 the Advanced Diploma in Agriculture and Livestock Production is to provide the agricultural livestock industry and its associated value chain with agricultural practitioners that are suitably competent, and able to develop and apply knowledge, competencies and appropriate agricultural technical/scientific and suitable associated social and communication management skills in operating and supporting agricultural and livestock production systems as part of a production and advisory team in the agricultural value chain. Learners will be able to define and conceptualise problems in broader agricultural and specifically livestock production systems and develop solutions for agricultural problems demanding moderately complex solutions (solutions that relate to multi- and interdisciplinary content and aimed at solving problems requiring managerial and technological input and support) relating to specifically livestock production systems within broader agricultural production systems.

The qualification addresses the following needs:
  • Improving the competence of agricultural practitioners in the field of livestock production to identify and relate appropriate advanced scientific and practical skills and information and apply it successfully in attending to agricultural and livestock production problems of moderate complexity (solutions that connect to multi-and interdisciplinary content and aimed at solving problems requiring advanced managerial and technological input and support) in a variety of commercial and developmental settings.
  • Increasing the scientific and professional agricultural leadership and managerial competencies among practitioners to provide solutions and guidance in the field of general agriculture and specifically livestock production in a variety of commercial and developmental settings of moderate complexity (solutions that relate to multi-and interdisciplinary content and aimed at solving problems requiring advanced managerial and technological input and support).
  • Improving the ability of agricultural practitioners to efficiently function in a multidisciplinary agricultural and specifically livestock production environment and to integrate technical/scientific, economic and advisory disciplines and qualifications of moderate complexity (solutions that relate to multi- and interdisciplinary content and aimed at solving problems requiring advanced managerial and technological input and support) in a variety of commercial and developmental settings.

    The purpose of the qualification is, therefore, to equip qualifying learners with the necessary knowledge, skills, motivation and competence to:
  • Confidently and constructively engage in and deal with the identification and conceptualisation of problems and challenges facing livestock production systems and agricultural development in South Africa demanding solutions with limited to moderate levels of complexity (solutions that relate to multi-and interdisciplinary content and aimed at solving problems requiring advanced managerial and technological input and support) involving interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary engagement, e.g. the development of dedicated or combined livestock production systems in a mixed farming area.
  • Successfully and efficiently engage in livestock production and research strategies and qualifications in moderately complex settings (solutions that relate to multi- and interdisciplinary content and aimed at solving problems requiring advanced managerial and technological input and support) to overcome the challenges associated with agricultural growth and development; and
  • Participate with increasing self-confidence, as a knowledgeable and competent member of a team or group, or as independent individual, in a variety of problem-solving and policy development activities in demanding solutions with limited to moderate levels of complexity (solutions that relate to multi- and interdisciplinary content and aimed at solving problems requiring advanced managerial and technological input and support) involving interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary engagement, e.g. the development of dedicated or combined livestock production systems in a mixed farming area.

    This qualification also supports the strategic initiatives of the National Department of Agriculture.
    The structuring, focus and contents of this Advanced Diploma in Agriculture and Livestock Production is therefore very well suited to address a critical shortcoming often expressed about the ability of young scientists entering the livestock and broader agricultural industry.

    Concerning the strength of new incumbents to successfully enter the industry, observations at various levels of management in production and other levels of the value chain have suggested that the first essential groupings of competencies that learners need to master are the following:
  • Spatial and cognitive orientation within the engagement environment, allowing incumbents the skill to acquaint themselves with their agricultural environment and position themselves in terms of their technical and social orientation.
  • Assimilate their professional knowledge with the interpretation of the engagement environment which will allow incumbents the ability to relate their acquired knowledge to their understanding of their working environment and its demands, challenges and opportunities.
  • Integration of knowledge, competencies and prioritisation of engagement needs to develop and implement effective qualifications of activity which will allow incumbents the skill to position themselves in terms of their assessments of their working environment with their own decisions of where to engage with the demands, challenges and opportunities of their working environment.

    Also, this qualification will significantly contribute to preparing successful learners to:
  • Further their lifelong learning, practice and career activities within the agricultural and livestock industry and associated industries and value chains to pursue opportunities for continued personal intellectual growth, gainful economic activity and purposeful contributions to society.
  • Create the essential core of knowledge and competencies to promote the uptake of innovation and promote the role and importance of agricultural and livestock production as an economic, social and environmentally responsive industry. The qualification addresses the importance of interpersonal relations and communication skills (in social, professional, scientific and strategic conceptual planning settings and processes).
  • Improve their important employability and also actively contribute to improving their career development opportunities.

    It, therefore, stands to reason that successful learners obtaining the Advanced Diploma in Agriculture and Livestock Production, NQF Level 7 will be prepared, qualified, skilled and motivated to further their professional/vocational careers but also be equipped for more advanced academic engagement with the challenges and demands set by the agricultural and livestock production industry and its.

    Rationale:
    The South African livestock industry has for the last number of years been going through a period of introspection and planning as well as the development of new perspectives for the future of the industry. Allegations of excessive contribution to climate change and the build-up of emission gases have put the pressure on the livestock production systems in South Africa to build a new or adjusted perspective in developing its future and assessments of the production practices promoted in the industry.

    This process, as well as the increasing complexity and dynamic changes in the agricultural landscape of South Africa due to growing policy and economic emphasis on the issues of agricultural restructuring and land reform, job creation, poverty alleviation and food security, is largely influenced by the sub-optimal rate of uptake of agricultural scientific innovations and the increasing demands for improved production and efficiency to support the food security process in the country, place a high premium on the knowledge and competencies of livestock and agricultural graduates entering the sector. The need for food dramatically increases the demand for well qualified and competent agricultural and livestock scientists who can not only function as agriculturalists but also as livestock practitioners who are adequately competent and qualified to practice, communicate and extrapolate their scientific knowledge and expertise effectively to an increasingly demanding farmer community and larger agricultural value chain at diverse levels of functional complexity and economic activity.

    The growing demand for knowledgeable practitioners in the livestock and broader agricultural environment is mainly the result of increasing international and local interest and competition for improved livestock production systems that have put pressure on various commodity groups and stakeholders from the livestock industry, the broader agricultural industry and other stakeholders occupying various niches in the agricultural value chain to improve their minimum requirements for competencies and practice adoption to meet product quality demands. Given the niche, the Advanced Diploma in Agriculture and Livestock Production provides a specialised knowledge and competence area and career development opportunity for many graduates - thus replacing the old non-aligned BTech Degree.

    Industry surveys done on regular basis by this Department of Agriculture as well as information supplied through industry partners indicate learners can find employment in various capacities in the agricultural industry of the Western Cape and the broader agricultural value chain in South Africa, thus exposing them to the demands and opportunities for further education and training to fulfil their roles with increasing competence. Of particular importance in this regard is their exposure to the Extension Services of the different provinces in South Africa.

    An important associated outcome of this aligned Advanced Diploma in Agriculture and Livestock Production will, therefore, be to provide the Agricultural and Livestock industries in South and Southern Africa, which underpins all aspects of the economy, with significant numbers of suitably qualified Livestock Production specialists with advanced levels of interdisciplinary knowledge and skills to implement strategic solutions for challenges facing the livestock industry, including support for emerging farmers in the small scale and subsistence agricultural sector.

    This qualification is therefore aimed at learners with a qualification in agriculture and livestock production at NQF Level 6, and have gained some experience in related sub-fields of agriculture and wish to further their experience, competence and knowledge in the field of livestock production and its related value chain in the agricultural industry.

    This qualification is therefore specifically aimed at learners who wish to further their career in agriculture in general and livestock production in particular as an important field of economic activity and wish to improve their formal qualifications to support their experience and knowledge and expand on their competencies.

    The assumptions and the characteristics regarding the structuring and concept of the aligned Advanced Diploma in Agriculture and Livestock Production are the following:
  • Since agricultural practice and the development and management of livestock production systems is an applied discipline, it focuses not only on the understanding and knowledge of livestock production systems but also on the monitoring of the increased uptake of relevant scientific concepts associated with improved livestock production behaviour and economic activity in the agricultural value chain.
  • The advanced agricultural study is increasingly recognised to be multi-and inter-disciplinary, given the increased understanding of the agricultural industry environment and value chain. The qualification is particularly effectively done through incorporating a three-pronged approach in the development of the elective subjects in the streams and the compulsory subjects dealing with the economic character, technological and innovation aspects as well as the socio-institutional environment surrounding the agricultural and livestock production industry.
  • Agricultural and livestock production, the planning and management thereof and the functioning of the associated agricultural and livestock value chain require competent and skilful participation to ensure optimal outcomes.

    This qualification will, therefore, further increase the competence of its learners through equipping learners with the necessary knowledge, skills, motivation and competence to:
  • To expand career development, formal academic opportunities for professionally/vocationally qualified agricultural practitioners to further their academic-scientific and professional careers to the highest possible levels.
  • They are allowing learners in advisory and research positions to improve their professional standing by creating opportunities to meet the requirements for professional registration in the fields of agricultural advisory servicing and livestock production. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process of identifying the knowledge and skills of an applicant against the admission requirements of the qualification and for credits against a part thereof. The process involves the identification, mediation, assessment and acknowledgement of knowledge and skills obtained through informal, non-formal and formal learning. The RPL process is multi-dimensional and multi-contextual, aimed at the individual needs of applicants following the institution's RPL policy. The RPL process includes guidance and counselling, as well as the preparation of a body of evidence to be presented by the RPL candidate in support of the application to meet institutional requirements. An appeal procedure is also in place to accommodate queries and rejections. The Department of Agriculture does not implement its RPL policy but in this aligned Advanced Diploma in Agriculture and Livestock Production NQF Level 7 it can be applied to promote gaining access to the qualification and credits/advanced standing as described in institutional guidelines and implemented by the institution.

    In relations to agriculture, this process can act as an important instrument and mechanism to identify unqualified agricultural operators and workers in good positions and with recognised experience to assess their levels of expertise and learning. The process can be a very important process of experience and credit recognition for such incumbents to access academic study in a field with which they are well acquainted. Potentially this mechanism holds a great advantage for increasing the career opportunities for less qualified incumbents by providing them recognition and status to access further academic study. This process will be available to prospective students who wish to obtain the necessary recognition and credit status to pursue this aligned Advanced Diploma in Agriculture and Livestock Production.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Appropriate Diploma, NQF Level 6.
    Or
  • Cognate Bachelor's Degree, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 7 totalling 120 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, 120 Credits:
  • Agricultural Economics, 15 Credits.
  • Agricultural Extension, 15 Credits.
  • Integrated Research Project, 20 Credits.
  • Livestock Production Systems, 30 Credits.
  • Animal Nutrition, 20 Credits.
  • Livestock Breeding and Selection, 10 Credits.
  • Livestock Health Management, 10 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Communicate with farmers, peers and research organisations in a variety of modes, in the discourse of agricultural and livestock production problems, solutions and related aspects of the livestock industry and its associated value chain.
    2. Demonstrate responsible and effective time-management and organisation of agricultural and livestock production projects and research, meeting personal objectives and negotiated deadlines.
    3. Interact with increasing self-confidence, as a member of a team or group in a variety of discussion and problem-solving situations in an agricultural and livestock production environment.
    4. Exhibit a detailed knowledge and understanding of a range of agricultural and livestock production theories, and scientific communicating them in the farming environment in engaging with the multidisciplinary nature of problems of agricultural and livestock production systems.
    5. Work independently in developing a deeper understanding of specified areas of agricultural and livestock production.
    6. Manage data and information on agricultural and livestock production systems effectively, through their collection, storage, analysis, synthesis, presentation and critical evaluation, using a variety of analytical methods and techniques.
    7. Exhibit the necessary skills to successfully carry out an agricultural research project focusing on relatively unidimensional aspects or problems associated with livestock production. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Engage in group discussions and contribute to peer seminars, scientific communication opportunities, popular discourse themes and related publications and communications on a variety of livestock production matters reasonably expected from this level of academic study.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Responsibly and effectively organise and complete livestock production research projects within set time frames while meeting personal objectives and negotiated deadlines.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Participate as a member of a team or group in a variety of discussion and problem-solving situations in an agricultural and livestock production environment.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Apply and scientifically communicate a range of agricultural and livestock production theories in engaging with the multidisciplinary nature of the problems of managing moderately complex agricultural and livestock production systems demanding multidisciplinary.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Develop practices and qualification to exhibit a deeper understanding of specified areas of agricultural and livestock production.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Manage and interpret data and information on agricultural and livestock production in engaging with the multidisciplinary nature of the problems of moderately complex agricultural and crop production systems demanding multi-disciplinary solutions using a variety of analytical methods and techniques.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Carry out an agricultural research project of a moderate level of complexity in livestock production.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The assessment policy and procedures followed by the department in line with the Assessment Policy of the institution as well as the Faculty of Applied Science's Rules and Regulations for Assessment. In brief, the assessment strategy and procedures in the Department that will apply to the aligned Advanced Diploma in Agriculture and Livestock Production (HEQSF Level 7) follow the recommended guidelines indicated in the mentioned policy.

    Continuous assessment throughout the semester in the Advanced Diploma in Agriculture and Livestock Production contributes to the final mark by the learner contribute to the final mark obtained. Both formative and summative assessment methods carry a heavier weighting than 50 % of the final mark. Assessment tasks within the qualification are varied and may include short class quizzes; individual/group assignments or projects; the design of posters and oral presentations in addition to the written assessments. All information about summative assessments (e.g. date, venue, weighting, assessment criteria, marking rubrics) is made available to the learner at the beginning of the semester.

    The submission of a Portfolio of Evidence (POE) in the Integrated Research Project is an important assessment opportunity that also serves the role of an integrated assessment opportunity since different disciplines will participate in the assessment for several different criteria.

    The weighting is as follows:
  • 15% (assignments, short questionnaire and peer assessment assessing basic understanding and comprehension).
  • 15% (practical tasks, oral assessments and written exercise assessments to continuously assess student development in the subject).
  • 30% (more advanced assessment techniques like problem-solving tasks showing integration and conceptual advancement).
  • 40% (one or more final portfolio of evidence or assessment assignments demonstrating attainment of all or critical components of the associated learning outcomes). 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    A scrutiny of the international agricultural environment at Auckland University of Technology and the Waikato Institute of Technology in New Zealand, and in Australia at the University of Technology Sydney and at RMIT University, and selected parts of Europe (Germany, France, Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland - where the Diploma qualification is not associated with academic endeavour) suggested that the concept of an Advanced Diploma in any form of agricultural training is not offered. These areas were selected since they represent educational and research institutions that offer similar qualifications in Agriculture.

    The comparison indicate that Australia is the only country that entertains the qualification (but not as a career pathway qualification but as a practice-orientated advanced qualification offered to practitioners with many years' experience who wish to consolidate their knowledge in academic qualification. The emphasis in these qualifications seem to be on soft skills with some attention paid to specific scientific agricultural aspects, but not to the level and extent of the South African qualification.

    The concept and structure of this aligned Advanced Diploma in Agriculture and Livestock Production is unique (mainly as the professional qualification in the agricultural field) and addresses crucial aspects of agricultural scientific studies of particular importance in the Southern African context. 

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Advanced Diploma in Agriculture and Crop Production, NQF Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Agriculture, NQF 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. Cape Peninsula 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.