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
120923  Diploma in Agriculture 
ORIGINATOR
Sol Plaatje University 
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
Registered  EXCO 0816/23  2023-05-30  2026-05-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2027-05-30   2032-05-30  

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 Diploma in Agriculture is to produce a solid grounding in principles and practices of producing crops and livestock for commercial purposes, primarily, under water-stressed regions. This qualification is structured as a comprehensive introduction to mixed farming which permits learners to emerge as general agriculturalists who are well equipped to become agricultural entrepreneurs or enter postgraduate studies in any sub-disciplines in agriculture. The institution's approach is to ensure that learners do not specialise too early in their academic orientation but have sufficient depth of foundational knowledge to develop as specialists more competently through practice and or further studies.

Upon completion of this qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Apply entrepreneurial principles in different businesses along the agricultural value chain.
  • Select, plan, implement and manage agricultural production systems in a sustainable manner to optimize economic return.
  • Demonstrate the ability to follow a systematic approach to making decisions regarding sustainable land use and related matters under the harsh realities of climate change.
  • Select, implement, and manage relevant farm infrastructure and appropriate mechanization systems.

    Rationale:
    Two of the major South African rivers - the Vaal and the Orange - find confluence and flow through the Northern Cape. These rivers and their local watershed tributaries allow for corridors of agronomic and horticultural crop production, in an otherwise largely arid landscape that is better suited to livestock production. Agricultural activity is one of the major contributing sectors in the province and accounts for the largest sectorial employment, even though mining is the larger contributor to the gross domestic product in Rand-value terms.

    On a proportional basis, the largest provincial employment in agriculture in South Africa is in the Northern Cape. While the average employment in agriculture in South Africa is around 6%, the average population employed in agriculture in the Northern Cape is around 15% (StatSA Data, 2017). Employment levels in the Northern Cape show significant seasonal variation, with high levels of employment in the harvesting and planting seasons (Quarter 4 and Quarter 1). The large fluctuations in employment levels in the Northern Cape are also an artefact of the small population of the province. The province, therefore, faces the important challenge of providing more sustained employment and income to people who have only seasonal income and form a significant proportion of the employed adults in the region. Expanding the primary and downstream beneficiation economic activities of the agriculture sector is seen as a viable strategy for responding to this challenge. Appropriate local education and training will be essential for the success of such a strategy.

    The possible effects of climate change on arid regions and our responses to these impacts from a food security perspective are of particular interest as an academic and intellectual development project for a university and are also of global significance. The institution is uniquely positioned to engage with the difficult questions of the intersections between climate change and food security in its teaching, research, and community engagement activities. Therefore, it sees this as an intellectually valuable area of academic development that responds to regional concerns while contributing to a global understanding of a serious future human development problem. The institution sees the concerns of Agricultural Development under Water-stressed conditions as one of its long-term niche academic activities around which the academic reputation and character of the University will be developed.

    The qualification is closely tied to the labour market for primary production and product management with the specific aim of providing qualifying learners with a skill set that will enable them to obtain meaningful employment.
    The fields of study and areas of specialisation have been preliminarily identified as pertinent to the university, based on the provincial growth and development strategy, consultation with stakeholders during the feasibility study process, and early discussions with experts of agriculture with a focus on agro-processing, agricultural business technology and agriculture mechanisation and food science and technology.

    An advantage to the proposed development of this qualification in agriculture is that the Provincial Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development owns and manages seven experimental research farms across the province. This Department has signalled its support for the development of agricultural academic qualifications, and it has already started discussions about mutual support for the development of a goat breeding research station at the experimental farm near Ritchie, approximately 50 km from Kimberley. This qualification is designed for the learner who plans to seek employment in the agriculture industry, manage, or own a farm. 
    		•

    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:
  • National Senior Certificate (NSC), NQF Level 4 granting access to diploma studies.
    Or
  • National Certificate Vocational (NSC(V)), NQF Level 4 granting access to diploma studies.
    Or
  • Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4.
    Or
  • National Certificate: Agricultural Extension, NQF Level 5. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Levels 5 and 6 totalling 372 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 120 Credits:
  • SCOR I, 8 Credits.
  • Agricultural Calculations, 10 Credits.
  • Agricultural Geography, 14 Credits.
  • Agricultural Biology, 14 Credits.
  • Basic concepts of Soil Science, 14 Credits.
  • SCOR II, 8 Credits.
  • Agricultural Engineering, 14 Credits.
  • Agricultural Production, 14 Credits.
  • Agricultural Management I, 14 Credits.
  • Agricultural Technology and Innovation, 10 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 188 Credits:
  • Crop Production, 14 Credits.
  • Animal Production, 14 Credits.
  • Water and Irrigation Management, 14 Credits.
  • Agricultural Management II, 14 Credits.
  • Agricultural Extension, 10 Credits.
  • Agricultural Entrepreneurship, 14 Credits.
  • Agricultural Law, 10 Credits.
  • Agro Processing, 14 Credits,
  • Agricultural Land Use Planning, 14 Credits.
  • Game Management, 10 Credits.
  • Work Integrated Learning, 60 Credits.

    Elective Modules, Level 6, 80 Credits: Choose any four from the following Modules.
  • Ruminant Production, 16 Credits.
  • Non-Ruminant Production, 16 Credits.
  • Fruit Production, 16 Credits.
  • Agronomy, 16 Credits.
  • Vegetable Production, 16 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply entrepreneurial principles in different businesses along the agricultural value chain.
    2. Select, plan, implement and manage agricultural production systems in a sustainable manner to optimize economic return.
    3. Demonstrate the ability to follow a systematic approach to making decisions regarding sustainable land use and related matters under the harsh realities of climate change.
    4. Select, implement, evaluate, and manage relevant farm infrastructure and appropriate mechanization systems.
    5. Evaluate the performance of human resources and agribusiness finances.
    6. Demonstrate a basic understanding of the principles and practices of agricultural extension. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Identify, create, and seize agribusiness opportunities in the value chain.
  • Illustrate an ability to acquire resources needed to support a new agribusiness idea.
  • Prepare a bankable agribusiness plan.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Recognize and measure environmental and anthropogenic factors influencing crop production.
  • Identify and manage crop production systems suitable for arid regions.
  • Identify suitable methods to protect various crops from harmful environmental factors.
  • Familiarise oneself with climate-smart agricultural practices that may sustain crop production in arid regions such as the Northern Cape province.
  • Understand and be well acquainted with the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) technology developed to maximise economic returns without misusing natural resources.
  • Recognize and measure environmental and anthropogenic factors influencing animal production.
  • Identify and manage livestock production systems suitable for arid regions.
  • Apply the appropriate theoretical knowledge to monitor the general health as well as the growth and development of the livestock.
  • Familiarise oneself with climate-smart agricultural practices that may aid in sustaining livestock production in arid regions such as the Northern Cape province.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Collect, organize, and critically evaluate relevant information about a particular farm or land and its enterprises.
  • Use the relevant gathered information to plan the optimal use of the land or farm.
  • Use efficient verbal and written communication of the land or farm.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Understand factors to consider before deciding on infrastructure and mechanisation systems to use on the farm.
  • Construct and maintain some of the farm infrastructure.
  • Maintain the relevant agricultural mechanisation systems.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Explain and apply relevant employment policies, practices, and procedures in different agricultural businesses.
  • Make sound financial and economic decisions in an agricultural business context using the theoretical knowledge learned.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Apply effective exchanges of technology with individuals and/or groups with an interest in agriculture.
  • Explain and apply agricultural extension methods. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Country: Kenya
    Institution: University of Embu (UE)
    Qualification Title: Diploma in Agriculture
    Duration: three years full-time.

    Entry requirements
  • Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) Applicants: A minimum of Grade C- (C minus). In addition, applicants must meet specific School/Department Requirements
    Or
  • Kenya Advanced Certificate of Education (KACE): A minimum of one Principal level pass and one subsidiary pass. In addition, applicants must meet specific School or Department Requirements
    Or
  • Holder of equivalent qualifications approved by the University Senate.

    Expected Learning Outcomes
    At the end of the diploma programme, the learners should be able to:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of Agriculture in the national economy,
  • Contribute to improved production and marketing of Agricultural products through research, extension, and training,
  • Set up and manage Agricultural enterprises,
  • Promote sustainable land and water management for increased agricultural production and environmental protection.

    Modules
  • Farm Management and Accounts, compares with Agricultural Management.
  • Agricultural Marketing.
  • Agricultural Policy and Law, compares with Agricultural Law.
  • Field Crops, Compares with Crop Production
  • Entrepreneurship in Agriculture compares with Agricultural Entrepreneurship.
  • Research Methods and Seminars.
  • Principles of Plant Breeding & Biotechnology.
  • Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition, compares with Basic Concepts of Soil Science.
  • Forage Science and Pastures.
  • Agricultural Extension and Rural Sociology.
  • Routine Management Practices (Livestock Duties).
  • Introductory Biostatistics.
  • Special Projects and Oral Presentations.

    Similarities
  • The University of Embu (UE) and South African (SA) qualifications are offered over a period of three years full-time.
  • Both UE and SA qualifications require learners who completed the Senior Certificate.
  • Both UE and SA qualifications share similar modules such as Entrepreneurship in Agriculture, Agricultural Policy and Law and Farm Management and Accounts.
  • Both UE and SA qualifications share similar exit-level outcomes that focus on the demonstration, promotion and analysis of sustainable land and water management for increased agricultural production and environmental protection.

    Country: New Zealand
    Institution: Massey University (MU)
    Qualification Title: Diploma in Agriculture
    New Zealand Qualifications Framework Level 6 (NZQF level 6) Undergraduate study
    Duration: Six weeks full-time.
    Credits: 120

    Entry requirements
  • A level 3 NZQF Certificate that is agriculture related.
    Or
  • Recognition of prior learning If you have studied before or have relevant work or life experience, you may be able to get credits towards the qualifications you intend to study with us.
    Or
  • Successful completion of the South African National Senior Certificate that qualifies you for entry to university.

    Modules
  • Animal production and health, 15 Credits.
  • Pasture and crop production, 15 Credits. compares with Crop Production.
  • Soil productivity, 15 Credits, compares with Basic concepts of Soil Science.
  • Farm and industry studies, 15 Credits.
  • Farm Management, 15 Credits. compares with Agricultural Management.
  • Farm production systems, 15 Credits.
  • Agricultural engineering, 15 Credits.

    Similarities
  • The Massey University (MU) and South African (SA) qualifications require learners who completed a National Senior Certificate and consider recognition of prior learning.
  • Both MU and SA qualifications are at NZQF/NQF Level 6.
  • Both MU and SA qualifications share similar modules such as Farm Management, Soil productivity, and Pasture and crop production.

    Difference
  • The MU qualification is offered over a period of 36 weeks full-time, while the SA qualification is offered over a period of three years full-time.
  • The MU offers the qualification of 120 credits, while the SA offers the qualification of 360 credits. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Diploma in Agriculture in Animal Production, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Agriculture in Mixed Farming, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Agriculture in Plant Production, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Crop Production, NQF Level 6.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Advanced Diploma in Agricultural Extension, NQF Level 7.
  • Advanced Diploma in Animal Production, NQF Level 7.
  • Advanced Diploma in Agriculture in Crop Production, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Agriculture, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Agriculture Management, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in Animal Production, 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.
     
    1. Sol Plaatje University 


    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.