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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Higher Certificate in Farming 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
122312  Higher Certificate in Farming 
ORIGINATOR
Peritum Agri Institute PTY Ltd 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Higher Certificate  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 05  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0724/24  2024-06-04  2027-06-04 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-04   2031-06-04  

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 Higher Certificate in Farming is to train and/or upskill prospective farmers and production managers of various Agri-operations with the required technical knowledge and managerial competencies to manage an agricultural production unit effectively. Learners will have the necessary competence to plan, coordinate, and implement basic practices as applicable to a plant or animal farming unit.

In addition to the vocational focus on farming, the qualification is an introductory higher education qualification and serves to develop learners' academic literacy, as well as the ability to learn and work independently. Graduates will be able to pursue further studies at higher levels in cognate fields of study.

On completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Co-ordinate a basic production process on a farm.
  • Apply basic principles of farm management.
  • Identify, assess, and communicate problems related to resources, infrastructure, and equipment.
  • Operate farming machinery and equipment.
  • Utilize natural resources in a sustainable manner.
  • Work and communicate effectively as part of a team.

    Rationale:
    Agriculture is a major contributor to the economy of the country. Apart from being the basic source of food production, it provides opportunities for employment and rural development. The National Development Plan (NDP) indicates that although 40% of Africa is urbanised, agriculture still accounts for 70% of employment and 15% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Agriculture is a key contributor to the economy and holds likely employment opportunities but remains an area for potential growth and Africa's agricultural output does not match its potential. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Report confirms Africa's vast agricultural potential and states that despite this potential, the continent has remained a net importer of food for the last three decades. This implies that Africa relies on other countries for food, while it holds the agricultural potential to source its own food. There is a need for higher education skills development and training in the agricultural sector.

    Food security is a global challenge, and nations increasingly face and experience the consequences of poverty and hunger. The United Nations projected in 2017 that the world population of 7.6 billion is expected to reach 8.6 billion in 2030 and to increase to 9.8 billion in 2050. This means that the world's population is rising with roughly 83 million people per year. These global demographic trends are essential to guide national policies and development initiatives aimed at achieving the new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) The sustainable production of food lies at the heart of the SDGs which were adopted in 2015. The SDGs call for major transformations in agriculture and food production systems to end hunger, achieve food security and improve nutrition.

    The NDP (2030) identified agriculture as one of the key drivers for change, as it holds opportunities for growth, employment, food production and rural development. The government's key proposals for the agricultural sector include greater investment in agricultural infrastructure, policy measures and investment that will increase land reform, and technology development to support agricultural production. Given the importance of agriculture in national development, training and skills development at all levels becomes imperative to meet the needs of stakeholders in the agricultural value chain. The increasing population, the drive for rural development, and the government's drive to allocate more land to beginner farmers require the training and upskilling of farmers to establish sustainable agricultural businesses and productive farms that increase food production and the ability of farmers to earn a living. The need for training and skills development in the Agricultural Sector to better equip current and prospective farmers is a top priority, as this would ensure the capacity and capability to build, manage and sustain successful farming operations.

    The qualification seeks to address the national need for skills development and education in the sector and is structured to provide training and upskilling for prospective and existing farmers and employees in the agricultural sector. The qualification is aimed at school leavers wishing to pursue studies in agriculture, or farm operators, farm supervisors and emerging farmers who are working in agriculture, but do not hold a formal higher education qualification in agriculture. Although the institution accommodates a diversity of learners, the target learner population for the qualification includes:
  • Young farmers, who cannot afford to leave their farms for an uninterrupted period to study at a university toward a bachelor's or similar agricultural degree in a full-time, contact mode. With the institution's distance mode of delivery offered in the qualification, learners attend block contact sessions for three days per block session, and return to their workplace, while working independently to complete the module while work is not interrupted.
  • School leavers who wish to pursue a career in agriculture but did not achieve the required performance levels and subject combinations for admission into bachelor's degrees; and have a specific interest to enrol for a vocational qualification.
  • Learners who do not have the financial means to attend universities away from home for full-time studies. 
    		•

    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 provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify.

    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, NQF Level 4 granting access to Higher Certificate studies.
    Or
  • National Certificate (Vocational), NQF Level 4 granting access to Higher Certificate studies.
    Or
  • Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 without endorsement. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at NQF Level 5 totalling 120 Credits.

    Compulsory modules, Level 5, 120 Credits:
  • Academic Literacy, 12 Credits.
  • Basic Farm Management, 12 Credits.
  • Fundamentals of Natural Resource Management, 12 Credits.
  • Introduction to Agricultural Mechanization and Technology, 12 Credits.
  • Farm Practice I, 12 Credits.
  • Farm Practice II, 24, Credits.
  • Basic Animal Production,18 Credits.
  • Basic Crop Production, 18 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate the ability to co-ordinate a basic production process on a farm.
    2. Apply basic principles of farm management.
    3. Demonstrate the ability to identify, assess, and communicate problems related to resources, infrastructure, and equipment.
    4. Demonstrate the ability to operate farming machinery and equipment.
    5. Demonstrate the ability to utilize natural resources in a sustainable manner.
    6. Demonstrate the ability to work and communicate effectively as part of a team. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Identify and describe the various aspects underpinning a production cycle for example. a plant or animal production cycle.
  • Identify and describe the production cycle for a selected commodity, e.g. sheep farming, crop production and poultry.
  • Read, interpret, and implement a production schedule.
  • Plan and coordinate resources and inputs required for the production process.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Describe the management functions associated with a farming enterprise.
  • Identify and describe the various management activities and responsibilities involved in running a production unit.
  • Compile a one-year budget for a production unit.
  • Identify potential risks and develop a basic risk mitigation plan.
  • Compile a basic production plan for a selected commodity.
  • Establish the key farming practice to comply with South African Labour Law.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Establish monitoring processes and practices for the identification of potential problems associated with farm infrastructure and/or equipment.
  • Apply a problem-solving methodology to define and address the problem.
  • Communicate the problem to relevant stakeholders.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Identify and describe the functions of the relevant equipment and machinery associated with the production plan of the commodity.
  • Safely and effectively operate the relevant machinery and equipment in a farm.
  • Plan and coordinate effective maintenance of machinery and equipment according to schedule.
  • Apply precision technology in the production of different commodities.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Identify and describe the natural resources to produce a specific commodity.
  • Describe water requirements for the production of a selected commodity.
  • Identify and describe the soil profile in the farming unit.
  • Explain how to maintain optimal soil health, specific to the selected commodity.
  • Conduct a basic veld survey and describe the vegetation in terms of its relevance to animal production.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Describe the roles and responsibilities of the members of a production team for a selected farming enterprise.
  • Establish mechanisms for effective communication. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The qualification compares well with the following qualifications offered internationally.

    Country: Australia
    Institution: Melbourne Polytechnic College
    Qualification Title: Certificate IV in Agriculture
    Duration: One-year full time

    Entry Requirements:
  • Australian Year 12 or equivalent,

    Purpose:
    The qualification was developed to nurture specialist skills in farming such as animal breeding, costing and crop establishment, improvement, and harvest. Learners will be able to take on supervisory roles as they will be taught how to run a working farm.

    By combining practical scientific knowledge with business and management skills, this qualification equips learners for a fulfilling career on the land. The qualification will build applied skills for leadership and management roles in agricultural enterprises and businesses that service the food production sector.

    A graduate of this qualification will allow learners to enter a wide range of occupations in the agricultural sector.
  • Team Leader.
  • Farm Manager.
  • Agricultural Industry Supervisor.
  • Farm Operator.

    Completion of Certificate IV in Agriculture allows direct access and pathway, with 4 units/6 months credit, to the Diploma of Agriculture

    Qualification structure:

    Compulsory Modules:
  • Keep financial records for primary production business compared to Basic Farm Management.
  • Develop a farm plan compared to Basic Farm Management.
  • Select and use agricultural technology compared to Introduction to Agricultural Mechanization and Technology.
  • Plan and implement a pasture establishment program compared to Basic Farm Management.
  • Plan and implement a biosecurity program compared to Basic Farm Management.
  • Cost a project compared to Basic Farm Management.
  • Plan to exhibit livestock compared to Basic Farm Management.
  • Coordinate artificial insemination and fertility management of livestock compared to Basic Farm Management.
  • Develop livestock feeding plans compared to Basic Farm Management.
  • Supervise animal health programs compared to Basic Farm Management.
  • Develop a soil health and plant nutrition program compared to Basic Farm Management.
  • Maintain work health and safety processes compared to Basic Farm Management.

    Assessment Methods
    Assessment methods for this qualification include observation and written assessment.

    Similarities:
  • The Melbourne Polytechnic College (MPC) and the South African (SA) qualifications are offered over one year.
  • The MPC and SA qualifications require Year 12 qualification or equivalent qualification.
  • Both qualifications share similar purposes and modules.
  • The MPC and SA qualifications utilise similar assessment methods.
  • Both qualifications enable articulation to cognate Diploma and Bachelor's degrees.

    Country: Australia
    Institution: University of New England
    Qualification Title: Certificate in Agricultural Studies
    Duration: One year
    Credits: 24 credit points

    Entry Requirements:
    Entry is based on recent secondary, higher education (GPA), VET study or work experience.

    Purpose:
    This qualification was developed to equip learners with introductory knowledge and skills for the agricultural industry. The qualification is aimed at school leavers, or people currently working in agriculture. It will equip learners with foundational knowledge and skills to widen their career choices and open pathways for further successful study.

    Qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Learn about some of the world's biggest agricultural issues: global resources, farming and grazing systems, geology, soils, climate, climate change, hydrology, ecological principles, and historic, and current and future land use, including Indigenous practices.
  • Explore different crop, pasture, and animal production systems globally, and future possibilities of innovative technology.
  • Develop problem-solving, information literacy and communication skills, learning from a variety of workplace examples from agricultural scientists.
  • Gain foundation-level knowledge in biological concepts and chemistry, even if learners have little or no prior skills in the subject.
  • Learn about evolution, the diversity of animals and plants, plant structure and function, as well as ecological principles and applications.
  • Examine how science is carried out in practice, how scientific findings are communicated, and how science impacts upon and is perceived by society.
  • Become familiar with the recognition, ecology and physiology of growth and development of a wide range of agriculturally important plants.
  • Address how animals exist within modern human societies and the various impacts on us and them.
  • Sharpen the problem-solving, communication, analytical and academic study skills.

    Similarities:
  • The University of New England (UNE) and the South African (SA) qualifications are offered over one year.
  • Both qualifications were developed to equip learners with introductory knowledge and skills for the agricultural industry.
  • The UNE and the SA qualifications share similar outcomes such as problem-solving, information literacy and communication skills and learning from a variety of workplace examples.

    Difference:
    The UNE qualification consists of 24 credits whereas the SA qualification consists of 120 credits.

    Country: United States of America
    Institution: University of Massachusetts Amherst
    Qualification Title: Certificate in Sustainable Food Farming
    Credits: 15 credits
    Duration: One-year

    Entry Requirements:
    Admission to the first-year class is selective and is contingent upon the successful completion of required high school qualifications at a level consistent with the university's admissions standards.

    Purpose/Rationale:
    The qualification is aimed at adults seeking to change careers, veterans returning to school for higher education, or high school graduates not yet ready to attend college full-time.

    Agriculture and food production is an essential aspect of society, and the sustainable food and farming program gives learners the skills and knowledge to protect and ensure that food is sustainably produced in ways that respect the natural environment and the communities who depend on it. Through a diverse range of hands-on opportunities in sustainable food and farming qualifications, learners will have the opportunity to develop a deep understanding and appreciation of farming practices, food marketing, farm-based educational systems, public food policy, justice and advocacy, sustainability, climate change, and community development.

    Build a strong foundation for careers on farms, with non-profit advocacy groups, government, and food-related organizations like the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and educational institutions. The certificate can be added to any UMass degree.

    Qualification structure:
    The qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules.
  • Botany for Gardeners or Plants in the World.
  • Soil Science and Management or Soils compared to Basic Farm Management.
  • Introduction to Botany.
  • Sustainable Agriculture.
  • Organic Vegetable Production compared to Basic Crop Production.
  • Farm Management, Planning and Marketing compared to Basic Farm Management.
  • Raising Cows, Sheep and Goats compared to Basic Animal Production.
  • Sustainable Soil and Crop Management compared to Basic Crop Production.

    Similarities:
  • The University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMA) and the South African (SA) qualifications are offered over one year of full-time study.
  • Both qualifications require learners who completed the high school qualification.
  • The UMA and the SA qualifications share similar purposes and rationale.
  • Both qualifications articulate vertically into a Diploma and Bachelor's degree.

    Differences:
  • The UMA qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules whereas the SA qualification consists of only compulsory modules and no electives.
  • The UMA qualification has 15 credits while the SA qualification has 120 credits.
  • The UMA qualification allows for specialisation in areas such as permaculture, organic farming, medicinal herbs, and sustainable community food systems while the SA qualification has no specialisations. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Higher Certificate in Conservation Ecology, NQF Level 5.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Diploma in Agriculture in Mixed Farming, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Agriculture, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Agriculture Animal Production, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Agriculture in Plant Production, NQF Level 6.
  • Bachelor of Agriculture, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Agriculture in Agri-business Management, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Agriculture in Agricultural Extension, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in Animal Production, NQF Level 7.

    Diagonal Articulation:
  • Occupational Certificate: Orchard and Vineyard Foreman, Level 4.
  • Higher Occupational Certificate: Feed Miller, NQF Level 5. 
    		•

    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. Peritum Agri Institute PTY Ltd 


    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.