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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Advanced Diploma in Agricultural Extension 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
93620  Advanced Diploma in Agricultural Extension 
ORIGINATOR
Central University of Technology, Free State 
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
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

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 qualification is to provide learners with a proper understanding and knowledge of extension and an integrated and effective mix of extension skills that build on prior agricultural knowledge in such a way that a high degree of growth in extension skills and competence can readily take place. The purpose of this qualification is to supply the agricultural industry with competent agricultural extensionists who can effectively design development programmes, conforming to the principles of participatory development with maximum community involvement and impact. The qualifying learner will have exposure and orientation to agricultural extension qualification development and will be competent to compile and manage an extension programme and apply their basic knowledge, skills and attitudes towards rural and agricultural development.

Rationale:
The agricultural sector in South Africa is currently experiencing many challenges that include, amongst others, economic growth, rural development and sustainable transformation to ensure it stays a reliable and sustainable provider of food. One of these challenges is that in South Africa, 90% of the food is currently produced by only 6% of the farmers. There is therefore both an opportunity to develop land and a dire need for developing more farmers to produce on a commercial level. Agricultural training should be focused on the promotion of successful land reform. It also needs to be able to compete against the international and globalised market realities of the 21st century.

This qualification will equip middle and senior level agricultural extension and development staff with skills which should enable them to carry out their roles in uplifting agriculture efficiently, particularly in the developing areas of Southern Africa. The qualification can also play a pivotal role in the development and retraining of existing extension staff. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The primary market for recruiting learners to the qualification will be extension officers with an interest to improve their agricultural skills. However, applications from adult learners with only a 2 year qualification (the previous requirements for appointment as Extension Officer), who have a similar interest in the qualification will also be considered for admission to the programme. Selection of such learners will be conducted on an individual basis in accordance with the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy of the institution.

RPL applications for the institution are received by the Centre for Assessments and Graduations. The candidates are required to complete an RPL application document. Accompanying the RPL application must be certified copies of all previous qualifications and a comprehensive portfolio of evidence, reflecting on extensive work learning. Once the institution's RPL coordinator has deemed the RPL application complete, the portfolio will be sent to the Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences for assessment. The faculty's RPL committee assesses the candidate's portfolio thoroughly against the relevant learning outcomes.

Entry Requirements:
An appropriate Diploma in Agriculture or Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture (NQF Level 6) containing either Animal Production or Plant Production. 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
Y 

QUALIFICATION RULES 
This qualification consists of five compulsory modules and one elective module, all at NQF Level 7, totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules:
  • Extension and Advisory Principles and Approaches, 24 Credits.
  • Behaviour Change and Intervention in Extension, 18 Credits.
  • Leadership, Group Dynamics and Networking in Extension, 18 Credits.
  • Project Planning, Implementation and Evaluation in Extension, 18 Credits.
  • Agricultural Economics for Extension, 24 Credits.

    Electives (select one):
  • Animal Production, 18 Credits.
  • Plant Production, 18 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply integrated knowledge, skills and values of the principles and philosophy of agricultural extension during an intervention.
    2. Display sound interpersonal relations and behaviour which are conducive to optimised participation in an extension intervention.
    3. Demonstrate knowledge of group dynamics and leadership and apply appropriate group techniques when promoting participation.
    4. Demonstrate knowledge of rural sociology and poverty and participatory community development methodologies.
    5. Complement and contribute to the role of all stakeholders and role players towards sustainable development.
    6. Demonstrate an understanding of both management practices and economics at all of the product, farm and market levels.
    7. Display a specialist background in some Agricultural product field with an understanding of the importance of the supporting systems and practices that will optimise the quality and quantity of the produce.
    8. Demonstrate entrepreneurial skills as well as an understanding of the principle of sustainability.
    9. Collect and analyse data to support and participate in the development of an agricultural extension business plan.
    10. Negotiate, compile a plan, implement and manage the resulting agricultural extension intervention plan at various levels and through all phases. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    These assessment criteria are applicable in an integrated way across all or some of the Exit Level Outcomes:
  • The background to Agricultural Extension Services (historical realities) is explained.
  • Agricultural Extension practice and principles (philosophy, ethics and professional approaches) are explained.
  • The criteria of successful project establishment, management and conclusion in an Agricultural extension environment are explained.
  • Monitoring and evaluation tools and process of an implemented extension project are used.
  • Simulated and implemented projects are designed and critically evaluated.
  • How behaviour change happens in smaller and larger societies is explained.
  • Techniques that enable the enhancement of behaviour change are applied.
  • Factors which inhibit or enhance the range of changes in a certain population are outlined.
  • The different ways to work with factors impacting on the capacity for behaviour change in an extensionist intervention are implemented.
  • The development, implementation and management of projects and programmes are conducted in a manner consistent with the principles of good leadership.
  • Management is carried out in accordance with the mandate, objectives and policies of the parent organisation.
  • Mentoring of colleagues and subordinates in extension to foster excellence in performance and commendable behaviour is applied.
  • Communication plans are developed to enhance two-way learning.
  • The application of theories, principles, techniques and tools of group dynamics is conducted in a manner that demonstrates critical thinking.
  • The implementation of theories, principles, techniques and tools of group dynamics is integrated and evaluated to determine effectiveness in terms of the intended outcomes of the programmes being implemented.
  • The practical use of leadership principles and skills by a group is fostered to improve group credibility among stakeholders.
  • The facilitation of group discussions and decision-making are applied to improve achievement of group goals.
  • Financial information techniques to assess capital are analysed, interpreted and applied.
  • The position of farming in terms of capital needs is assessed.
  • A cash flow budget is drafted.
  • Advantageous financing is applied.
  • Different investment alternatives are compared.
  • Measures of risk are assessed.
  • Capital budgeting techniques and enterprise budgeting are applied.
  • Taxation applicable to farming operations is calculated.
  • Basic macro- economic principles are applied in relation to a farming unit.
  • Different plant production aids/techniques that influence the yield are analysed.
  • Proper selection of the crop is applied as influenced by biotic and abiotic factors.
  • Crop succession systems are planned.
  • Soil preparation and conservation techniques are applied.
  • The internal and external factors that influence plant nutrition are analysed.
  • The principles and application of irrigation are applied.
  • Sustainable problem control programmes are applied.
  • Plant hormones are used for yield and quality control in plant production.
  • Production economics - input/output ratios, input/input ratios, and output/output ratios are described.
  • Cost principles, practical application and economies of scale are applied.
  • Appropriate marketing approaches, marketing plans, price determination and risk are drawn up.
  • Risks associated with animal production systems are managed within natural, socio-economic, built and working environments within relevant legislation and best practice and scope of the profession.
  • Project management principles, skills and techniques are applied to manage human resources in accordance with the vision and mission of the parent organisation.
  • Animal research is conducted and managed in line with prescribed guidelines.
  • Intervention measures are developed and results communicated in appropriate format.
  • Interpersonal relations and professional behaviour with reference to the ethical code are demonstrated.
  • The code of ethics is interpreted and applied in implementation for animal scientists and practitioners.
  • Resolution of conflicts within the work environment is facilitated.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Formative and summative assessments are the main assessment methods employed in the Agriculture Qualification for assessing learners' learning outcomes. The lecturers in Agriculture Qualification serve as examiners to with respect to the modules that they are teaching whilst external moderators are appointed for exit level modules. Both the internal and external moderators are identified in the Programme and approved by the Faculty Board and appointed by the institution. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Australian Agricultural College Corporation offers a Diploma of Agriculture (Beef Production). The qualification prepares learners for roles as farm/station managers, rural business managers of a beef production business or stud stock agents.

    A Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Business (Comprehensive), Agricultural Enterprise Management is offered by the Missouri State University in the United States of America (USA). The qualification focuses on skill that is significant in empowering learners for effectively managing animal, horticulture and agronomy-based businesses.

    The Royal Agricultural University in the United Kingdom offers a Foundation Degree in Agriculture and Farm Management. The qualification aims to equip learners with the skills necessary to manage an agricultural enterprise or farming business in the present economic climate. Practical experiential learning conducted at second year level also provides an opportunity for learners to gain relevant practical experience needed in the field.

    The Department: Animal Conservation and Welfare at the Kingston Maurward College in the United Kingdom offers a Foundation Degree in Animal Behaviour and Welfare. The qualification is designed to provide learners with a comprehensive understanding of animal behaviour and ultimately equip them with the necessary knowledge to assess the welfare needs and devise appropriate management strategies for farm, laboratory, zoo and companion animals.

    Conclusion:
    The duration of the selected qualifications may not be equal but the focus on developing learners with management skills in animal or plant farming. This qualification (Advanced Diploma in Agricultural Extension) builds on the knowledge and skills recognised by the selected institutions from other countries, thus comparing favourably with the given international qualifications. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification articulates both horizontally and vertically with qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework:
  • Horizontally with a Bachelor of Agricultural Management or Advanced Diplomas within or with other related fields of study in Agriculture, at NQF Level 7.
  • Vertically with a relevant Professional Bachelor or Bachelor Honours Degree where applicable, at NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2015. 

    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. Central University of Technology, Free State 


    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.