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 in Agricultural Extension and Rural Resource Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
93711  Bachelor of Agriculture in Agricultural Extension and Rural Resource Management 
ORIGINATOR
University of Mpumalanga 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National First Degree  Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation  Primary Agriculture 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  384  Not Applicable  NQF Level 07  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0733/25  2024-06-30  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2033-06-30  

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:
In Mpumalanga province, the agricultural sector is the largest user of land, covering approximately 68% of the province. The province is well known for citrus, subtropical fruit, nuts and a variety of vegetables. The province is well positioned to expand its contribution to the Growth and Development Programme (GDP) as well as to the livelihoods of thousands of smallholder farmers. The proposed Bachelor of Agriculture in Agricultural Extension and Rural Resource Management enables the university to demonstrate that it is agile and positioning and promoting the province of Mpumalanga's character in this sector, while concomitantly preparing learners to work and contribute to the wider South African economy as well as internationally.

Agricultural extension is an important element in the transformation of the agricultural sector in South Africa. As identified in the National Strategy for Agriculture the National Strategy for Agricultural Education and Training (AET) and the Norms and Standards for Agricultural Extension, there is an urgent need for extension learners who are appropriately trained to meet the demands highlighted by agricultural policy. It is a scarce skill in the country. In this way, and others, the B Agric will contribute significantly to addressing the challenges of the developmental state.

The Bachelor of Agriculture in Agricultural Extension and Rural Resource Management builds on the existing strength of the academic qualifications of other institutions which has decades-long experience in training agriculturalists. It promotes life-long learning as training takes place by putting emphasis on critical thinking, problem-solving and reflection. Being, on the other hand, wholly new, the curriculum will be created uniquely to suite the demands of South Africa's transitional agriculture, unencumbered by a past academic heritage. At the same time, it will work in partnership with both the provincial Department of Agriculture and the University of Pretoria as well as with several Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), Community-Based Organisations and private agricultural companies. These collaborations will contribute to the qualification and will feature especially prominently in the final year mandatory placement module.

The Bachelor of Agriculture in Agricultural Extension and Rural Resource Management herein proposed is an essential first component of agricultural qualifications to be offered by the institution. Agricultural extension presents the human components of the technical agricultural sciences. It focuses on the development of learners through the training of extension workers who can be deployed by the state, NGOs or the private sector.

Currently, this qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation: no diagonal articulation pathways exist for the OQSF Qualifications, at systemic, specific, or individual levels. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):

Applicants who do not meet the admission criteria as stipulated will be considered through an RPL process. RPL is applied for learners who do not have formal academic achievement to gain access to a particular qualification, but with proven expertise and competency will be considered.

Applicants may apply for exemption from certain modules on grounds of prior qualification of study concerned. The process will be implemented in strict adherence to the relevant University RPL Policy. Reference also needs to be made to the policy of CHE and SAQA on RPL

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • National Senior Certificate (NSC), NQF Level 4, granting access to Bachelor's Degree studies.
    Or
  • Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 with endorsement.
    Or
  • National Certificate (Vocational), NQF Level 4, granting access to Bachelor's Degree studies.
    Or
  • Higher Certificate in General Agriculture, NQF Level 5. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework, Level 5, 6 and 7 totalling 384 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules totalling 96 Credits at NQF Level 5:
  • Farming Systems, 16 Credits.
  • Natural Resource Identification, 16 Credits.
  • Farm Infrastructure, 16 Credits.
  • Agricultural Production, 16 Credits.
  • Impact on Natural, 16 Credits.
  • Production Economics and Marketing, 16 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules totalling 160 at NQF Level 6:
  • Rural Wealth Creation, 16 Credits.
  • Rural Economic Systems, 16 Credits.
  • Extension Methods, 16 Credits.
  • Beef Production, 16 Credits.
  • Forage Management, 16 Credits.
  • Infrastructure and Machinery Development, 8 Credits.
  • Farm Business Management, 8 Credits.
  • Farm Development, 16 Credits.
  • Extension Practice, 16 Credits.
  • Field Crop Production, 16 Credits.
  • Vegetable Production, 16 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules totalling 128 at NQF Level 7:
  • Designing Extension Projects, 16 Credits.
  • Participatory Extension, 16 Credits.
  • Land Use Planning, 32 Credits.
  • Farm Finance, 32 Credits.
  • Extension Placement, 32 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply the principles and philosophy of extension in practice to implement policies and strategies related to extension and advisory services in agriculture.
    2. Implement a communication strategy by applying the principles of communication, leadership skills and group dynamics in extension for the benefit of the target group.
    3. Facilitate behaviour change and adoption of innovation for impact on local economic development through the production of food, the improvement of household food security and access to mainstream agriculture.
    4. Design and implement an integrated development/extension project that improves and sustains agricultural production and the livelihoods of clients.
    5. Implement an integrated, sustainable agri-business management plan by applying business principles through utilising agricultural, financial, marketing and production-conversion information.
    6. Implement an integrated, sustainable farming systems plan by applying natural resource management principles.
    7. Apply animal production practices to ensure the quality of livestock on a farm.
    8. Apply production practices to plant systems to ensure the quality of the yield on a farm. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Compare extension approaches and recommend them in terms of relevance to the 'client', the issue being addressed and alignment towards policies and strategies relevant to agriculture.
  • .Interpret relevant policy documents in terms of the principles and philosophy of extension.
  • Interpret extension project plans and evaluate according to the principles and philosophy of extension.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Develop communication plan in extension the purpose and outcomes of the service to be delivered.
  • Evaluate selection and application of written, verbal and non-verbal communication techniques and tools in extension for applicability to diverse situations.
  • Apply the principles of communication to optimise the impact and effectiveness of the extension project.
  • Select and apply group techniques and tools to attain previously set objectives.
  • Identify conflict resolution techniques and tools to attain previously set objectives in diverse situations.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Select theories and processes and applied amongst diverse clientele to optimise the impact of extension in community development interventions.
  • Establish and facilitate multi and inter-disciplinary teams to optimise extension service delivery through the interfacing of research, extension, and farmer/producers and input suppliers for increased participation.
  • An intervention plan which supports improvement of production of food, household food security and access to mainstream agriculture is designed, implemented, managed and assessed for impact on local economic development.
  • Apply intervention that refers to behaviour change, diffusion and adoption of innovations, participatory technology innovation/development, and decision-making.
  • Identify indigenous knowledge and practices and integrated with agricultural science innovation strategies.
  • Enable beneficiaries to access information in lobbying and mobilising required resources to improve production and livelihood.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Select and apply extension approaches are relevant to the target individual/group and the issue being addressed.
  • Design extension projects according to the principles and philosophy of extension and in accordance with relevant national and provincial strategies, including identified goals, descriptions and main elements of the project.
  • Acquire and mobilise resources needed to complete the plan according to the requirements of processes and systems in extension.
  • Implement extension projects in accordance with the plan and in the context of the workplace.
  • Manage extension projects to ensure that the aims of the project are realised.
  • Evaluate extension projects in terms of the intended outcomes of the project plan, are clearly articulated and are integrated with parallel extension plans.
  • Facilitate behaviour change and innovation to realise the outcomes of the extension project are realised.
  • Record and report project information and stored according to required formats and protocol and are current, complete, and concise.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Integrate sustainable agricultural systems into planning and management processes of entrepreneurial and enterprise activities.
  • Develop an agri-business management plan for an enterprise which includes input for production, processing and value adding processes.
  • Develop a plan and implemented for food safety and quality practices in an agricultural supply chain.
  • Integrate the marketing and distribution component is a part of the total agri-business.
  • Develop and implement a data collection plan for farming enterprises.
  • Analyse financial information and interpret them on an ongoing basis in support of growth in the agri-business.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Integrate sustainable systems thinking into planning and management processes of an agricultural enterprise.
  • Optimise and integrate farming systems to ensure sustainable resource allocation and utilisation.
  • Describe the process of optimisation of agricultural and environmental resources for quality and quantity in a sustainable farming system.
  • Implement a natural resource management plan of the farm in relation to area wide planning of local government structures and policies.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Evaluate and manage animals according to specific criteria related to anatomical, physiological, physical and biochemical systems.
  • Develop and implement health care, prevention and treatment procedures to maintain and enhance the condition of livestock.
  • Develop a strategic animal nutrition plan to support the production of livestock and animal products.
  • Apply and integrate advanced breeding and selection practices into a breeding management programme.
  • Provide guidance during the harvesting of animal products.
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Determine the responses of plants to the environment and how they impact on growth and production by applying the basic biochemistry processes involved in the anatomy and physiology of a plant.
  • Develop a soil fertility, irrigation and plant nutrition plan for growth and maximise plant health.
  • Propagate plants in a variety of production systems by applying different processes and methods to optimise yield.
  • Apply integrated pest management principles by identifying, monitoring and controlling pests and plant diseases to conserve the environment.
  • Control weeds through the application of a variety of methods for environmental conservation.
  • Manage and apply a plant manipulation plan is applied to maximise growth and yield.

    Integrated Assessment
    Appropriate policies and procedures are in place for internal assessment; internal and external moderation; monitoring of student progress; explicitness, validity and reliability of assessment practices; recording of assessment results; settling of disputes; the rigour and security of the assessment system. Semester tests, oral examinations, practical assignments and semester examinations are used to ensure that assessment is of an appropriate mix and balance.

    Formative Assessment:
    Assessment practices will be effective and reliable in measuring the "fitness for purpose" of assessment instruments mentioned above. Assessment instruments will be in compliance with the prescriptions of Learner Guides in respect of curriculum focus, syllabus coverage and the relevant NQF level.

    Summative Assessment:
    Assessment of all modules in Year 1 and 2 will be subject to internal moderation.
    Exit level modules in Year 3 will be subject to external moderation. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Modern agriculture is complex and only individuals who have gone through an extended period of preparation in agriculture can effectively participate and contribute in it. The Bachelor of Agriculture in Agricultural Extension and Rural Resource Management is compared with other qualifications offered by countries with best practice in agriculture and with similar focus.

    Country: Kenya
    Institution name: University of Nairobi
    Qualification title: Bachelor of Science Degrees in Agriculture

    Entry requirement:
  • Holders of Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE)

    The University of Nairobi offers a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Agriculture program, which is a four-year degree that provides technical knowledge for agricultural and rural development. The program may include various specializations within agriculture, such as agricultural economics, agribusiness management, animal science, and land resource management. The university's College of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences is likely responsible for administering this degree program.

    Similarities:
  • Both qualifications accept learners who have completed a high school qualification.

    Country: Australia
    Institution name: Charles Sturt University in Sydney (CSUS)
    Duration: Three years

    Entry requirement:
  • A completed High School Certificate with minimum required ATAR or equivalent.
    OR
  • A completed Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) with an equivalent ranking to the currently listed ATAR
    OR
  • A completed AQF Certificate III or higher-level qualification.
    OR
  • 50% completion of an AQF Diploma level qualification.

    The Charles Sturt University in Sydney offers a bachelor's degree in agriculture. The qualification provides training in the major disciplines that underpin knowledge and skills in agriculture required to operate modern agricultural industries. Charles Sturt University's Bachelor of Agriculture equips you with the knowledge, skills and experience to be an asset to any agricultural industry. The foundation you gain in science from this agriculture degree will allow you to build an understanding of the management and integration of agricultural issues.

    Similarities:
  • Both qualifications accept learners who have completed a high school qualification.
  • The SA qualification aims to train and equip agricultural extension learners with the skills, knowledge and attitudes needed to build the capacity of farmers and farming communities to engage in market-orientated sustainable agricultural production, diversification of products and value adding, to improve their household livelihoods and to contribute to strengthening the rural economy.
  • Similarly, the CSUS qualification The qualification provides training in the major disciplines that underpin knowledge and skills in agriculture required to operate modern agricultural industries.

    Conclusion:
    The qualification compares favourably with the qualifications cited in terms of duration, normally extending over a period of three to four years and each year consisting of two semesters. The qualifications aim to provide the scientific and technological base necessary for the development of the agricultural and rural sectors. Research conducted also considers agro-industrial related practices vital for rural areas such as preservation, processing and added-value of agricultural products. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Advanced Diploma in Agriculture and Crop Production, NQF Level 7
  • Advanced Diploma in Agriculture in Agricultural Extension, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, NQF Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Agriculture, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in Animal Science, NQF Level 8.

    Diagonal Articulation:
    There is no diagonal articulation for this qualification. 
    		•

    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. University of Mpumalanga 


    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.