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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Diploma in Agriculture in Animal Production 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
94700  Diploma in Agriculture in Animal Production 
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
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
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 091/21  2021-07-01  2023-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2029-06-30  

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 Diploma in Agriculture: Animal Production was developed to address the needs of the farming community and the changing Agricultural landscape in South Africa.

This qualification aims to train and equip animal production learners with the skills, knowledge, values and attitudes needed to be farmers, farm managers or to assist in the communities. It also enables learners to engage in market orientated sustainable agricultural production, diversification of products and value adding, to assist with food security and strengthening of the rural economy.

The qualification aims to develop an entrepreneur with skills in relation to managing finance, marketing, sales and customer relations. It also anticipated that the qualification should equip learners with the ability to:
  • Apply animal production practices to ensure the quality.
  • Apply the principles of veld management in practice to ensure sustainable.
  • Design and implement an integrated animal production project.
  • Apply the principles of animal nutrition and feeding to ensure optimal and profitable in animal production.

    Rationale:
    Agriculture plays an important role in terms of job creation, especially in rural areas, but is also a foremost earner of foreign exchange. Agriculture remains the key to survival for most of the rural poor. Livestock production is the mainstay of the South African agricultural sector and it is proven by its contribution to the gross value of agricultural production. High quality research and development, advisory services, product and market development, etc., with regard to livestock production is priority in the South African agriculture in order to ensure sustainable food production for the region and its entire people. The qualification seeks to address this issue by developing learners that will be able to play a role in the agricultural sector to meet the needs of the country. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    RPL may be applied in two ways, namely:
  • For the purpose of credit transfer for modules or subjects at this or another post-secondary or tertiary education institution in order to reduce the amount of duplicated learning and,
  • For status recognition of skills, knowledge and competencies to allow access into a specific qualification in the absence of the formally expected pre-qualification. The candidate seeking credits for previously acquired skills and knowledge must still comply with all requirements as stated in unit standards or qualifications.

    In process terms:
  • RPL evaluation will be conducted under the responsibility of the Head of Academic Affairs. The method and process of RPL will be determined by the Head of Academic Affairs, with the approval of the Chief Director with a College function.
  • Applications for RPL shall be done in writing, supported by, appropriate information, an application form, and an administration fee.
  • Assessment, rules, principles, procedures and implementation of the RPL remains the prerogative of the College management and shall be reviewed from time to time, taking into consideration all applicable higher education policies.

    Entry Requirements:
    Admission for this programme will be open to learners with either of the following.
  • National Senior Certificate (NSC) with Agriculture, and or Agricultural Management Practices, and or Agricultural Technology.
  • National Certificate Vocational (NC(V)) at NQF Level 4.
  • Senior Certificate (SC). 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Levels 5, 6 and 7 totalling 360 Credits.

    Modules at NQF Level 5.
  • Farm Management 1A, 10 Credits.
  • Agricultural Engineering 1A, 14 Credits.
  • Anatomy and Physiology, 12 Credits.
  • Soil Science 1 A, 12 Credits.
  • Research and Communication, 6 Credits.
  • Computer Science, 6 Credits.
  • Agricultural Mechanization 1B, 14 Credits.
  • Farm Management 1B, 12 Credits.
  • Veld and Pasture Management 1, 10 Credits.
  • Animal Health, 12 Credits.
  • Animal Nutrition, 12 Credits.
    Total Number of Credits at NQF Level 5 120

    Modules at NQF Level 6:
  • Beef Cattle Production, 12 Credits.
  • Breeding and Selection, 8 Credits.
  • Small Stock Production, 12 Credits.
  • Farm Management 11A, 14 Credits.
  • Water Management, 14 Credits.
  • Dairy Cattle Production, 12 Credits.
  • Veld and Pasture Management II, 12 Credits.
  • Poultry Production, 14 Credits.
  • Pig Production, 12 Credits.
  • Farm Management IIB, 10 credits.
  • Animal Production Processes -Experiential training, 10 Credits.
  • Farm Management III A, 10 Credits.
  • Natural resource Management, 30 Credits.
    Total Number of Credits at NQF Level 6 170.

    Modules at NQF Level 7.
  • Advanced Animal Production Processes, 20 Credits.
  • Comprehensive farm plan III, 30 Credits.
  • Farm Management III B, 20 Credits.
    Total Number of Credits at NQF Level 7 70. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply animal production practices to ensure the quality, and functionality of livestock on a farm.
    2. Design and implement an integrated animal production project that improves and sustains animal production and the livelihood of the farmer.
    3. Demonstrate scientific written and oral communication skills at a Diploma Level.
    4. Apply the principles of veld management in practice to ensure sustainable animal production, workable fodder flow program and prevention of bush encroachment.
    5. Apply the principles of animal nutrition and feeding to ensure optimal and profitable production of animal products.
    6. Apply entrepreneurial skills in relation to managing finance, marketing, sales and customer relations. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Animal production practices that will ensure the quality and functionality of livestock on a farm are applied.
  • Essential life supporting systems are identified.
  • Various strategies available to plan more effectively are reflected on and explained.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Characteristics and adaptability are used during selection for breeding purposes in beef, dairy, small stock, poultry and pig production.
  • New technologies of selective breeding including artificial insemination are administered.
  • Diseases and parasites are controlled by administering pest prevention methods.
  • Feeding routines are monitored and controlled.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Key elements of communication in agriculture are applied.
  • General principles for effective communication for rural development are identified and used.
  • Good communication strategies in agricultural extension are developed.
  • Methods of communicating agricultural information and advice are applied.
  • Factors affecting the effectiveness of communication methods are identified and dealt with.
  • Effective methods to communicate key values to stakeholders and customers are developed and applied.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Traditional management strategies for soil and water as factors in food production are evaluated. Sustainable principles to their use and management in various agro-climatic zones and production systems are applied.
  • Principles of breeding and selection to ensure optimal and profitable production of animal products are applied.
  • Project management skills are developed.
  • Principles of Animal Health Care to ensure optimal and profitable productions of animal products are applied.
  • Sustainable agri-business management plans are implemented and integrated by applying business principles through utilising agricultural, financial, marketing and production information.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Principles and practices of sustainable farming, of particular consequence to small, resource-poor farmers, are explored.
  • Land-use plan is introduced and implemented at the farm.
  • Farming machinery is operated and maintained.
  • Operation, care and maintenance of power sources is carefully planned and managed.
  • Correct and appropriate storage methods for farming equipment are applied.
  • Efficient irrigation methods in relation to soil texture are applied.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • A business plan is developed.
  • Marketing strategies are developed considering the target group.
  • Communication and implementation of a strategic marketing plan is discussed.
  • Financial records are kept for analysis of farm accounting information.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated assessment criteria and methods (designed to capture learner capability/ applied competence at certain exit points)
    Assessment for this qualification includes formative and summative applications that will be applied in relation to the institution's assessment policy.
    Test, quiz, assignments and exams will be used to assess the theoretical knowledge of the students.
    Assignments, practical reports and assessment of practical skills. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification was compared to others internationally with a similar focus, though the South African context was kept whilst considering best practice.

    University of New England in Australia offers a Diploma in Agriculture. The Diploma in Agriculture is designed to provide graduates with knowledge in either a selected or general area of agriculture so that they are able to contribute effectively to sustainable agricultural production in technical and support roles.

    Royal Agricultural University in United Kingdom offers a Diploma in Agriculture. This qualification includes three compulsory modules, designed to provide a clear, coherent underpinning knowledge of the UK agricultural industry. It also combines the principles of sustainable development with an examination of the various systems of food production in the context of providing a secure supply to meet the ever-changing requirements of a growing world population.

    Conclusion:
    This qualification compares with these qualifications favourably in terms of outcomes that focus in developing learners with understanding of the need to develop measures to deal with the ever-changing world in agriculture. Qualifications from other countries were found to be relevant to this one but they were at different levels to be compared to. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The diploma in Agriculture Animal production will articulate
    Horizontally with:
  • Diploma in Plant Production, NQF Level 6.
  • Any Advanced Diploma in Agriculture or with the same focus.

    Vertically with:
  • Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in Animal Production, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Institutional Agriculture in Plant Production, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    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. Lowveld College of Agriculture 


    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.