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 UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Apply sustainable farming practices to conserve the ecological environment 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
116121  Apply sustainable farming practices to conserve the ecological environment 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Primary Agriculture 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation Primary Agriculture 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-06-30   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 unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
A learner achieving this unit standard will be able to explain the importance of maintaining and increasing of natural resources. Furthermore, the learner will be able to incorporate this understanding into existing farming activities by applying basic practices to conserve the environment, including natural resources.

Competent learners will be familiar with the most important agricultural regulations and aspects of conservation as to provide the environment for the application of quality practices and thus strengthen agricultural practices in general.

Learners will gain an understanding of sustainable agricultural practices as applied in the animal-, plant and mixed farming sub fields. The application of natural resource management in primary agriculture is focussed on in this unit standard.

They will be able to participate in, undertake and plan farming practices with knowledge of their environment. A culture of maintenance and care will be instilled for both the environment as well as towards farming infrastructure and operations by this unit standard. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
It is expected of the learner attempting this unit standard to demonstrate competence against the unit standard or its equivalent:
  • Understand how sustainable farming systems conserve natural resources. - NQF 1 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Whilst range statements have been defined generically to include as wide a set of alternatives as possible, all range statements should be interpreted within the specific context of application.

    Range statements are neither comprehensive nor necessarily appropriate to all contexts. Alternatives must however be comparable in scope and complexity. These are only as a general guide to scope and complexity of what is required. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate an understanding of natural resources and recognise how sound management contributes towards sustainable farming systems. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Natural resources include renewable and non-renewable resources, living and non-living resources. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Local natural resources and their uses are identified and explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Different waste resources are identified and their uses explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Waste resources include materials and by-products that can be reduced, reused or recycled.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Different energy resources and alternative energy resources (renewable) are identified and different uses and applications are explained. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Eradicate alien plant species and noxious weeds. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    As outlined by the Department of Agriculture. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Alien plant species are correctly identified. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Methods of clearing are correctly applied (first clear least invaded areas, follow up and maintain; then expand into intensively infested areas). 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Cleared plant material is sorted and disposed of or re-used as mulch, compost, etc. as appropriate. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Prevent the spread of veld fires by making firebreaks and/or fireguards on the farm. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Fireguards include fire resistant plants, water and stones. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Available material or plants are used as and where appropriate. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Vegetation that might spread fire is cleared. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Stones are packed to form a proper barrier. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Recognise harmful and useful fauna and flora and their purpose and/or effect on the farm. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Fauna and flora include animals, micro-organisms, insects, plants including alien species common to the area. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Animals, micro-organisms, insects, plants and alien species common to the area are identified and categorised as useful/harmful. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Their purpose/effect on the activities of the farm is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Ways to create a healthy environment and to attract useful animals/plants and reduce or repel harmful animals/plants are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The components of a food chain are explained. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Recognise eroded areas and potential soil erosion and carry out minor control measures. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Control measures include but are not limited to gabions, mulch, plant and vegetation material, etc. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Gullies and areas where water runs regularly are recognised and reported. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Appropriate control measures are suggested. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Mulch is used to cover soil for water and soil conservation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Runoff is reduced and the soil's capacity to hold water is improved. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The ability to carry out repairs according to required specifications is demonstrated. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Tasks may include donga rehabilitation, contour and road repairs.
     


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    The assessment of qualifying learners against this standard should meet the requirements of established assessment principles.

    It will be necessary to develop assessment activities and tools, which are appropriate to the contexts in which the qualifying learners are working. These activities and tools may include an appropriate combination of self-assessment and peer assessment, formative and summative assessment, portfolios and observations etc.

    The assessment should ensure that all the specific outcomes; critical cross-field outcomes and essential embedded knowledge are assessed.

    The specific outcomes must be assessed through observation of performance. Supporting evidence should be used to prove competence of specific outcomes only when they are not clearly seen in the actual performance.

    Essential embedded knowledge must be assessed in its own right, through oral or written evidence and cannot be assessed only by being observed.

    The specific outcomes and essential embedded knowledge must be assessed in relation to each other. If a qualifying learner is able to explain the essential embedded knowledge but is unable to perform the specific outcomes, they should not be assessed as competent. Similarly, if a qualifying learner is able to perform the specific outcomes but is unable to explain or justify their performance in terms of the essential embedded knowledge, then they should not be assessed as competent.

    Evidence of the specified critical cross-field outcomes should be found both in performance and in the essential embedded knowledge.

    Performance of specific outcomes must actively affirm target groups of qualifying learners, not unfairly discriminate against them. Qualifying learners should be able to justify their performance in terms of these values.
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard or assessing this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the agreed ETQA procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    The person is able to demonstrate a basic knowledge of:
  • Patterns and processes of the environment.
  • Resource availability and limitations.
  • Basic sustainable agricultural principles.
  • Environmental indicators.
  • Basic soil types and its features i.e. clay, sand, loam and its distribution.
  • Basic weather patterns i.e. summer, winter, basic clouds and energy/ carbon/ hydrological/ oxygen cycles.
  • Basic water cycle and water management.
  • Basic veld types i.e. savannah, fynbos, forest, Karoo and links to weather patterns.
  • Basic ecosystems, their distribution and links to the rest of the environment i.e. vlei, grasslands, mountains.
  • Needs for wild life corridors, their functions and possible areas for corridors.
  • Basic natural resources (water, soil, veld, energy, heat), their limitations and sustainable uses.
  • Utilisation of basic waste as a resource i.e. types for erosion control, trench gardening.
  • Basic alternative energies i.e. wind, sun, gravity and some of their uses.
  • Basic biological pest control methods, identification and protection of predator insects, and where to access biological control agents.
  • Basic preparation and application of natural fertilisers.
  • Basic soil conservation and crop rotation methods.
  • Basic environmental indicators such as soil erosion, basic signs of land degradation.
  • Invasive species.
  • Pollution and pollution systems i.e. industry pollutants (ozone), farm pollutants i.e. dairies, etc.
  • Working safely with a range of hand-held tools.

    Intermediate Knowledge

    The person is able to demonstrate a basic knowledge of:
  • Understanding the use of a range of hand-held mechanical and low tech-tools, e.g. spirit level, etc.
  • Following instructions accurately. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Problem Solving relates to all specific outcomes. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Teamwork relates to all specific outcomes. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Self-management relates to all specific outcomes. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Interpreting Information relates to all specific outcomes. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use Science and Technology relates to sall specific outcomes. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    The world as a set of related systems relates to specific outcomes:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of natural resources and recognise how sound management contributes towards sustainable farming systems.
  • Eradicate alien plant species and noxious weeds.
  • Recognise eroded areas and potential soil erosion and carry out minor control measures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Self-development relates to sall specific outcomes. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  48976   National Certificate: Animal Production  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  AgriSETA 
    Core  48977   National Certificate: Mixed Farming Systems  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  AgriSETA 
    Core  48975   National Certificate: Plant Production  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  AgriSETA 
    Elective  49556   National Certificate: Development Practice  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  ETDP SETA 
    Elective  49605   National Certificate: Environmental Practice  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  LG SETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    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. A4 Consultancy CC 
    2. Amabamba Recruitment 
    3. AVAX SA 481 CC. T/A Mandisa Development Services 
    4. Balemi Consulting Pty Ltd 
    5. Boikgantsho Consulting & Events 
    6. Bokamoso Impact Investment 
    7. Buena Vista Learning Academy 
    8. Bull's Business and Skills Training Institute 
    9. Bumunhu Services Providers Cc 
    10. Cedara College of Agriculture 
    11. Dee's Training (PTY) LTD 
    12. Dihwai Food Cultural and Agricultural Services 
    13. Edutraining Business College 
    14. ELSENBURG AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE 
    15. Escay Catering and other Services 
    16. Faranang Marketing 
    17. Fire Protection Association of Southern Africa 
    18. Ghoenas Kraal Opleiding Sentrum 
    19. Goldfields FET College 
    20. Growth Management Consulting 
    21. HDPSA 
    22. Heedmorine Training 
    23. Impact Plus Training Consultants 
    24. IQ Skills Academy (PTY) LTD. 
    25. Jobafrik Consulting 
    26. Josmap Training Institute 
    27. Kay Beez Development Projects 
    28. KayDee Project Management Cc 
    29. Kgopane Trading Enterprise 
    30. Kimbali Holdings 
    31. KMK Training Services (PTY) Ltd 
    32. Knowledge For Ever 
    33. Limadi Industrial Projects 
    34. Madzivhandila Agricultural College 
    35. Maishamalema Development Training 
    36. Mamuhle Academy 
    37. Mananthatshema Skills Dev. Centre 
    38. Marang Women in Agric and Development 
    39. Mathapuso Construction and Projects 
    40. Matotomana Training & General Trading 
    41. Mazasa Management Consulting CC. 
    42. Mbimbini Training and Community Development 
    43. Mcebo Technologies 
    44. Mementos Training Pty Ltd 
    45. Mobile Agri Skills Development and Training NPC 
    46. Mogaladi Business Enterprise 
    47. Montshepetsa Bosui Farming & Training Cnt 
    48. Morwa Agri-development cc 
    49. Mpontshe Training 
    50. Mthashana FET College - Vryheid Campus 
    51. Mvas-4 Trading (Pty) Ltd 
    52. Mvelo Consultant 
    53. National Institute For The Deaf - NID 
    54. Ndwamato Training Solutions (Pty) Ltd 
    55. Networx for Career Development 
    56. New Heights 1082 Pty Ltd 
    57. NFS Services (Pty) Ltd 
    58. Ngwato Wa Mphela Agriculture Training Services 
    59. Nkinane Trading Enterprise 
    60. NKQUBELA CONSULTING 
    61. Nokusho M Consulting and Trading 
    62. Nophelo Training Centre 
    63. Novi General Services 
    64. OMNI HR CONSULTING PTY LTD 
    65. Pebetse Training and Consulting 
    66. Petra Institute of Development 
    67. PFIM Trading (Pty) Ltd 
    68. Phill Skills and Development Institute 
    69. PMA Holdings (PTY ) LTD. 
    70. Reflections Development Institute 
    71. RLSTP Training & Development (PTY) LTD. 
    72. Sekhukhune FET College - Central Office 
    73. Selipha Trading (Pty) Ltd 
    74. Setlakala Business Development 
    75. Simmek Holdings 
    76. Siyafundisa I Africa 
    77. Siyasanga Training Centre 
    78. Siyavuna Abalimi Development Centre 
    79. Suidwes Beleggings Eiendoms Beperk 
    80. Taletso FET College - Central Office 
    81. Thando Consulting Services 
    82. The Skills Development Hub (Pty) Ltd 
    83. Thuto Boshwa Skills Development Services 
    84. TLD Consulting 
    85. TM Mashwara and Projects 
    86. Tompi Seleka Agricultural College 
    87. TPN Training and Recruitment cc 
    88. Tripple R Training Provider 
    89. UNIVERSITY OF BUSINESS EXCELLENCE(PTY)LTD 
    90. University of Limpopo 
    91. University of Venda 
    92. Vari Holdings (Pty)Ltd 
    93. Westco Agri Training 
    94. Wildlife and Enviroment Society of South Africa 


    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.