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: 

Understand how sustainable farming systems conserve natural resources 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
116169  Understand how sustainable farming systems conserve natural resources 
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 1  NQF Level 01  4 
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 
Learners achieving this unit standard will be able to explain the importance of maintaining and increasing biodiversity, and the role of natural resource management in sustainable agricultural practices.

Competent learners will have a general idea of the most important agricultural and conservation regulations, thus strengthening sustainable agricultural practices and benefiting the environment.

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

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

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
No learning is assumed to be in place. 

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 the impact of farming operations and practices on the environment. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
The farmer's responsibilities of soil-, water- and animal-care are explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
Elements of farming operations affecting the environment are identified and described. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
Effects on the environment include soil erosion, water pollution and wastage, invasive plants, fire, flood and population encroachment, endangered plants and endangered fauna.
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
Invasive and endangered fauna and flora species are listed and identified. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
Fauna and flora species of the farm or direct environment.
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
Examples of environmentally friendly agricultural practices are explained. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
Soil and water conservation.
 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
Identify farm and domestically generated waste and pollutants and apply environmentally friendly methods of disposal and/or re-use. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
Farm generated waste and pollutants are identified and their effects are explained. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
Domestic waste products include but are not limited to body fluids and solids, wash water and household waste. Farm generated waste and pollutants include fertilisers, chemicals, fuels and lubricants, packaging and product waste.
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
Pollution prevention measures are identified and their effects on the environment are explained. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
Fertiliser and chemical management, recycling, machinery maintenance and basic rubbish dump management.
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
Correct methods of disposal are applied to the waste product and pollutant. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
Clarity on substances that should be taken to a proper disposal facility.
 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
Apply practices to maintain and increase biodiversity. 
OUTCOME RANGE 
Natural resources include water, soil, fauna, flora and energy. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
The importance of maintaining and increasing natural resources are explained. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
Natural resources include energy (wood, sun and electricity), water (rain, surface and groundwater), soil, fauna, flora (trees, vegetation and medicinal plants) and fire management practices.
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
Consequences of not maintaining natural resources are explained. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
Lack of ecosystem stability resulting from decrease in species diversity; disease, genetic diversity loss, lost unknown pharmaceutical and breeding opportunities from plants and animals with unknown properties.
 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
Control invasive alien plant species and noxious weeds. 
OUTCOME RANGE 
As outlined by the local Department of Agriculture (Agricultural Research Council guidelines). 

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 5 
Prevent the spread of veld fires using on farm firebreaks and/or fireguards. 
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 6 
Apply basic control and preventative measures to enhance the soil's capacity to hold water and prevent water run-off. 
OUTCOME RANGE 
Control measures include but are not limited to gabions, mulch, plant and vegetation material, etc. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
Mulching to cover soil for water and soil conservation is used. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
The soil's run-off and capacity to hold water are prevented and improved. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
Gabions are correctly erected. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
Vegetation is re-established. 


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 al 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 thy 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:
  • Basic principles of natural resources management.
  • Components of the water cycle.
  • Components of ecosystems.
  • Components of an energy cycle.
  • Basic principles of sustainability.
  • Local veld types and their carrying capacities.
  • Classification of fauna and flora relevant to the direct environment.
  • Alien species relevant to the direct environment.
  • Basic environmental patterns and processes.
  • Local weather and climate, and seasonal conditions of the area.
  • Basic local ecosystems.
  • Importance of biodiversity in local farming systems.
  • Sources of water.
  • Sources of energy (renewable and non renewable).
  • Types of pollution.
  • Basic fire fighting rules.
  • Definitions.
  • Terminology.
  • Occupational Health & Safety Act. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Problem solving relates to specific outcomes:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the impact of farming operations and practices on the environment.
  • Identify farm and domestically generated waste and pollutants and apply environmentally friendly methods of disposal and/or re-use.
  • Apply practices to maintain and increase biodiversity.
  • Understand how to control invasive alien plant species and noxious weeds.
  • Prevent the spread of veld fires using on farm firebreaks and/or fireguards. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Teamwork relates to specific outcomes:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the impact of farming operations and practices on the environment.
  • Identify farm and domestically generated waste and pollutants and apply environmentally friendly methods of disposal and/or re-use.
  • Apply practices to maintain and increase biodiversity.
  • Understand how to control invasive alien plant species and noxious weeds.
  • Prevent the spread of veld fires using on farm firebreaks and/or fireguards. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Self-organisation and management relates to specific outcomes:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the impact of farming operations and practices on the environment.
  • Identify farm and domestically generated waste and pollutants and apply environmentally friendly methods of disposal and/or re-use.
  • Apply practices to maintain and increase biodiversity.
  • Understand how to control invasive alien plant species and noxious weeds.
  • Prevent the spread of veld fires using on farm firebreaks and/or fireguards. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Information evaluation relates to specific outcomes:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the impact of farming operations and practices on the environment.
  • Identify farm and domestically generated waste and pollutants and apply environmentally friendly methods of disposal and/or re-use.
  • Apply practices to maintain and increase biodiversity.
  • Understand how to control invasive alien plant species and noxious weeds.
  • Prevent the spread of veld fires using on farm firebreaks and/or fireguards. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communication relates to specific outcomes:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the impact of farming operations and practices on the environment.
  • Identify farm and domestically generated waste and pollutants and apply environmentally friendly methods of disposal and/or re-use. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology relates to specific outcomes:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the impact of farming operations and practices on the environment.
  • Identify farm and domestically generated waste and pollutants and apply environmentally friendly methods of disposal and/or re-use.
  • Apply practices to maintain and increase biodiversity.
  • Understand how to control invasive alien plant species and noxious weeds.
  • Prevent the spread of veld fires using on farm firebreaks and/or fireguards. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Inter-relatedness of systems relates to specific outcomes:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the impact of farming operations and practices on the environment.
  • Identify farm and domestically generated waste and pollutants and apply environmentally friendly methods of disposal and/or re-use.
  • Apply practices to maintain and increase biodiversity.
  • Understand how to control invasive alien plant species and noxious weeds.
  • Prevent the spread of veld fires using on farm firebreaks and/or fireguards. 
    		•

    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  48970   National Certificate: Animal Production  Level 1  NQF Level 01  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  AgriSETA 
    Core  48971   National Certificate: Mixed Farming Systems  Level 1  NQF Level 01  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  AgriSETA 
    Core  48972   National Certificate: Plant Production  Level 1  NQF Level 01  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  AgriSETA 


    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. Agricultural Research Council 
    2. Balemi Consulting Pty Ltd 
    3. Biofuels Business Incubators NPC 
    4. Boikgantsho Consulting & Events 
    5. BOLAND COLLEGE 
    6. Bumunhu Services Providers Cc 
    7. Cedara College of Agriculture 
    8. Deloitte 
    9. DEW CRISP PTY LTD 
    10. Dihwai Food Cultural and Agricultural Services 
    11. ELSENBURG AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE 
    12. Escay Catering and other Services 
    13. Farm Africa (SA) 
    14. Farm for Africa Training and Development 
    15. Food and Trees for Africa 
    16. Fort Cox Agricultural College 
    17. GA Community Care Consultants 
    18. Ghoenas Kraal Opleiding Sentrum 
    19. Goldfields FET College 
    20. Heedmorine Training 
    21. Hortiserve 
    22. Impact Plus Training Consultants 
    23. Interstate Clearing 092 (Pty) Ltd 
    24. Kgopane Trading Enterprise 
    25. Kimbali Holdings 
    26. KMK Training Services (PTY) Ltd 
    27. Knowledge For Ever 
    28. Kwevhos Business Enterprise 
    29. Leaf Services (Pty) Ltd 
    30. Leruo ke Matla Training and Enterprise Development Services 
    31. Longmore Training and Developen 
    32. Lovedale TVET College 
    33. Madzivhandila Agricultural College 
    34. Maishamalema Development Training 
    35. Mananthatshema Skills Dev. Centre 
    36. Marang Women in Agric and Development 
    37. Mathapuso Construction and Projects 
    38. Matlharini Multi Centre Skills 
    39. Matotomana Training & General Trading 
    40. Mbimbini Training and Community Development 
    41. Medu Skills Consultants 
    42. Mobile Agri Skills Development and Training NPC 
    43. Mogaladi Business Enterprise 
    44. Montshepetsa Bosui Farming & Training Cnt 
    45. Morwa Agri-development cc 
    46. Mpontshe Training 
    47. Mthashana FET College - Vryheid Campus 
    48. Mvelo Consultant 
    49. National Institute For The Deaf - NID 
    50. National Woolgrowers Of South Africa 
    51. New Heights 1082 Pty Ltd 
    52. Ngwato Wa Mphela Agriculture Training Services 
    53. Nkalebetja Agricultural Projects and Management services 
    54. Nophelo Training Centre 
    55. Novi General Services 
    56. Owen Sithole College of Agriculture 
    57. P N K Management Services 
    58. Phepha Consulting Services 
    59. Phill Skills and Development Institute 
    60. Progressive Environmental Projects 
    61. Retsogile Education and Training 
    62. SBJ Shadikamang Agriculture 
    63. Scientific Roots (Pty) Ltd 
    64. Sekhukhune FET College - Central Office 
    65. Selipha Trading (Pty) Ltd 
    66. Setlakala Business Development 
    67. Seza Bantu Rural Agricultural Projects 
    68. Sioma Training and Enterprise Developement 
    69. Siyafundisa I Africa 
    70. Siyasanga Training Centre 
    71. Suidwes Beleggings Eiendoms Beperk 
    72. The Skills Development Hub (Pty) Ltd 
    73. Thuto Boshwa Skills Development Services 
    74. Thutong Learning College 
    75. Tinotsile Training and Development 
    76. Tlatlana Events Solution and Communication 
    77. TM Mashwara and Projects 
    78. Tompi Seleka Agricultural College 
    79. TP Business Management (Pty) Ltd 
    80. TPN Training and Recruitment cc 
    81. Tripple R Training Provider 
    82. Tshenkeng's Consulting 
    83. Ubhaqa Land and Agrarian Reform Agency 
    84. Umfolozi FET College 
    85. Umthombolwazi Consultants Cc 
    86. Vari Holdings (Pty)Ltd 
    87. Voyano Project Management 
    88. Westco Agri Training 
    89. Working Decisions Cc 


    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.