Advanced Certificate in Conservation Agriculture

Purpose

The Advanced Certificate in Conservation Agriculture is a vocational qualification that equips learners with the knowledge and skills to apply conservation farming strategies and methods in a crop farming context. The qualification is aimed at farmers, farm supervisors, and farm managers who operate in agricultural enterprises where conservation methods of farming are applied or planned for. The qualification is also relevant to agricultural advisors and technicians who were schooled in conventional agricultural practice and wish to develop knowledge of conservation agricultural methodology.

A qualifying learner assessed against this qualification will have the necessary competence to apply, coordinate and monitor the application of conservation agriculture methods for purposes of agricultural production/farming practices as applicable to a plant production farming entity. The qualification builds on a basic knowledge of agri production for purposes of specialisation in conservation practice and prepares qualifying learners for both operational and management positions, or for further studies in the field of agriculture.

Upon successful completion of the qualification, the qualifying learners will be able to

• Explain the principles of conservation agriculture as opposed to conventional farming and the possible impact of both approaches on the sustainability of agricultural production.
• Apply the principles of conservation agriculture to improve soil health in a farming context.
• Monitor the agricultural ecosystem and identify threats to the biodiversity of the system.
• Prepare for and implement conservation agriculture practice in a farming enterprise.
• Apply an innovative approach to problem-solving and decision-making in the context of conservation agriculture.
• Explain the economy of conservation practice in a farming enterprise, both from a cost and income perspective.
• Develop a basic business plan for a profitable conservation agriculture farming enterprise.

Rationale

Globally, farmers and agri-operations face the effects of climate change, water scarcity, degradation of natural resources and the growing demand for food due to exponential population growth. In 2017, the United Nations projected that the world population of 7.6 billion is expected to reach 8.6 billion in 2030 and increase to 9.8 billion in 2050. This means that the world's population are increasing with roughly 83 million people per year (United Nations News, 2017). The increasing demand for food production poses huge challenges to farmers. The sustainable production of food depends on the availability of natural resources, a healthy ecosystem and a favourable climate. The preservation of natural resources is vital because the biodiversity of the planet, including humanity, is dependent upon properly functioning natural processes.

Agriculture is a fundamental human activity that intrinsically depends on nature and at the same time poses a threat to it. The World Wildlife Foundation (WWF) found that food systems account for 69% of the world's freshwater usage and contribute to at least 24% of greenhouse gas emissions, while contributing to deforestation, soil erosion and pollution, to name a few (Oberc & Schnell, 2020). Natural resources, especially those of soil, water, plant and animal diversity, vegetation cover, renewable energy sources, climate, and ecosystem services, are fundamental for the structure and function of agricultural systems (Green Facts). Agriculture depends on natural resources. Without sufficient water and soil, efficient agricultural production will be impossible. It is therefore imperative that farmers innovate and invest in new ways of farming to protect and preserve resources and ensure sustainable production.

Conservation Agriculture is a set of practices and principles designed to increase agricultural production while restoring and protecting environmental resources. This approach enhances biodiversity and natural biological processes both above and below the ground, contributing to improved efficiency in water and nutrient use as well as sustained crop production.

In response to the urgent need to preserve natural resources, conservation agriculture is promoted as a practice that offers both agricultural and environmental benefits. A qualification in conservation agriculture provides a valuable learning opportunity for current farmers and young individuals who are interested in understanding the fundamental principles and practices of conservation agriculture.

The qualification is designed for learners with a relevant qualification in agriculture who aim to progress to higher education. Additionally, it offers an opportunity for current farmers or other employees in agricultural businesses seeking a refresher course to enhance their knowledge and skills in conservation agriculture. Successful learners will be qualified to fill roles such as farmers, farm workers, technicians or technical advisors, agricultural input product salespersons, or low- and mid-level managerial positions within the farming sector.

Qualifying learners remain in the workplace and will be required to attend scheduled contact sessions for practical work, demonstrations, and Work-Integrated Learning (WIL). The qualification is ideal for farmers and qualifying learners in agriculture who are not necessarily able to leave their workplaces for lengthy periods of time, and are not in a position to attend some of the full-time higher education degrees, primarily for the following reasons:

• Lack of funding to support three years of full-time studies and boarding at a tertiary institution in an urban area.
• Often, young farmers are involved on the farm from a young age- farming over weekends with parents or a single parent and have taken up a key role in the production management process.
• Many young agriculturalists prefer/would respond better to a practical approach to learning, rather than a pure academic approach to learning after completing school.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution provides for admission based on deserving, qualifying learners' prior learning and experience. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is subject to the institutional RPL policy and procedure administered by a dedicated RPL office.

RPL for Access

• In exceptional cases where qualifying learners do not meet the minimum admission requirements, they may be allowed access into the qualification via a rigorous process to assess and recognise prior learning.
• RPL can be granted if there is evidence of informal learning experiences, such as e.g. work on a farm or relevant agricultural industry, community work, etc.
• No more than 10% of enrolments per cohort will be admitted via RPL.

RPL for Credits

• RPL can be granted irrespective of the context of the learning experience, provided that the prior learning can be assessed and that credits may be awarded based on that assessment to permit entry into the qualification.

Entry Requirements

• Higher Certificate in Farming, NQF Level 5.

Or

• Higher Certificate in Nature Management, NQF Level 5.

Or

• Higher Certificate in General Agriculture, NQF Level 5.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework, Level 6, totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 6, 120 Credits.

• Introduction to conservation agriculture, 15 Credits.
• Characterisation and monitoring of soil and other natural resources for agriculture, 15 Credits.
• Agricultural ecosystems, biodiversity and climate change, 15 Credits.
• Conservation agriculture practice, 15 Credits.
• Conservation of agricultural practices, innovations and technologies, 18 Credits.
• Conservation agriculture business management and economics, 18 Credits.
• Conservation agriculture practice 2 (WIL), 24 Credits.

1. Explain the principles of conservation agriculture as opposed to conventional farming and the possible impact of both approaches on the sustainability of agricultural production.
2. Apply the principles of conservation agriculture to improve soil health in a farming context.
3. Monitor the agricultural ecosystem and identify threats to the biodiversity of the system.
4. Prepare for and implement conservation agriculture practice in a farming enterprise.
5. Apply an innovative approach to problem-solving and decision-making in the context of conservation agriculture.
6. Explain the economy of conservation practice in a farming enterprise, both from a cost and income perspective.
7. Develop a basic business plan for a profitable conservation agriculture farming enterprise.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Explain the impact of agriculture on South Africa's biodiversity and natural resources (including water and air pollution).
• Discuss the principles underlying conservation agriculture and distinguish between conventional and conservation agriculture.
• Discuss conservation agriculture as an alternative agricultural production system to counter the potential problems of conventional agriculture.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Define the characteristics and properties of soil, as well as soil productivity.
• List and describe the common soil types and soil groups in South Africa.
• Identify indicators of, and relevant complications with soil health, and related management practices.
• Conduct a soil analysis and evaluate soil health based on assessment results.
• Describe conservation practices and how they contribute to preserving soil health, also proposing appropriate practices to improve physical, chemical and biological indicators of soil health.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Identify ecosystem services and discuss the role of these services for agriculture, specifically describing the significance of biodiversity for agricultural ecosystems.
• Understand productivity, population density and the carrying capacity of ecosystems.
• Conduct a survey of an agricultural ecosystem and interpret and use the findings to make basic recommendations for an integrated pest, fertilising and watering management plan.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Develop a plan for the implementation of conservation agriculture in a farming unit of choice.
• Identify, describe and operate the equipment, tools, implements and machinery used in conservation agriculture for cultivation purposes.
• Discuss a basic crop rotation program and cover crop systems, and the relevant purposes of each.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Identify and describe the potential complexities and challenges resulting from conventional agriculture practices.
• Recommend possible interventions to minimise the impact of climate change on a farming enterprise in one identified South African biome.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Discuss the use of conservation agriculture methods from a financial perspective, by referring to income and costs.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Compile a complete budget for a conservation agricultural farming unit.
• Evaluate the income and profit potential over a short- and medium-term period and conclude in terms of the sustainability of the unit.
• Evaluate factors impacting efficiency in crop production and labour productivity in a conservation agriculture-based farming unit and describe your strategy for optimising both.
• Identify and describe at least one business opportunity associated with the crop produced on a conservation agriculture farming unit and compile a business plan for taking this to market.

Integrated Assessment

Assessment in the qualification is subject to the institution's Policy on Assessment and Moderation. Assessment is purposefully designed to determine qualifying learners' progress and to evaluate the achievement of learning outcomes. Furthermore, data obtained via assessment are used to provide feedback to qualifying learners and staff; it is used to inform teaching methods to ensure qualifying learners.

This section describes the assessment strategy for the qualification and focuses on the assessment of theoretical modules, assessment of academic literacy modules, and the assessment of WIL.

Assessment of theoretical modules includes formative and summative assessment methods. Depending on the nature, purpose and outcomes of a module, a lecturer determines the relevant formative assessment opportunities in a module. This includes but is not limited to at least one (1) semester test, one (1) assignment and one (1) online activity. Summative assessment takes place at the end of a module via a written examination.

The assessment of WIL is conducted by means of continuous methods during placement, and a summative assessment at the end of the semester, referring to a Portfolio of Evidence. Assessment requirements are clearly communicated to the qualifying learners, as is the contribution of the WIL component to the qualifying learners' progression for the year, and his/her attainment of the qualification. Qualifying learners are assessed by the WIL-host, as well as the institution's staff (or appointed WIL examiners). The WIL host assesses the qualifying learners' ability to demonstrate the required skills, knowledge and attitudes required to complete the WIL modules. Furthermore, qualifying learners are assessed by the institution facilitator or examiner to assess the achievement of learning outcomes and the qualifying learners' ability to integrate knowledge and apply in practice.