Advanced Diploma in Agriculture in Crop Production

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to provide learners with knowledge of Agriculture in Crop Production and equip them with skills related to crop production. A qualified learner will be able to:

• Develop a business plan so as to guide operations of the business and also be able to take into account all the requirements for the achievement of the economic efficiency and success in the operation of the business.
• Solve market-led agricultural extension challenges; identify opportunities and apply salient features of various theories and approaches in management of agricultural projects.
• Manage water in agricultural activities so that it is used efficiently and is environmentally safely.
• Understand different crop improvement technologies and their applications as well as theoretically apply principles of crop improvement to local and international situations.
• Do laboratory diagnosis procedures associated with Plant Pathology.
• Plan profitable and sustainable use of land.
• Read appropriate scientific publications, write seminars, develop research proposals and statistically analyse research results.
• Demonstrate a coherent understanding of Agriculture by articulating the methods of Agriculture and explaining why current agricultural knowledge is both contestable and testable by further inquiry and by explaining the role and relevance of agriculture in society.
• Exhibit depth and breadth of agricultural knowledge by demonstrating well-developed knowledge in at least one disciplinary area and by demonstrating knowledge in at least one other disciplinary area.
• Critically analyse and solve agricultural problems by gathering, synthesising and critically evaluating information from a range of sources, designing and planning an investigation, selecting and applying practical and/or theoretical techniques or tools in order to conduct an investigation and collecting, accurately recording, interpreting and drawing conclusions from data.
• Be effective communicators of Agriculture by communicating agricultural results, information or arguments, to a range of audiences, for a range of purposes and using a variety of modes.
• Be accountable for their own learning and scientific work by being independent and self-directed learners, working effectively, responsibly and safely in an individual or team context, demonstrating knowledge of the regulatory frameworks relevant to their disciplinary area and personally practising ethical conduct.

Rationale

Agriculture is highly regarded as one of the drivers of the country's economy, people have to eat and dress and it is agricultural activities that form the basis for these basic needs. The process of land restitution is also an indication that more still needs to be done in promoting Agriculture in communities. Therefore, this qualification aims to prepare learners and enable them to give advice, equip them with entrepreneurial skills and also prepare them to pursue further studies in this field.

Upon completion of this qualification, learners are able to

The purpose of this qualification is to supply the agricultural industry with graduates who will be competent as advisors to individuals and communities on best crop production practices and as entrepreneurs to create jobs in the sector. The qualification will also prepares students to be able to further their studies to higher-level qualifications in agriculture.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process that will be followed will be based on the RPL policy of the institution to accommodate a candidate pre-requiste qualification but who has extensive non-formal and informal prior learning that is similar to the entry requirements of the Advanced Diploma.

The applicant must submit a portfolio of evidence and if the assessor find that the candidate meets the requirements of modules they may also be granted credits.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• A Diploma at Level 6.

Or

• A Bachelor's Degree.

This qualification comprises compulsory and elective modules at Level 7 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, 80 Credits

• Research Methodology IV, 20 Credits.
• Crop Production IV, 20 Credits.
• Land Use Planning IV, 20 Credits.
• Agriculture Water Management, 20 Credits.

Electives, 40 Credits (select two)

• Soil Science IV, 20 Credits.
• Agricultural Extension IV, 20 Credits.
• Crop Protection IV, 20 Credits.
• Agricultural Economics IV, 20 Credits.

1. Develop a business plan that is sound so as to guide operations of the business and also take into account all the requirements for the achievement of the economic efficiency and success in the operation of the business.
2. Solve market-led agricultural extension challenges, identify opportunities and apply salient features of various theories and approaches in management of agricultural projects.
3. Manage water in agricultural activities such that it is used efficiently and environmentally safely.
4. Understand the different crop improvement technologies and their applications and also apply principles of crop improvement to local and international situations theoretically.
5. Conduct laboratory diagnosis procedures associated with Plant Pathology.
6. Plan profitable and sustainable use of land.
7. Access appropriate scientific publications and develop research proposals.
8. Use practical knowledge to manage different aspects of Soil Ecology to ensure sustainable soil quality under cropping activities.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• The nature and value of Strategic Management are understood.
• The importance of corporate social responsibility is understood.
• Ethical and lawful business operations are understood.
• Time value of money and the investment opportunities that are available and are exploited and understood.
• Achievement of careful and detailed planning is understood.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Links between agriculture and the food industry are identified, described and analysed.
• Management theories and their functions are identified, described, analysed and applied.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Water is harvested and stored appropriately.
• Crop role of climate and global warming is used in the course of water management.
• Means to reduce water losses that affect irrigation is done appropriately and efficiently.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• The principles of Mendelian genetics with regards to crop improvement are explained.
• The breeding history of some important agricultural crops is discussed.
• Artificial and natural selection are differentiated.
• Heritability factors that influence crop improvement are identified and explained.
• Different breeding processes that are currently used are discussed.
• The role of the gene bank on crop variation is discussed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Understanding of diagnosis procedures used in a Plant Pathology laboratory is demonstrated.
• Plant diseases are identified using laboratory equipment.
• Understanding of principles of plant disease epidemiology monitoring is demonstrated.
• Process involved in breeding for resistant cultivars is explained.
• Relevant legislation is learnt and applied.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Legislation governing land use is identified and practised.
• Different maps are identified, interpreted and put into practical perspective.
• Delineation is done using appropriate factors.
• An enterprise programme is planned accordingly.
• Bio-resource unit software is used to determine most profitable enterprise.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Scientific papers are read with understanding.
• Information from different sources is synthesised to write scientific literature surveys and seminars.
• Appropriate software is used in citations.
• A research project is designed.
• Experimental data is analysed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8

• Soil physical properties are analysed and put into practical perspective.
• Soil chemical properties are analysed and put into practical perspective.
• Soil fauna are identified and their role in Soil Ecology are identified and discussed.
• Soil microflora is identified and their role on soil properties are established and discussed.
• Production systems are identified and their role on soil chemical, microbiological and physical properties are established and discussed.

Integrated Assessment

Whilst the number and types of assessments will differ between the different modules, they will range from tests through to assignments and projects to writing of research proposals and examinations.

Formative Assessment

• Minimum two (2) tests or per module.
• Minimum one (1) scientific assignment per module.

Summative Assessment

A 3-hour written examination per module except for Land Use Planning IV and Research Methodology IV which are continuous assessment subjects.