Advanced Diploma in Sustainable Horticulture

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to enable an applied specialisation within the Horticulture field of study which is interdisciplinary in nature. The qualification serves to strengthen and deepen the learner's theoretical knowledge and intellectual independence. This will be achieved through advanced reflection and systematic survey of current thinking, practice and research.

The qualification seeks to provide the opportunity for horticulturist to deepen their knowledge, further their professional training and have an in-depth understanding of Horticulture theories, methodologies and practices to manage and lead within the Horticulture and Landscaping industry. The qualified learners will be able to apply specialised knowledge in a range of contexts to either undertake advanced skilled work or as a pathway for further learning.

Rationale

According to the Millennium Assessment Goals (2011), Green issues have moved to the world's centre stage as economists, planners and politicians take cognisance of the value of planetary ecosystems to human well-being. In addition, South Africa plans to integrate the principles of sustainable development into national policies and programmes and reverse the loss of environmental resources. This qualification offers the opportunity for South Africa to meet this goal.

One of the objectives of the National Development Plan is increased investment in new agricultural technologies, research and the development of adaptation strategies for the protection of rural livelihoods and expansion of commercial agriculture. In addition, the plan aims to put in place a regulatory framework for land use, to ensure the conservation and restoration of protected areas.

The Agriculture Sector Education Training Authority (AgriSETA) Scarce Skills report indicated that there was a shortage of qualified production managers in the Horticultural/Landscaping sector. The qualification will contribute to capacity building in this sector.

This qualification is designed to produce qualifying learners with much needed skills in the fields of advanced and specialised plant production, cultivation, nursery practice and business management with the necessary skills set to create and maintain sustainable environments within the various strata of South African society, while ensuring sustainable and effective use of natural resources. Further, to support postgraduate studies in advancing research in horticulture techniques that are necessary in fields such as developing new cultivars, product development, solving challenges facing the industry, and the conservation of rare and endangered indigenous and medicinal plants through propagation cultivation. Learners who are successful in this programme may progress to the Postgraduate Diploma and Master's Degree.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The learners are required to complete a RPL application document. Accompanying the RPL application must be certified copies of all previous qualifications and a comprehensive portfolio reflecting on extensive work learning.

The learners will have to demonstrate competence at the applicable Exit Level Outcomes. Successful candidates will then be accepted into the qualification.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• A 360 Credits Diploma in Sustainable Horticulture and Landscaping.

Or

• National Diploma Horticulture.

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at Level 7 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules: 120 Credits

• Sustainable Horticulture 4A, 16 Credits.
• Horticultural Operations Management 4A, 16 Credits.
• Conservation Horticulture 4A, 16 Credits.
• Research Methodology, 12 Credits.
• Sustainable Horticulture 4B, 16 Credits.
• Horticultural Operations Management 4B, 16 Credits.
• Conservation Horticulture 4B, 16 Credits.
• Research Project, 12 Credits.

1. Apply specialised theoretical and practical knowledge in the development and sustainability of natural resources and applied aspects of intensive plant production.
2. Analyse and evaluate, critical problem-solving techniques in the context of Horticulture Operations Management.
3. Develop and evaluate specialised techniques and methods in the area of Horticulture conservation to address challenges facing the industry and endangered indigenous and medicinal plants through propagation cultivation.
4. Attain the skills required to conduct research in the field of Horticulture.
5. Conduct applied research relevant to the Horticulture industry.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Examine the relevance and application of transmission of traits (Genetics) and explain the exploitation of this knowledge (Plant Breeding).
• Discuss the various techniques, and application of Micro-propagation (tissue culture) techniques and their applicability in the Horticultural industry.
• Investigate hydroculture (hydroponic) techniques and describe their applicability in the Horticultural industry.
• Evaluate various techniques, approaches, strategies and application of applied aspects of Intensive Plant Production Techniques.
• Exhibit various techniques, approaches and strategies of Natural resource management including the Carbon footprint of green industries.
• Analyse technological advancements in renewable energy to power nurseries and greenhouses and International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) standards.
• Evaluate the Biodiversity of economy, apply Eco-system functions and evaluate.
• Remote sensing and geographic information system (GIS).

Associated assessment criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Evaluate various techniques, approaches, strategies and application of Project management in a Horticultural environment.
• Evaluate the relevance and application of Management Information Systems in a Horticultural environment.
• Examine and communicate the management of consultants.
• Explain various techniques, approaches, strategies and application of Organisational Structure and Behaviour in a Horticultural environment is examined the green industry Analyse the macro and micro economical environmental systems; technological; international; social; legal and political and ecological systems.
• Examine various techniques, approaches, strategies and application of productivity issues relating to capital, labour and equipment.
• Examine various techniques, approaches, strategies and application of financial administration aspects of a Production Horticultural Management operation.

Associated assessment criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Examine the national and international regulatory frameworks with reference to conservation of rare, endangered and indigenous horticultural plants.
• Evaluate various techniques, approaches, strategies and application of sustainable production of rare, endangered and indigenous plants for commercial/horticultural purposes.
• Evaluate sustainable harvesting practices of Indigenous Medicinal/ Homeopathic/Traditional plant production for commercial/horticultural/pharmaceutical purposes).

Associated assessment criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Evaluate techniques, approaches and strategies available to the researcher.
• Apply typologies of approaches and strategies to solve a research problem.
• Conduct a review of literature and secondary data to solve a research problem.
• Assess different methods of primary data collection used in research.

Associated assessment criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Formulate the research proposal to address current issues, theories and practices associated with the horticulture and related industries.
• Apply critical thinking skills to conducts research associated with the horticulture and associated industries.
• Relate theory to practice through literature review and data collection.
• Analyse data and synthesis of research findings.
• Communicate research findings clearly, comprehensively and persuasively.

Integrated Assessment

An integrated approach to assessment will therefore be incorporated into the qualification. Whenever possible, the assessment of knowledge, skills, attitudes and values shown in the Horticulture qualification will be integrated.

Assessment of advanced knowledge of fundamentals of horticulture will be integrated as far as possible with other aspects and will use practical contexts wherever possible.

Assessments will take the form of, but not limited to, either portfolios, journals, assignments, case studies, presentations and/or written class tests. An assessment plan will be included in each Study Guide. The plan will include a schedule of assessments to be conducted during the year. It will also include assessment criteria, assessment methods, weighting and timing of assessment.

Formative and Summative Assessment

Formative Assessments will be used to support the learner developmentally and to feed back into the teaching and learning process. This links the relationship between assessment, learning and teaching and ensures that assessment informs and strengthens both the teaching and learning process. Integrated Assessments will be used to combine the assessment of a variety of different skills at the same time; assessing a number of outcomes together; assessing a number of assessment criteria together; using a combination of assessment methods and instruments.

Summative Assessments will be used to make a judgement about achievement and to provide "snapshot" information about a learner's level of competence at a given time.