Bachelor of Agriculture

The agricultural industry is a major sector in the South African economy in terms of meeting the increasing food demands, employment, adding value and linkages with the other sectors of the economy. The Faculty of Agriculture aims at educating learners for life and equipping them with the skills to enable them to face the challenges of a dynamic agriculture sector, with emphasis on small-scale agriculture. In order to meet this objective, the Faculty of Agriculture, predominantly through the Department of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development, offers a programme in Agricultural Economics, Farm Business Management and Extension which builds on a strong foundation of applied agriculture provided by the Department of Livestock and Pasture Science and the Department of Agronomy.

The programme in Agricultural Economics, Farm Business Management and Extension is designed to provide the learners with the analytical, reasoning and communication skills required to enter the agricultural economics, farm business and extension professions. The education will empower learners to make critical assessments of real-life problems that are pertinent to their chosen profession. Learners completing their studies in the programme find employment in government, agribusiness, private consultancies, extension projects, education and in their own businesses.

The programme will equip learners for life-long education and skills through actively promoting a range of development activities. It will endeavour to imbue in them enthusiasm and a love for learning and research and promote independent and critical inquiry and research. Innovation, entrepreneurship and excellence will be encouraged and rewarded.

1. An adequate exposure to Physical Science or Biology
2. An adequate level of development of knowledge and skills in Mathematics
3. Adequate literacy skills in English
4. Continuation in, or access into, programmes at a particular level or above, presupposes completion of the exit level requirements at the next lower level at the standard required

This can be demonstrated by achieving the necessary entrance requirements as laid down in the University calendar for the respective degrees. Learners who have completed a diploma at an Agricultural College or Technikon may be credited for certain modules. The programme entry requirements will take into account the SAQA entrance requirements as they develop.

The learner will be able to

1. Communicate effectively with peers, in a variety of modes, in the discourse of Agricultural Economics, Farm Business Management or Extension.
2. Demonstrate responsible and effective time-management and organization of projects and research, meeting personal objectives and negotiated deadlines.
3. Interact with increasing self-confidence, as a member of a team or group in a variety of discussion and problem-solving situations in a management environment.
4. Exhibit a detailed knowledge and understanding of a range of discipline-specific theories, and comprehension of the interactions between Agricultural Economics, Farm Business Management and Extension and the Agricultural environment and the multidisciplinary nature of problems of farm management and extension.
5. Demonstrate the ability to integrate acquired knowledge and information and apply it to practical farming situations.
6. Exhibit some of the characteristics or qualities of a life-long learner such as possession of a questioning and critical sense of curiosity, self-motivation, reflection and capability of employing a range of meta-cognitive skills and learning strategies within the learners field of agricultural expertise.
7. Demonstrate basic computer skills/ literacy

The learner will be able to

1. Participate in class discussions; write and present mini-seminars; prepare assignments: participate effectively in oral presentations.
2. Submit reports and assignments in an acceptable format according to clear guidelines and deadlines.
3. Participate and interact intelligently in class discussions and presentations and in practical situations.
4. Critically read, interpret and analyze literature; participate in group discussions.
5. Prepare and defend a land-use and/or farm management plan.
6. Demonstrate these characteristics in the range of class and practical activities and tasks.
7. Use computers for word processing in the preparation of certain assignments/projects.

Integrated assessment appropriately incorporated to ensure that the purpose of the qualification is achieved

Through integrated assessment the learner will be required to demonstrate applied competence using a range of formative and summative assessment methods including assignments, seminars, practical reports, tests and exams. New assessment procedures in the line with OBE principles as they become mastered by staff (providers) and learners.