Diploma in Agriculture

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to supply the agricultural industry with competent agricultural technicians that can manage agricultural production units effectively, under supervision of an agricultural practitioner, as part of a production team.

The qualifying learner will have exposure and orientation to different agricultural production units and will be competent to manage a production unit under supervision of an agricultural technologist and apply their basic knowledge skills and attitudes towards agricultural production.

Recognition of Prior Learning

• Access may be gained to the qualification through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
• The qualification may be gained in part or in whole through RPL.

Entry Requirements

• National Senior Certificate/Senior Certificate/Further Education and Training (FETC), NQF Level 4. One or more of the following learning areas are also recommended: Agriculture, Biology, Physical Science, Mathematics and Accounting.

Or

• National Higher Certificate, Level 5 in the field of Agricultural Production or an equivalent qualification.
• A personal evaluation is also done in order to determine whether the prospective learner has the appropriate aptitude, attitude and generic capabilities to successfully complete this qualification.

1. Apply basic entrepreneurial principles as they relate to crop production.
2. Demonstrate systematic understanding of environmental science and its relevance to agricultural production.
3. Manipulate environmental factors to improve productivity.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the basic mathematics, science, genetics and breeding principles that underpin animal production.
5. Select implement and manage appropriate mechanisation systems.
6. Participate in agricultural extension programs.
7. Formulate basic feeding programs for animal production units.
8. Manage natural resources, especially veld and production of herbage for animals.
9. Manage under supervision, a small stock production unit.
10. Managing, under supervision, a beef production unit.

1. Knowledge of appropriate economic terminology is demonstrated and applied to agricultural economics.
2. Knowledge of budget planning is demonstrated and applied.

• All relevant aspects are included in the budge.
• The budget is effective for all expected expenditures of a production unit.
• Budget is managed effectively.

1. The economic implications of interest rates are applied in the management of a production unit.
2. The economic implications of inflation are applied in the management of a production unit.
3. Knowledge of the principles of demand and supply is demonstrated.

• The effect of the relationship between demand and supply on product price is understood and applied.

1. Knowledge of workplace organisation is demonstrated.

Integrated Assessment

Integrated formative and summative assessment is done using a variety of methods and assessment tools.