Competency will be gained in a combination of the sub-fields of Plant and Animal Production as specified under Areas Of Specialization (i.e. Small Stock, Large Stock as well as Vegetables, Fruit Production, Hydroponics, etc.). On successful completion of the National Certificate: Mixed Farming (SAQA ID: 48971) learners will be enabled to actively participate in the Primary Agricultural Sector through the production of quality agricultural products, enhancing the overall agricultural process and gain opportunities to access local, national and international agricultural markets.  This qualification will allow qualifying learners to become economically active in farming practices that will have a direct impact on Local Economic Development through the production of food, the improvement of household food security and access to mainstream agriculture.

Ideal for:

• Individuals that want enter the Primary Agricultural Sector with specific reference to Mixed Farming Systems.
• Farm workers that seek qualification and additional skills.
• New entrants in farming who wish to progress to the level of Junior Labourer within farming operations in Mixed Farming Systems;
• New entrants that wishes to enter the sector as farmers;
• Learners in possession of different levels of practical experience in farming operations, which will be assessed and RPL’ed;
• Possible candidates for promotion identified by the community as leaders.

Minimum Requirements

Individuals with a Grade 9; ABET Level 3 or higher education

Introduction

A learner assessed against this National Certificate: Plant Production (SAQA ID: 48976) will have the necessary competence to participate as part of a working team, performing the agricultural processes as applicable to both Animal and Plant production in an established and familiar context under general supervision.

A Qualifying Learner will be able to perform directed activities and take responsibility for the guiding others at lower level within a Animal and Plant Production context.

Areas of Specialisation
The area of specialisation allows students to specialise in regional plant production thus making their training more effective by combining general required knowledge with regional specialisation.Areas of specialisation in Animal Husbandry include but are not limited to:

• Small stock production,
• Large stock production,
• Dairy production,
• Pig production,
• Poultry production,
• Game,
• Aqua / mari culture,
• Commercial insects
• Animal fibres harvesting,
• Bee keeping,
• Natural resources harvesting
• Organic production,
• Perma-culture production,
• Eco/Agri Tourism,
• Agro Chemicals,
• Horse Breeding,
• Etc.Areas of specialisation in Plant Production include but are not limited to:
• Organic production,
• Hydroponic production,
• Perma-culture production,
• Agronomy,
• Horticulture,
• Natural resources harvesting.

Ideal for:

• Junior farm labourers who wish to progress to the level of Labourer within farming operations in Animal Production;
• Farm owners, in possession of an equivalent qualification at NQF 1;
• Learners in possession of different levels of practical experience in farming operations, which will be assessed and RPL’ed;
• Possible candidates for promotion identified by the community as leaders.
• School leavers

Minimum Requirements
Individuals with a Grade 10; ABET Level 4 or higher education

Introduction

Competency will be gained in any of the specialized sub-fields of Animal Production as specified under Areas Of Specialization (i.e. Small stock, Large Stock, Dairy Production, Aqua Culture, etc.)

On successful completion of the National Certificate: Animal Production (SAQA ID: 48970) learners will be enabled to actively participate in the Primary Agricultural Sector through the production of quality agricultural products, enhancing the overall agricultural process and gain opportunities to access local, national and international agricultural markets.  This qualification will allow qualifying learners to become economically active in farming practices that will have a direct impact on Local Economic Development through the production of food, the improvement of household food security and access to mainstream agriculture.

Areas of Specialisation
The area of specialisation allows students to specialise in regional plant production thus making their training more effective by combining general required knowledge with regional specialisation.

• Small stock production,
• Large stock production,
• Dairy production,
• Pig production,
• Poultry production,
• Game,
• Aqua / mari culture,
• Commercial insects
• Animal fibres harvesting,
• Bee keeping,
• Natural resources harvesting
• Organic production,
• Perma-culture production,
• Eco/Agri Tourism,
• Agro Chemicals,
• Horse Breeding,

Ideal for:

• New entrants in farming who wish to progress to the level of Junior Labourer within farming operations in Animal Husbandry;
• New entrants that wishes to enter the sector as farmers;
• Learners in possession of different levels of practical experience in farming operations, which will be assessed and RPL’ed;
• Possible candidates for promotion identified by the community as leaders.
• Learners may come from both genders.

Minimum Requirements
Individuals with a Grade 9; ABET Level 4 or higher education

Introduction

A learner assessed against this National Certificate: Plant Production (SAQA ID: 48976) will have the necessary competence to participate as part of a working team, performing the agricultural processes as applicable to Animal production in an established and familiar context under general supervision.

A Qualifying Learner will be able to perform directed activities and take responsibility for the guiding others at lower level within a Animal Production context.

Areas of Specialisation
The area of specialisation allows students to specialise in regional plant production thus making their training more effective by combining general required knowledge with regional specialisation.

• Small stock production,
• Large stock production,
• Dairy production,
• Pig production,
• Poultry production,
• Game,
• Aqua / mari culture,
• Commercial insects
• Animal fibres harvesting,
• Bee keeping,
• Natural resources harvesting
• Organic production,
• Perma-culture production

Ideal for:

• Junior farm labourers who wish to progress to the level of Labourer within farming operations in Animal Production;
• Farm owners, in possession of an equivalent qualification at NQF 1;
• Learners in possession of different levels of practical experience in farming operations, which will be assessed and RPL’ed;
• Possible candidates for promotion identified by the community as leaders.
• School leavers

Minimum Requirements
Individuals with a Grade 10; ABET Level 4 or higher education

Introduction

A learner assessed as competent against the National Certificate: Animal Production (SAQA ID: 49048) will have the necessary competence to supervise and lead a working team performing the agricultural processes as applicable to animal husbandry. The learner will also be able to adhere to and implement according to the level of supervision as well as the relevant quality, safety and hygiene standards as applicable within the industry.

In addition they will be well positioned to extend their learning and practice into other areas of agricultural commodities within a context of either agronomy, or horticulture as applicable to the agricultural commodity, or to strive towards agricultural management standards and practice at higher levels.

Areas of Specialisation
The area of specialisation allows students to specialise in regional plant production thus making their training more effective by combining general required knowledge with regional specialisation.

• Organic production
• Hydroponic production
• Perma-culture production
• Agronomy
• Horticulture
• Natural resources harvesting

Ideal for:

• Farm operators who wish to progress to the level of supervisor within farming operations in Animal Production;
• Farm owners, in possession of an equivalent qualification at NQF 2;
• Learners in possession of different levels of practical experience in farming operations, which will be assessed and RPL’ed;
• Possible candidates for promotion identified by the community as leaders.

Minimum Requirements
Individuals with a Grade 11; ABET Level 4 or higher education

Individuals with NQF Level 2 – Numeracy, literacy and communication

Individuals with NQF Level 2 – technical skills pertaining to agricultural activities

Introduction

A learner assessed as competent in the National Certificate: Animal Production [SAQA: 48979] will have the necessary competence to manage Supervisors and working teams, performing the agricultural processes as applicable to Animal production in a range of Animal Production taking responsibility for the quality and quantity of outputs. The Learner will be able to take complete responsibility for her/his own actions and also take responsibility for supervising others at lower levels within an Animal Production context under broad guidance and evaluation.

In addition they will be well positioned to extend their learning and practice into other areas of agricultural commodities within a context of either agronomy, or horticulture as applicable to the agricultural commodity, or to strive towards agricultural management standards and practice at higher levels.

Areas of Specialisation
The area of specialisation allows students to specialise in regional plant production thus making their training more effective by combining general required knowledge with regional specialisation.

• Small stock production,
• Large stock production,
• Dairy production,
• Pig production,
• Poultry production,
• Game,
• Aqua / mari culture,
• Commercial insects
• Animal fibres harvesting,
• Bee keeping,
• Natural resources harvesting
• Organic production,
• Perma-culture production,
• Eco/Agri Tourism,
• Agro Chemicals,
• Horse Breeding

Ideal for:

• Farm operators who wish to progress to the level of junior farm manager
• Learners in possession of different levels of practical experience in farming operations, which will be assessed and RPL’ed
• School leavers (Gr. 12) from agricultural schools

Minimum Requirements
Individuals with a Grade 12

Individuals with NQF Level 2 – Numeracy, literacy and communication

Individuals with NQF Level 3 – technical skills pertaining to agricultural activities

Introduction

Competency will be gained in any of the specialized sub-fields of Plant Production as specified under Areas Of Specialization (i.e. Vegetables, Fruit Production, Hydroponics, etc.)

On successful completion of the National Certificate: Mixed Farming (SAQA ID: 48972) learners will be enabled to actively participate in the Primary Agricultural Sector through the production of quality agricultural products, enhancing the overall agricultural process and gain opportunities to access local, national and international agricultural markets.  This qualification will allow qualifying learners to become economically active in farming practices that will have a direct impact on Local Economic Development through the production of food, the improvement of household food security and access to mainstream agriculture.

Areas of Specialisation
The area of specialisation allows students to specialise in regional plant production thus making their training more effective by combining general required knowledge with regional specialisation.

• Organic production
• Hydroponic production
• Perma-culture production
• Agronomy
• Horticulture
• Natural resources harvesting

Ideal for:

• Individuals that want enter the Primary Agricultural Sector with specific reference to Mixed Farming Systems.
• Farm workers that seek qualification and additional skills.

Minimum Requirements
Individuals with a Grade 9; ABET Level 4 or higher education

Introduction

A learner assessed against this National Certificate: Plant Production (SAQA ID: 48975) will have the necessary competence to participate as part of a working team, performing the agricultural processes as applicable to Plant production in an established and familiar context under general supervision.

A Qualifying Learner will be able to perform directed activities and take responsibility for the guiding others at lower level within a Plant Production context.

Areas of Specialisation
The area of specialisation allows students to specialise in regional plant production thus making their training more effective by combining general required knowledge with regional specialisation.

• Organic production
• Hydroponic production
• Perma-culture production
• Agronomy
• Horticulture
• Natural resources harvesting

Ideal for:

• Junior farm labourers who wish to progress to the level of Labourer within farming operations in Plant Production;
• Farm owners, in possession of an equivalent qualification at NQF 1;
• Learners in possession of different levels of practical experience in farming operations, which will be assessed and RPL’ed;
• Possible candidates for promotion identified by the community as leaders.
• School leavers

Minimum Requirements
Individuals with a Grade 10; ABET Level 4 or higher education

Introduction

A learner assessed as competent against the National Certificate: Plant Production (SAQA ID: 49052) will have the necessary competence to supervise and lead a working team performing the agricultural processes as applicable to plant husbandry. The learner will also be able to adhere to and implement according to the level of supervision as well as the relevant quality, safety and hygiene standards as applicable within the industry.

In addition they will be well positioned to extend their learning and practice into other areas of agricultural commodities within a context of either agronomy, or horticulture as applicable to the agricultural commodity, or to strive towards agricultural management standards and practice at higher levels.

Areas of Specialisation
The area of specialisation allows students to specialise in regional plant production thus making their training more effective by combining general required knowledge with regional specialisation.

• Organic production
• Hydroponic production
• Perma-culture production
• Agronomy
• Horticulture
• Natural resources harvesting

Ideal for:

• Farm operators who wish to progress to the level of supervisor within farming operations in Plant Production;
• Farm owners, in possession of an equivalent qualification at NQF 2;
• Learners in possession of different levels of practical experience in farming operations, which will be assessed and RPL’ed;
• Possible candidates for promotion identified by the community as leaders.

Minimum Requirements
Individuals with a Grade 11; ABET Level 4 or higher education

Individuals with NQF Level 2 – Numeracy, literacy and communication

Individuals with NQF Level 2 – technical skills pertaining to agricultural activities

Introduction

A learner assessed as competent in the National Certificate: Plant Production [SAQA: 49009] will have the necessary competence to manage Supervisors and working teams, performing the agricultural processes as applicable to Plant production in a range of Plant Production taking responsibility for the quality and quantity of outputs. The Learner will be able to take complete responsibility for her/his own actions and also take responsibility for supervising others at lower levels within an Plant Production context under broad guidance and evaluation.

In addition they will be well positioned to extend their learning and practice into other areas of agricultural commodities within a context of either agronomy, or horticulture as applicable to the agricultural commodity, or to strive towards agricultural management standards and practice at higher levels.

Areas of Specialisation
The area of specialisation allows students to specialise in regional plant production thus making their training more effective by combining general required knowledge with regional specialisation.

• Organic production
• Hydroponic production
• Perma-culture production
• Agronomy
• Horticulture
• Natural resources harvesting

Ideal for:

• Farm operators who wish to progress to the level of junior farm manager
• Learners in possession of different levels of practical experience in farming operations, which will be assessed and RPL’ed
• School leavers (Gr. 12) from agricultural schools

Minimum Requirements
Individuals with a Grade 12

Individuals with NQF Level 2 – Numeracy, literacy and communication

Individuals with NQF Level 3 – technical skills pertaining to agricultural activities

Introduction

A qualifying learner will be able to perform the necessary technical skills within the context of either agronomy, horticulture or animal husbandry as applicable to the agricultural commodity. In addition they will be well positioned to extend their learning and practice into other areas of agricultural commodities, or to strive towards agricultural standards and practice at higher levels.

In the case of the farm owner, the learner will be able to execute basic business skills and develop as a Small, Micro and Medium Enterprise.

Competent qualifying learners of the National Certificate: Farming (SAQA ID: 20288) can produce quality agricultural products whereby enhancing the overall agricultural process and gain opportunities to access local, national and international agricultural markets.

Ideal for:

• School leavers wishing to enter the primary agricultural sector.
• Complete novices wishing to enter the primary agricultural sector, i.e. individuals who are beneficiaries of the land reform processes.
• Learners in possession of different levels of practical experience in farming operations, which will be assessed through Recognition of Prior Learning.

Minimum Requirements
Individuals with a Grade 10; or 1st Year of Vocational Training

Introduction

A qualifying learner will have the necessary competence to monitor, implement, co-ordinate, plan and control the agricultural processes as applicable to the agricultural commodity within a context of either agronomy, horticulture or animal husbandry. Furthermore, the learner will be able to take responsible decisions based on a sound understanding of the principles of management, human resources management, agricultural production and technical knowledge and skills. The learner will also be able to adhere to and implement according to the level of management relevant quality, safety and hygiene standards as applicable within the industry.

In addition they will be well positioned to extend their learning and practice into other areas of agricultural commodities within a context of either agronomy, or horticulture or animal husbandry as applicable to the agricultural commodity, or to strive towards agricultural management standards and practice at higher levels.

Competent qualifying learners in the National Certificate: Farming (SAQA ID: 20290) will oversee quality agricultural products whereby enhancing the overall agricultural process and gain opportunities to access local, national and international agricultural markets.

Ideal for:

• Farm operators who wish to progress to the level of junior farm manager.
• Learners in possession of different levels of practical experience in farming operations, which will be assessed through Recognition of Prior Learning.
• School leavers (Grade12) from agricultural schools.

Minimum Requirements
Individuals with a Grade 12; or 2nd Year of Vocational Training

Individuals with NQF Level 2 – Numeracy, literacy and communication

Individuals with NQF Level 3 – technical skills pertaining to agricultural activities

Recognition of Prior Learning

Introduction

The Department of Agriculture initiated the development of a qualification framework based on a research study conducted in all the provinces suggesting active skills enhancement. The research culminated in “An Agricultural Education and Training Strategy” which outlines the need for training of extension officers to support small scale farmers to be able to produce for profit including addressing poverty, managing food security and natural resources. This qualification is aimed at learners who wish to enter a career in extension and have acquired experience in related sub fields of technical skills, experience and knowledge. Learners who wish to enter extension as a profession need knowledge and skills to work in the complex and rapidly changing agricultural environment.

Competent qualifying learners in the National Certificate: Agricultural; Extension (SAQA ID: 59550) will gain competencies that will promote expertise in this sub field by being able to Apply integrated knowledge and skills and values of the principles and philosophy of extension in an intervention.

Ideal for:

• Enrolled undergraduate to post-graduate students interested in a career as Agricultural Extension Officer.

Minimum Requirements

• Students currently enrolled on a Second-year Level to Agricultural Diplomas, Bachelors of Agriculture, Bachelors of Science Agriculture.
• Individuals with NQF Level 5 – Numeracy, literacy and communication
• Individuals with NQF Level 5 – Technical skills pertaining to agricultural activities