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SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Higher Certificate in General Agriculture 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
123436  Higher Certificate in General Agriculture 
ORIGINATOR
AGRICOLLEGES International (Pty) Ltd 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Higher Certificate  Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation  Primary Agriculture 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 05  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0729/25  2025-02-04  2028-02-04 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2029-02-04   2032-02-04  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of the Higher Certificate in General Agriculture qualification is to develop learners with the knowledge, understanding and basic skills in two specialist areas in primary agriculture ie, animal and plant sciences. The plant science modules in this qualification will prepare the learners to apply their learning in the everyday farm environment to ensure optimal plant production. The animal science modules will prepare learners to apply their learning in with optimal care for livestock and maintenance of production animals. In addition, the learners will acquire a basic knowledge of the general principles and practices that apply in a primary agriculture context, the role of agriculture in the economy and the key success factors of an agricultural business.

The qualification will provide learners with the basic introductory knowledge, cognitive and conceptual tools and practical techniques for higher education studies, specifically in the fields of animal and plant sciences. In addition, it will cover general principles of primary agriculture together with more specific procedures and their application in respect of animal and plant sciences, therefore, the qualifying learners will attain a basic level of higher education knowledge and competence in the broad field of primary agriculture, and they will be able to apply the knowledge and competence acquired in an agricultural work context.

Qualifying learners will be able to work in a variety of farming contexts, such as mixed crop farming, crop-specific farming, livestock farming, game or poultry farming, dairy farming, etc. In addition, this qualification will lay a foundation for them to embark on further higher education studies in one of these areas or other specialised areas in primary agriculture.

Upon completion of this qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Describe the nature and importance of primary agriculture, with specific reference to animal and plant farming.
  • Distinguish between the similarities and differences in the anatomy and physiology of cattle, sheep, pigs and poultry.
  • Describe the scientific principles of animal nutrition as they relate to the digestive systems, management of dietary requirements and nutritional deficiencies.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the requirements for the management of different animal production systems.
  • Describe the management practices for the care and maintenance of production animals.
  • Explain the plant morphology, physiology and propagation principles for optimal and sustainable fruit and vegetable plant growth.

    Rationale:
    The qualification will form the basis for learners to extend their learning into more specialised areas of Agricultural production and management and provide the basis for the establishment of sustainable farming operations through the inclusion of a wide spectrum of competencies required by farmers in Southern Africa. Whilst technical production-orientated competencies will ensure that other aspects such as Agribusiness and Good Agricultural Practices are included in the range of competencies required by farmers to enable them to strive towards Agricultural Management standards and practices at higher levels to meet the outcomes at the NQF level 5 as stated in the qualification outcomes as well as in the outcomes of the individual modules.

    Competent qualified learners in this qualification will oversee quality agricultural products in agricultural production thereby enhancing the overall agricultural process and gaining opportunities to access local, national and international agricultural markets. They will be able to do this at the cognitive level appropriate to the levels of the qualification outcomes.

    This entry-level qualification is aimed at introducing learners to the world of agriculture and will include a diverse range of practical skills and experiential learning. Agricultural education is critical for the 4th Industrial Revolution, involving far more than just teaching learners the basics of seed production or how to judge livestock. It provides the opportunity for people to understand that agriculture is not just farming it's a sustainable way of life. This qualification will help to address one of the world's current most pressing issues - food security in a modern society challenged by COVID-19 and all its post-pandemic effects.

    An increased online offering in agricultural education in South Africa will help to provide the unemployed youth and those interested in agriculture with the skills required by the sector; making them more employable in a field that is increasingly being driven by technology and improved efficiencies, giving them greater opportunities for further career growth and enabling them to improve food production in local communities.

    Learners in the proposed qualification will benefit from practical learning experiences which take place at the institution's international practical destinations and identified participating workplace collaboration partners. It will help to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals of multilateral development institutions, including those to end hunger, achieve food security and improve nutrition, promote sustainable agriculture, end poverty, promote well-being, reduce inequality, ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns, and promote learning opportunities.

    The purpose of this qualification supports the recommendation of Statistics SA that interventions should focus on developing general agriculture skills" in relation to animal and crop farming. The qualification also addresses the two major agricultural activities identified through this census, i.e. that animal-only production constituted the major form of household agricultural activity in all provinces, except for Gauteng, Western Cape and Free State. 'Crops only' production was the second most dominant reported activity.

    The purpose of this qualification is further to address the needs identified in the 2019-2020 Sector Skills Plan in which "animal and plant health (and food safety) has been elevated as a top priority". (par. 5.2.5) The Sector Skills Plan, identified the key themes and issues driving change and influencing skills demand and supply in the agricultural sector.

    This qualification will contribute to the following themes:
  • Growth in small-scale farming, including plant and animal health.
  • Land reform and industry transformation, including lack of production skills and business acumen.
  • Youth bulge and skills development, including rural skills development.
  • Climate change, drought and food security, including migration of workers, new skills required, incorporation of latest technology in qualifications, curriculums and course content.
  • The Green Economy, including sustainable practices cutting across all farming enterprises. In adherence to the specifications in the Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework (Notice No 549, Government Gazette No. 36721, 2 August 2013):

    A survey published in February 2020, by Stellenbosch University, Maastricht School of Management and with Agricolleges International as a project partner, clearly indicated the need for this type of qualification. After water resources and financial means, the third biggest issue for the agricultural industry was the lack of skilled human resources, 16% of participants showed that they would employ a person with an NQF Level 5 qualification on their farm and 32% indicated they require an NQF Level 6 qualification.

    The institution aims to find placement and employment opportunities for our learners who successfully finish their studies. Our various agreements with Industry specialists such as the African Agri Council, Food for Mzansi and Youth Bridge Trust open many avenues for our Alumni to receive information, advertisements and placement opportunities in the industry. Through our active Alumni association, we assist and empower our learners to find permanent employment. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    RPL for access:
    Applications for RPL will be considered for informal and non-formal learning, including work experience and non-credit-bearing short courses.

    Applicants will have to submit evidence that is authentic, current and sufficient against specified learning outcomes and assessment criteria.

    A full qualification will not be awarded based on work experience alone. RPL will be conducted on a case-to-case basis.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • National Certificate (Vocational), NQF Level 4, granting access to Higher Certificate Studies.
    Or
  • National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4, granting access to Higher Certificate studies.
    Or
  • Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 without endorsement. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 5 totalling 120 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 5, 120 Credits.
  • Fundamental principles of an agricultural business, 5 Credits.
  • Principles of animal husbandry and crop production, 5 Credits.
  • Animal anatomy and physiology, 10 Credits.
  • Animal nutrition, 10 Credits.
  • Animal production systems, 10 Credits
  • Animal husbandry and welfare, 20 Credits
  • Plant morphology and physiology, 10 Credits
  • Plant propagation, 10 Credits.
  • Soil and water science, 10 Credits.
  • Harvesting and post-harvest technology, 10 Credits
  • Management practices for fruit and vegetable production, 20 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Describe the nature and importance of primary agriculture, with specific reference to animal and plant farming.
    2. Demonstrate the ability to distinguish between the similarities and differences in the anatomy and physiology of cattle, sheep, pigs and poultry.
    3. Demonstrate the ability to describe the scientific principles of animal nutrition as they relate to the digestive systems, management of dietary requirements and nutritional deficiencies.
    4. Demonstrate an understanding of the requirements for the management of different animal production systems.
    5. Describe the management practices for the care and maintenance of production animals.
    6. Demonstrate the ability to explain the plant morphology, physiology and propagation principles for optimal and sustainable fruit and vegetable plant growth.
    7. Explain the management practices of soil and water resources for optimal and sustainable fruit and vegetable plant growth.
    8. Demonstrate an understanding of the management practices for optimal fruit and vegetable production. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Distinguish features of primary agriculture with reference to examples from animal and crop farming.
  • Describe the contribution of the agricultural sector to the South African economy with specific reference to its contribution to job creation and food security.
  • Describe the factors impacting the success of an agri-business with reference to human, financial and physical resources.
  • Apply effective written communication skills in presentations, assignments, and written reports on issues relating to agriculture.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Describe the physical characteristics and functioning of major systems and organs of animals that are differentiated in relation to cattle, sheep, pigs and poultry.
  • Explain reproductive physiology in livestock production with relevant examples of cattle, pigs and poultry.
  • Compare the growth and development of chickens, cattle, sheep and pigs as influenced by age, breed and gender.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Explain the characteristics and processes of digestive systems and digestion, and the composition of animal feeds with reference to cattle, sheep and pigs and poultry.
  • Explain the similarities and differences in nutrient requirements and the remedies for nutritional abnormalities in production animals as applicable to ruminant and monogastric production animals.
  • Recognize and measure environmental and anthropogenic factors influencing animal production.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Discuss the requirements for the management of livestock production systems with reference to biological processes and the principles to consider regarding the choice of production systems for ensuring optimal performance.
  • Describe the behavioural and physiological requirements as well as the housing requirements for different production animals in terms of their importance in the management of livestock production systems.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Show the procedures for the safe handling and transporting of animals in relation to the fundamental principles of animal behaviour and the major prophylactic protocols for livestock.
  • Compile a basic health management programme for the production of animals.
  • Develop a basic health management programme that addresses the specific requirements of production animals, including the identification, care and management of animals that are sick or in need of special care.
  • Show practices for the care and maintenance of production animals in an appropriate work context.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Describe the characteristics of plant structures, the functions of various plant structures and the role of photosynthesis and respiration in enabling optimum plant growth.
  • Explain the similarities and differences between different plants in relation to the morphology and physiology of annual vegetables and perennial fruits, the nutrient requirements and the mechanisms in the uptake and transport of water
  • Explain the role of propagation in the plant life cycle, different propagation techniques and the control of pathogens with relevant examples.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Describe the physical, chemical and biological properties of soil, nutrients and factors influencing soil fertility in terms of their importance for optimal plant growth.
  • Describe the management practices in relation to soil and water with reference to their importance.
  • Maintain sustainable plant production and environmental sustainability.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Explain major and minor plant nutrients, nutrient availability and uptake in plants, and climatic conditions in terms of their relevance for optimal fruit and vegetable production.
  • Describe management practices for optimal fruit and vegetable production in relation to the biotic and abiotic manipulation of plant behaviour and fruit quality and quantity.
  • Explain the use of new technology and the integrated pest control practices that include alternatives to chemical control with reference to their advantages.
  • Management practices for optimal fruit and/or vegetable production in an appropriate work context.

    INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
    Assessment for distance learning requires special considerations and measures to ensure that learners will have the optimal assessment experience. The institution will use new technologies that offer assessment types such as multimedia (video and audio), peer discussions, portfolios and curation of online research. The Brightspace Learning Management System (LMS) used includes a portfolio feature where learning artefacts may be curated and submitted for assessment as well as kept over time as a professional portfolio. A mobile app with built-in video and audio functionality is also available for learners to use as they collect evidence of learning.

    The information about the different types of assessment, their purposes and when they will be used will be communicated within the LMS so that the assessors and the learners who are assessed, thoroughly grasp the different purposes of assessment.

    Formative Assessment:
    Each module of the qualification is formatively assessed through:
  • A quiz at the end of each learning unit in each module consisting of the following types of questions: multiple choice, true or false, multi-select or find the correct answer.
  • One written assignment.
  • At least one discussion forum that is topic related; and
  • At least one practical task that must be completed and where evidence must be submitted by the learner.

    Summative Assessments
    The summative assessments include:
  • One examination per year per subject.

    Assignments will consist of:
  • Long questions.
  • Case studies; and
  • Practical applications.

    Quizzes or tests will consist of:
  • Multiple Choice questions.
  • True or False questions.
  • Multi-select questions; and
  • Find the answer questions.

    Internal and external moderation/examination:
    Internal moderation - quizzes and assignments at the non-exit level.
    External moderation - examination and practical tasks at the exit level.
    The mode of delivery takes place in the distance mode.

    Practical element through the Learning Management System - online delivery.
    Each learner will be allocated a dedicated online course facilitator. The role of the online course facilitator in online learning includes maintaining records of curriculum and materials and gathering feedback on the quality of training from learners, instructors, subject matter experts and managers. This also includes communication with learners on various communication platforms, direct email and a personal telephone call for any clarification, assistance and support. The online course facilitators guide the learners through the online part of their educational journey and ensure that they are progressing as required.

    There will be practical assignments carried out at the practical sites identified and contracted by the institution. These assignments and practical experiential training will be presented by Subject Matter Experts, the on-site Facilitators and with an assessor present. Learners have opportunities to integrate theory and practice into their learning experience. These learning opportunities will provide learners with hands-on practice in authentic contexts to solidify concepts and skills. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Country: Australia
    Institution: TAFE (Technical and Further Education)
    Qualification title: Certificate IV in Agriculture
    Duration: Two years part-time

    Entry requirements:
    This course is offered as a traineeship.
    One year of experience working in farming and agriculture, as evidenced by your resume,

    Qualification structure:
    Core Modules:
  • Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices.
  • Maintain workplace health and safety processes.
    Elective modules
  • Supervise and maintain a food safety plan.
  • Develop a soil use map for a property, comparable to Soil and water science.
  • Implement a feeding plan for pig production, comparable to Animal nutrition.
  • Design harvesting and storage systems for permaculture products, comparable to Harvesting and post-harvest technology.
  • Access, extract and monitor water for irrigation

    Upon completion of this qualification, learners will be able to:
  • Establish pastures and crops.
  • Breed livestock based on genetics for production.
  • Sample, interpret and amend soil composition for crop success.
  • Use ethical and environmentally sustainable agriculture practices.
  • Maintain work health and safety processes.
  • Keep financial records and budgets.
  • Handle and store seed subject to quarantine regulations.

    Study pathways
  • Diploma in Agriculture.

    Similarities:
  • TAFE (Technical and Further Education) and South African (SA) qualifications share comparable outcomes, both qualifications will equip learners with the skills to implement ethical and environmentally sustainable agricultural practices, as well as to articulate the scientific principles underlying animal nutrition.
  • TAFE and SA qualifications share comparable modules such as Design harvesting and storage systems for permaculture products, Develop a soil use map for a property and Implement a feeding plan for pig production.
  • Both qualifications progress to a Diploma in Agriculture.

    Differences:
  • The TAFE (Technical and Further Education) qualification is offered for two years part-time, while the South African (SA) qualification is offered for one year full-time.
  • TAFE qualifications require learners that have one year of experience in the farming and agriculture sector, as this qualification is primarily structured as a traineeship, while the SA qualification requires learners who completed a Senior Certificate or an equivalent qualification at NQF Level 4.


    Country: Kenya
    Institution: University of Embu (UE)
    Qualification Title: Diploma in Agriculture
    Duration: Two years full-time.

    Entry requirements
    Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) Applicants: A minimum of Grade C- (C minus). In addition, applicants must meet specific School/Department Requirements
    Or
    Kenya Advanced Certificate of Education (KACE): A minimum of one Principal level pass and one subsidiary pass. In addition, applicants must meet specific School or Department Requirements
    Or
    Holder of equivalent qualifications approved by the University Senate.

    Qualification structure:
    Modules
  • Communication Skills.
  • Introduction to Agriculture.
  • General Zoology.
  • Principles of Genetics.
  • Introduction to Soil Science, comparable to Soil and water science.
  • Chemistry for Agricultural science.
  • Fundamentals of Development
  • Basic Mathematics
  • Principles of Crop Production, comparable to Principles of Animal Husbandry and crop production.
  • Principles of Plant Physiology, comparable to Plant morphology and physiology.
  • Introduction to Animal Production, comparable to Animal production systems.
  • Animal Physiology.
    > Animal Anatomy.

    Expected Learning Outcomes:
    At the end of the diploma programme, the learners should be able to:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of Agriculture in the national economy,
  • Contribute to improved production and marketing of Agricultural products through research, extension, and training, set up and manage Agricultural enterprises,
  • Promote sustainable land and water management for increased agricultural production and environmental protection.

    Similarities:
  • University of Embu (UE) and South African (SA) qualifications require learners who completed a Certificate of Secondary Education or Senior Certificate.
  • Both UE and SA qualifications share comparable outcomes, as they both prepare learners to demonstrate the ability to understand the requirements for the management of different animal production systems.
  • UE and SA qualifications share similar modules such as Principles of Plant Physiology, Introduction to Animal Production, Principles of Crop Production and Introduction to Soil Science. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Higher Certificate in Life and Environmental Sciences, NQF Level 5.
  • Higher Certificate in Farming, NQF Level 5.
  • Higher Certificate in Conservation Ecology, NQF Level 5.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Diploma in Agriculture in Mixed Farming, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Agriculture in Animal Production, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Animal Sciences, NQF Level 6.
  • Bachelor of Agriculture, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Agriculture in Agri-business Management, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Agriculture in Agricultural Extension, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in Animal Production, NQF Level 7.

    Diagonal Articulation
  • Occupational Certificate: Poultry Farmer, NQF Level 5. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.