Bachelor of Agriculture Honours in Agricultural Economics
Agriculture and Nature Conservation - Secondary Agriculture
Purpose and Rationale
The agricultural industry is a major sector in the South African economy, playing a crucial role in meeting increasing food demands, providing employment opportunities, adding value, and fostering linkages with other sectors of the economy. The Faculty of Agriculture is dedicated to educating learners and equipping them with the skills needed to tackle the challenges of the dynamic agriculture sector, with a focus on small-scale agriculture.
To achieve this goal, the Faculty of Agriculture, primarily through the Department of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development, offers a program in Agricultural Economics. This program is tailored to provide learners with analytical, reasoning, and communication skills essential for a career in agricultural extension. It aims to empower learners to critically assess real-life problems relevant to their profession. Graduates from this program typically secure employment in government agencies, agribusinesses, private consultancies, educational institutions, and start their own enterprises.
The Agricultural Economics program not only prepares learners for immediate employment but also instills a lifelong learning mindset. By actively promoting various development activities, the program aims to equip learners with the necessary skills and education to thrive in the field. It fosters enthusiasm for learning and research, encourages independent and critical thinking, and promotes innovation, entrepreneurship, and excellence by offering incentives for such qualities.
The Bachelor of Agricultural Science Honors (B. Agric. Hons.) in Agricultural Economics provides students with specialized knowledge in Agricultural Economics and introduces them to research principles and methodologies. This program enables students to deepen their understanding of the subject while developing their research skills, preparing them for a successful career in the agricultural sector.
Outcomes
- Communicate effectively with peers, in a variety of modes, in the discourse of Agricultural Economics.
- Demonstrate responsible and effective time-management and organization of projects and research, meeting personal objectives and negotiated deadlines
- To 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.
- Exhibit a detailed knowledge and understanding of a range of discipline specific theories, and comprehends both the interactions between Agricultural Economics and the Agricultural environment and the multidisciplinary nature of problems of farm management.
- Demonstrate the ability to work independently in developing a deeper understanding of specified areas of the subject
- Manage data and information effectively, through their collection, storage, analysis, synthesis, presentation and critical evaluation, using a variety of analytical methods and techniques.
- Exhibit the necessary skills to successfully carry out a research project of limited scope.
Assessment Criteria
Learning Outcomes:
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Class Participation and Presentation Skills
- Participate effectively in class discussions.
- Write and present mini-seminars.
- Prepare assignments for presentation.
- Participate effectively in oral presentations.
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Submission of Assignments and Reports
- Submit assignments and reports according to guidelines and deadlines.
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Effective Communication
- Participate intelligently in discussions, presentations, and practical situations.
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Literature Analysis and Group Discussions
- Critically read, interpret, and analyze literature.
- Engage in group discussions.
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Independent Research and Information Retrieval
- Conduct independent reading and research in the library and on the Internet.
- Work with reduced supervision and show initiative.
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Computer Literacy and Assignment Preparation
- Improve computer literacy skills.
- Prepare assignments effectively.
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Research Project Proposal and Report Writing
- Write a project proposal outlining:
- Research problem identification.
- Description of research methods and procedures.
- Data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
- Results presentation in a clear and concise manner.
- Write a project proposal outlining:
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Integrated Assessment
- Demonstrate applied competence through various assessments like assignments, seminars, practical reports, tests, and exams.
- Plan and execute a research project with assistance.
- Write a report meeting acceptable standards.
Qualification Details
- Type
- Honours Degree
- NQF Level
- 08
- Min. Credits
- 120
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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