Bachelor of Agriculture Honours in Extension
Agriculture and Nature Conservation - Primary Agriculture
Purpose and Rationale
Purpose of the Qualification:
The purpose of the qualification is to provide learners with a proper understanding and knowledge of extension and an integrated and effective mix of extension skills that build on prior graduate-level agricultural knowledge in a variety of disciplines in the Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, and Natural Sciences. This approach ensures a high level of growth in extension skills and competence among learners, enabling them to excel in the field of agricultural extension.
Objectives:
- To equip learners with the necessary skills and knowledge to become competent agricultural extensionists.
- To enable learners to effectively design and develop agricultural extension programmes in line with the principles of participatory development.
- To ensure maximum community involvement and impact in the implementation of extension programmes.
- To provide learners with exposure and orientation to agricultural extension programme development.
- To develop learners' competence in compiling and managing extension programmes.
- To enable learners to apply their basic knowledge, skills, and attitudes towards rural and agricultural development.
Pathway to Further Qualification:
This qualification serves as the foundation for the Master of Agriculture (Extension) qualification, providing learners with a solid grounding in agricultural extension principles and practices. Graduates of this qualification will be well-prepared to pursue advanced studies in agricultural extension and contribute effectively to the agricultural industry.
Outcomes
- Demonstrate and apply knowledge of the principles of extension philosophy, organisation and management.
- Demonstrate knowledge of group dynamics and leadership and apply appropriate group techniques.
- Demonstrate knowledge of rural sociology and poverty and participatory community development methodologies.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the roles and functions of human aspects of development
- Apply basic research skills.
- Apply basic communication skills and techniques in the context of agricultural extension.
Assessment Criteria
1. Extension Management
- Understanding origins and goals of extension
- Organisational theory and its relation to extension organisations
- Personal dimensions of managerial effectiveness
- Role of effective discipline in extension organisations
- Systems perspective of extension
- Extension policy development process
- Extension management functions
- Human resource management in extension
- Relationship between training and professional development
- Sound financial management of extension delivery
- Management information system in extension
- Linkage problems between research and extension
- Extension paradigm shift
- Issues regarding privatisation of extension
- Role of NGOs in extension
2. Group Dynamics
- Contributions of groups to human well-being
- Basic theories on group dynamics
- Group norms and goals
- Assisting groups in setting appropriate goals
- Group techniques and leadership
- Philosophy of extension on group work
- Group analysis and motivation
3. Sociological Dimensions in Agriculture
- Dualism in agriculture
- Culture as a process
- Dynamics of culture and cultural relativism
- Indigenous peoples and sustainability
- Indigenous knowledge vs. scientific knowledge
- Linkages between indigenous knowledge and agricultural development
- Appropriate technology generation and dissemination
- Participatory development methodologies
- Rural poverty in South Africa
4. Development Studies
- Basic development terminology
- Sociology of development
- Role of culture in development
- Social construction of land
- Gender and development
- Dynamics of rural poverty
- Decision-making in farming systems
- Shift to decision-making support in farming systems
5. Research in Agricultural Management
- Defining and discussing research
- Characteristics and tools of research
- Preparation and special approaches to agricultural research
- Problems in agricultural research
- Writing scientific and technological seminars
- Research methodology, proposal, and design
- Effective application of research tools and planning
- Relevant problem statements and comprehensive literature reviews
6. Communication Skills
- Confidence in speaking and integrated writing skills
- Interpersonal and small group communication skills
- Group dynamics in agricultural production
- Active listening/reading and constructive feedback
- Effective body language
Assessment Methodologies
- Oral examinations for confidence in speaking
- Continuous assessment through open book examinations, assignments, and practical activities for integrated skills development.
Qualification Details
- Type
- Honours Degree
- NQF Level
- 08
- Min. Credits
- 120
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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