Advanced Diploma in Agricultural Extension
Agriculture and Nature Conservation - Primary Agriculture
Purpose and Rationale
Qualification Title: Agricultural Extension Practice
Purpose:
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 agricultural knowledge in such a way that a high degree of growth in extension skills and competence can readily take place. The purpose of this qualification is to supply the agricultural industry with competent agricultural extensionists who can effectively design development programmes, conforming to the principles of participatory development with maximum community involvement and impact. The qualifying learner will have exposure and orientation to agricultural extension qualification development and will be competent to compile and manage an extension programme and apply their basic knowledge, skills and attitudes towards rural and agricultural development.
Rationale:
The agricultural sector in South Africa is currently experiencing many challenges that include, amongst others, economic growth, rural development and sustainable transformation to ensure it stays a reliable and sustainable provider of food. One of these challenges is that in South Africa, 90% of the food is currently produced by only 6% of the farmers. There is therefore both an opportunity to develop land and a dire need for developing more farmers to produce on a commercial level. Agricultural training should be focused on the promotion of successful land reform. It also needs to be able to compete against the international and globalised market realities of the 21st century. This qualification will equip middle and senior level agricultural extension and development staff with skills which should enable them to carry out their roles in uplifting agriculture efficiently, particularly in the developing areas of Southern Africa. The qualification can also play a pivotal role in the development and retraining of existing extension staff.
Outcomes
- Apply integrated knowledge, skills and values of the principles and philosophy of agricultural extension during an intervention.
- Display sound interpersonal relations and behaviour which are conducive to optimised participation in an extension intervention.
- Demonstrate knowledge of group dynamics and leadership and apply appropriate group techniques when promoting participation.
- Demonstrate knowledge of rural sociology and poverty and participatory community development methodologies.
- Complement and contribute to the role of all stakeholders and role players towards sustainable development.
- Demonstrate an understanding of both management practices and economics at all of the product, farm and market levels.
- Display a specialist background in some Agricultural product field with an understanding of the importance of the supporting systems and practices that will optimise the quality and quantity of the produce.
- Demonstrate entrepreneurial skills as well as an understanding of the principle of sustainability.
- Collect and analyse data to support and participate in the development of an agricultural extension business plan.
- Negotiate, compile a plan, implement and manage the resulting agricultural extension intervention plan at various levels and through all phases.
Assessment Criteria
- These assessment criteria are applicable in an integrated way across all or some of the Exit Level Outcomes:
- The background to Agricultural Extension Services (historical realities) is explained.
- Agricultural Extension practice and principles (philosophy, ethics, and professional approaches) are explained.
- The criteria of successful project establishment, management, and conclusion in an Agricultural extension environment are explained.
- Monitoring and evaluation tools and process of an implemented extension project are used.
- Simulated and implemented projects are designed and critically evaluated.
- How behaviour change happens in smaller and larger societies is explained.
- Techniques that enable the enhancement of behaviour change are applied.
- Factors which inhibit or enhance the range of changes in a certain population are outlined.
- The different ways to work with factors impacting on the capacity for behaviour change in an extensionist intervention are implemented.
- The development, implementation, and management of projects and programs are conducted in a manner consistent with the principles of good leadership.
- Management is carried out in accordance with the mandate, objectives, and policies of the parent organization.
- Mentoring of colleagues and subordinates in extension to foster excellence in performance and commendable behavior is applied.
- Communication plans are developed to enhance two-way learning.
- The application of theories, principles, techniques, and tools of group dynamics is conducted in a manner that demonstrates critical thinking.
- The implementation of theories, principles, techniques, and tools of group dynamics is integrated and evaluated to determine effectiveness in terms of the intended outcomes of the programs being implemented.
- The practical use of leadership principles and skills by a group is fostered to improve group credibility among stakeholders.
- The facilitation of group discussions and decision-making are applied to improve the achievement of group goals.
- Financial information techniques to assess capital are analyzed, interpreted, and applied.
- The position of farming in terms of capital needs is assessed.
- A cash flow budget is drafted.
- Advantageous financing is applied.
- Different investment alternatives are compared.
- Measures of risk are assessed.
- Capital budgeting techniques and enterprise budgeting are applied.
- Taxation applicable to farming operations is calculated.
- Basic macro-economic principles are applied in relation to a farming unit.
- Different plant production aids/techniques that influence the yield are analyzed.
- Proper selection of the crop is applied as influenced by biotic and abiotic factors.
- Crop succession systems are planned.
- Soil preparation and conservation techniques are applied.
- The internal and external factors that influence plant nutrition are analyzed.
- The principles and application of irrigation are applied.
- Sustainable problem control programs are applied.
- Plant hormones are used for yield and quality control in plant production.
- Production economics - input/output ratios, input/input ratios, and output/output ratios are described.
- Cost principles, practical application, and economies of scale are applied.
- Appropriate marketing approaches, marketing plans, price determination, and risk are drawn up.
- Risks associated with animal production systems are managed within natural, socio-economic, built and working environments within relevant legislation and best practice and scope of the profession.
- Project management principles, skills, and techniques are applied to manage human resources in accordance with the vision and mission of the parent organization.
- Animal research is conducted and managed in line with prescribed guidelines.
- Intervention measures are developed and results communicated in appropriate format.
- Interpersonal relations and professional behavior with reference to the ethical code are demonstrated.
- The code of ethics is interpreted and applied in implementation for animal scientists and practitioners.
- Resolution of conflicts within the work environment is facilitated.
- Integrated Assessment: Formative and summative assessments are the main assessment methods employed in the Agriculture Qualification for assessing learners' learning outcomes. The lecturers in Agriculture Qualification serve as examiners with respect to the modules that they are teaching whilst external moderators are appointed for exit level modules. Both the internal and external moderators are identified in the Programme and approved by the Faculty Board and appointed by the institution.
Qualification Details
- Type
- Advanced Diploma
- NQF Level
- 07
- Min. Credits
- 120
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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