University of Mpumalanga

Bachelor of Agriculture in Agricultural Extension and Rural Resource Management

Agriculture and Nature Conservation - Primary Agriculture

Purpose and Rationale

Bachelor of Agriculture in Agricultural Extension and Rural Resource Management

Purpose:

The Bachelor of Agriculture (B Agric) qualification aims to train and equip agricultural extension practitioners with the skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary to build the capacity of farmers and farming communities. The program focuses on market-oriented sustainable agricultural production, product diversification, value-adding, and improving household livelihoods to strengthen the rural economy. Graduates of this program will contribute to enhancing agricultural extension services, leading agricultural transformation, and managing complex agricultural and rural development projects.

This qualification is particularly designed for individuals who will work in agricultural and rural development within the NGO sector, government service, agri-businesses, and other private sector companies involved with farmers and rural communities.

Rationale:

In Mpumalanga, where approximately 68% of the land is devoted to agriculture, the province plays a significant role in the agricultural sector, particularly in citrus, subtropical fruits, nuts, and vegetables. The Bachelor of Agriculture in Agricultural Extension and Rural Resource Management is designed to reflect the unique agricultural landscape of Mpumalanga while preparing learners to contribute to the local, national, and international economies.

Agricultural extension is crucial for the transformation of the agricultural sector in South Africa. There is a shortage of adequately trained extension practitioners, as highlighted in national agricultural strategies and norms. The B Agric program aims to address this skills gap and contribute to the developmental state's challenges.

The program builds on the academic strengths of other institutions with experience in training agriculturalists while emphasizing critical thinking, problem-solving, and reflection. The curriculum is tailored to meet the demands of South Africa's evolving agriculture sector.

The Bachelor of Agriculture in Agricultural Extension and Rural Resource Management collaborates with the provincial Department of Agriculture, the University of Pretoria, NGO's, community-based organizations, and private agricultural companies. This collaboration enhances the quality of education and provides practical experience through mandatory placements in the final year.

This program is the foundational qualification in agriculture offered by the institution, focusing on the human aspects of agricultural sciences through training extension workers for deployment by various sectors.

By offering this qualification, the institution aims to contribute to the development of skilled agricultural extension practitioners who can drive sustainable agricultural practices, enhance rural livelihoods, and support agricultural transformation in South Africa.

Outcomes

  1. Apply the principles and philosophy of extension in practice to implement policies and strategies related to extension and advisory services in agriculture.
  2. Implement a communication strategy by applying the principles of communication, leadership skills and group dynamics in extension for the benefit of the target group.
  3. Facilitate behaviour change and adoption of innovation for impact on local economic development through the production of food, the improvement of household food security and access to mainstream agriculture.
  4. Design and implement an integrated development/extension project that improves and sustains agricultural production and the livelihoods of clients.
  5. Implement an integrated, sustainable agri-business management plan by applying business principles through utilising agricultural, financial, marketing and production-conversion information.
  6. Implement an integrated, sustainable farming systems plan by applying natural resource management principles.
  7. Apply animal production practices to ensure the quality of livestock on a farm.
  8. Apply production practices to plant systems to ensure the quality of the yield on a farm.

Assessment Criteria

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

  • Extension approaches are compared and recommended based on relevance to the 'client', the specific issue being addressed, and alignment towards relevant agriculture policies and strategies.
  • Interpretation of relevant policy documents is done in relation to the principles and philosophy of extension.
  • Interpretation and evaluation of extension project plans are done according to the principles and philosophy of extension.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

  • Development, management, and evaluation of a communication plan in extension for delivering the intended service outcomes.
  • Evaluation of written, verbal, and non-verbal communication techniques for diverse situations.
  • Application of communication principles to optimize the impact and effectiveness of the extension project.
  • Selection and application of group techniques and tools to achieve set objectives.
  • Identification, selection, and application of conflict resolution techniques to achieve objectives.
  • Facilitation of group discussions in decision-making using theories, principles, techniques, and tools of group dynamics.
  • Application of leadership principles and skills to promote participation and progress in decision-making.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

  • Selection and application of theories and processes to diverse clientele for maximizing extension impact in community development.
  • Establishment and facilitation of multi and inter-disciplinary teams to optimize extension service delivery.
  • Design, implementation, management, and assessment of an intervention plan to support agricultural development.
  • Integration of indigenous knowledge and practices with agricultural science innovation strategies.
  • Enable beneficiaries to access information for lobbying and mobilizing resources for production and livelihood improvement.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

  • Selection and application of relevant extension approaches to target individuals/groups and specific issues.
  • Designing of extension projects according to extension principles and national/provincial strategies.
  • Acquisition and mobilization of resources as per extension process requirements.
  • Implementation and management of extension projects in the context of the workplace.
  • Evaluation of extension projects in terms of intended outcomes and integration with parallel plans.
  • Facilitation of behavior change and innovation to achieve extension project outcomes.
  • Proper recording, reporting, and storage of project information.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

  • Integration of sustainable agricultural systems into entrepreneurial and enterprise activities.
  • Development of an agri-business management plan encompassing production, processing, and value-adding processes.
  • Implementation of a plan for food safety and quality practices in an agricultural supply chain.
  • Integration of marketing and distribution into the agri-business.
  • Development and implementation of a data collection plan for farming enterprises.
  • Analysis and interpretation of financial information to support agri-business growth.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

  • Integration of sustainable systems thinking into planning and management processes of agricultural enterprises.
  • Optimization and integration of farming systems for sustainable resource allocation and utilization.
  • Description of the process of optimization of agricultural and environmental resources for quality and quantity in a sustainable farming system.
  • Implementation of a natural resource management plan in relation to local government structures and policies.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

  • Evaluation and management of animals based on anatomical, physiological, physical, and biochemical systems.
  • Development and implementation of health care, prevention, and treatment procedures for livestock.
  • Creation of a strategic animal nutrition plan to support livestock production.
  • Application of advanced breeding and selection practices in a breeding management program.
  • Provision of guidance during the harvesting of animal products.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:

  • Determination of plant responses to the environment and their impact on growth and production through basic biochemistry processes.
  • Development of a soil fertility, irrigation, and plant nutrition plan to maximize plant health.
  • Propagation of plants in various production systems using different processes to optimize yield.
  • Application of integrated pest management principles to identify, monitor, and control pests and plant diseases.
  • Control of weeds through various methods for environmental conservation.
  • Application and management of a plant manipulation management plan to maximize growth and yield.
  • Implementation of different harvesting plans to minimize damage and ensure product quality.

Integrated Assessment:

  • Implementation of appropriate policies and procedures for internal assessment.
  • Conducting internal and external moderation.
  • Monitoring of student progress and ensuring the validity and reliability of assessment practices.
  • Recording of assessment results and resolving disputes effectively.
  • Ensuring the rigour and security of the assessment system.
  • Use of semester tests, oral examinations, practical assignments, and semester examinations for a balanced assessment mix.

Qualification Details

Type
National First Degree
NQF Level
07
Min. Credits
384
SAQA Source
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University of Mpumalanga
Description
The University of Mpumalanga is a public university located in Mbombela, Mpumalanga, South Africa. It was established in 2014 and is one of the newest universities in the country. The university focuses on providing quality education and research opportunities in various fields, including agriculture, natural sciences, education, and management sciences. It aims to contribute to the development of the Mpumalanga province by producing skilled graduates who can contribute to the local economy and society. The university also emphasizes community engagement and strives to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment for its students.

This page includes information from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) . Builtneat Pty Ltd trading as Study Start, has modified all or some of this information. SAQA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.