Bachelor of Agriculture in Agricultural Extension and Rural Resource Management

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

• 1.1 Extension approaches are compared and recommended in terms of relevance to the 'client', the particular issue being addressed and alignment towards policies and strategies relevant to agriculture.
• 1.2 Relevant policy documents are interpreted according to the principles and philosophy of extension.
• 1.3 Extension project plans are interpreted and evaluated according to the principles and philosophy of extension.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

• 2.1 A communication plan in extension is developed, managed and evaluated for the purpose and outcomes of the service to be delivered.
• 2.2 The selection and application of written, verbal and non-verbal communication techniques and tools in extension are evaluated for applicability to diverse situations.
• 2.3 The principles of communication are applied to optimise the impact and effectiveness of the extension project.
• 2.4 Group techniques and tools are selected and applied to attain previously set objectives.
• 2.5 Conflict resolution techniques and tools are identified, selected and applied to attain previously set objectives in diverse situations.
• 2.6 Group discussions are facilitated in decision-making by applying the theories, principles, techniques and tools of group dynamics to optimise the impact and effectiveness of the extension project.
• 2.7 The leadership principles and skills are applied in facilitation of a group to promote participation and progress in decision-making.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

• 3.1 Theories and processes are selected and applied amongst diverse clientele to optimise the impact of extension in community development interventions.
• 3.2 Multi and inter-disciplinary teams are established and facilitated to optimise extension service delivery through the interfacing of research, extension, and farmer/producers and input suppliers for increased participation.
• 3.3 An intervention plan which supports improvement of production of food, household food security and access to mainstream agriculture is designed, implemented, managed and assessed for impact on local economic development.
• 3.4 Indigenous knowledge and practices are identified and integrated with agricultural science innovation strategies.
• 3.5 Beneficiaries are enabled to access information in lobbying and mobilising required resources to improve production and livelihood.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

• 4.1 Selected and applied extension approaches are relevant to the target individual/group and the particular issue being addressed.
• 4.2 Extension projects are designed according to the principles and philosophy of extension and in accordance with relevant national and provincial strategies, including identified goals, descriptions and main elements of the project.
• 4.3 Resources needed to complete the plan are acquired and mobilised according to the requirements of processes and systems in extension.
• 4.4 Extension projects are implemented in accordance with the plan and the context of the particular workplace.
• 4.5 Extension projects are managed to ensure that the aims of the project are realised.
• 4.6 Extension projects are evaluated in terms of the intended outcomes of the project plan are clearly articulated and are integrated with parallel extension plans.
• 4.7 Behaviour change and innovation are facilitated to realise the outcomes of the extension project are realised.
• 4.8 Project information is recorded, reported and stored according to required formats and protocol and are current, complete, and concise.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

• 5.1 Sustainable agricultural systems are integrated into planning and management processes of entrepreneurial and enterprise activities.
• 5.2 An agri-business management plan is developed for an enterprise which includes input for production, processing and value-adding processes.
• 5.3 A plan is developed and implemented for food safety and quality practices in an agricultural supply chain.
• 5.4 The marketing and distribution component is integrated as a part of the total agri-business.
• 5.5 A data collection plan is developed and implemented for farming enterprises.
• 5.6 Financial information is analysed and interpreted on an ongoing basis to support growth in the agri-business.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

• 6.1 Sustainable systems thinking is integrated into planning and management processes of an agricultural enterprise.
• 6.2 Farming systems are optimised and integrated to ensure sustainable resource allocation and utilisation.
• 6.3 Describe the process of optimisation of agricultural and environmental resources for quality and quantity in a sustainable farming system.
• 6.4 A natural resource management plan of the farm is implemented in relation to area-wide planning of local government structures and policies.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

• 7.1 Animals are evaluated and managed according to specific criteria related to anatomical, physiological, physical and biochemical systems.
• 7.2 Health care, prevention and treatment procedures are developed and implemented to maintain and enhance the condition of livestock.
• 7.3 A strategic animal nutrition plan is developed to support the production of livestock and animal products.
• 7.4 Advanced breeding and selection practices are applied and integrated into a breeding management programme.
• 7.5 Guidance is provided during the harvesting of animal products.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:

• 8.1 The responses of plants to the environment and how it impacts on growth and production is determined by applying the basic biochemistry processes involved in the anatomy and physiology of a plant.
• 8.2 A soil fertility, irrigation and plant nutrition plan is developed for growth and maximise plant health.
• 8.3 Plants are propagated in a variety of production systems by applying different processes and methods to optimise yield.
• 8.4 Integrated pest management principles are applied by identifying, monitoring and controlling pests and plant diseases to conserve the environment.
• 8.5 Weeds are controlled through the application of a variety of methods for environmental conservation.
• 8.6 A plant manipulation management plan is applied and managed to maximise growth and yield.
• 8.7 Different harvesting plans are implemented and co-ordinated to minimise damage and enhance and ensure the quality of the end product.

Integrated Assessment:

To ensure that assessment practices are open, transparent, fair, valid, and reliable and to ensure that no learner is disadvantaged in any way whatsoever, an integrated assessment approach is incorporated into the qualification. Integrated assessment at the level of the qualification provides an opportunity for learners to show that they are able to integrate concepts, ideas and applications across exit level outcomes to achieve competence that is relevant and coherent concerning the purpose of the qualification. This is reflected in the assessment criteria defined for each exit level outcome. Integrated assessment must judge the quality of the observable performance, but also the quality of the thinking that lies behind it. Assessment tools must encourage learners to give an account of the thinking and decision-making that underpin their demonstrated performance. A broad range of task-orientated and theoretical assessment tools may be used, with the distinction between practical knowledge and disciplinary knowledge maintained so that each takes its rightful place. Assessment should ensure that all theoretical, practical knowledge and critical cross-field outcomes are evaluated in an integrated manner. Practical, applied, foundational and reflective competencies should be assessed in an integrated manner by applying formative and summative assessment.