National Certificate: Farming NQF 4

National Certificate: Farming NQF 4

A learner assessed as competent against this qualification will have the necessary competence to monitor, implement, co-ordinate, plan and control the agricultural processes as applicable to the agricultural commodity within a context of either agronomy, horticulture or animal husbandry. Furthermore, the learner will be able to take responsible decisions based on a sound understanding of the principles of management, human resources management, agricultural production and technical knowledge and skills. The learner will also be able to adhere to and implement according to the level of management relevant quality, safety and hygiene standards as applicable within the industry.

In addition they will be well positioned to extend their learning and practice into other areas of agricultural commodities within a context of either agronomy, or horticulture or animal husbandry as applicable to the agricultural commodity, or to strive towards agricultural management standards and practice at higher levels.

Competent qualifying learners in this qualification will oversee quality agricultural products whereby enhancing the overall agricultural process and gain opportunities to access local, national and international agricultural markets.

Rationale:

The range of typical learners that will enter this qualification will vary and includes:

• Farm operators who wish to progress to the level of junior farm manager;
• Learners in possession of different levels of practical experience in farming operations, which will be assessed through Recognition of Prior Learning;
• School leavers (Grade12) from agricultural schools; and
• Learners may come from both genders.

  The learner will engage in all farming management and production activities relevant to farming operations within a specific context, namely horticulture, agronomy and animal husbandry. The farming activities will be determined by the agricultural commodity, which is produced.

  Requests and expressions of need for this qualification, coming from the broad, but also specific farming communities forms the basis for the development of this qualification.

  This qualification will form the basis for learners to extend their learning and practice into other areas of agricultural commodities within a context of either agronomy, or horticulture or animal husbandry as applicable to the agricultural commodity, or to strive towards agricultural management standards and practices at higher levels.

  Competent qualifying learners in this qualification will oversee quality agricultural products whereby enhancing the overall agricultural process and gain opportunities to access local, national and international agricultural markets.