National Certificate: Farming
The range of typical learners that will enter this qualification will vary and includes:
- School leavers wishing to enter the primary agricultural sector;
- Complete novices wishing to enter the primary agricultural sector, i.e. individuals who are beneficiaries of the land reform processes;
- Learners in possession of different levels of practical experience in farming operations, which will be assessed through Recognition of Prior Learning; and
- Learners may come from both genders.
The learner will engage in all farming 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.
National processes such as the land reform processes and the acquisition of land by individuals who were previously excluded from such land ownership created a huge need in terms of relevant training. Individuals will benefit from such learning as they will receive entrance into a career path where they will be enabled to generate their own income either by establishing their own farming operation or be employed as farm operators.
In many cases, communities will benefit from such endeavours as agricultural commodities will be available within a specific community. Furthermore, the opportunity to trade commodities in joining SADC countries, could be explored.
| EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES |
| On achieving this qualification the learner will be able to:
1. Compile and implement a basic business plan with a short-term focus, which includes a basic sales plan and basic budgeting plan. This plan will be specific to his/her own context of operation and agricultural commodities, whether horticulture, agronomy or animal husbandry. 2. Utilise unsophisticated and/or manual technology and solve problems within a specific context (either horticulture, or agronomy, or animal husbandry) and appropriate to a commodity(ies) of own choice. 3. Understand and apply operational safety and hygiene standards applicable to the industry and market, taking into account the level of operational requirements. 4. Be aware of and apply applicable legislation. 5. Distinguish between different production systems appropriate to a specific commodity. 6. Monitor and support disaster management and conservation management. 7. Collect data and information. 8. Demonstrate a basic understanding of and apply basic principles of communication within the farm operations. 9. Work effectively with others and operate as part of a team by applying basic teamwork principles. 10. Understand and apply basic ethical principles, values, and norms applicable to the workplace with specific reference to relationships with co-workers, clients, him- or herself as well as the environment. 11. Identify and access basic resources. 12. Apply basic principles of entrepreneurship (should the learner choose to include this elective in the learning programme). |
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