| Available Short Courses | Available Short Courses |
|---|---|
| 6Q’s Training (SMME Business Concepts) | FARMING SYSTEMS APPROACH (FSA) |
| FARM BUSINESS MANAGEMENT | ORNAMENTAL HORTICULTURE |
| PRACTICAL HYDROPONIC FARMING | ENTREPRENEURIAL |
| HYDROPONIC AGRICULTURE MANAGEMENT LEVEL ONE | ORGANIC FARMING |
| HYDROPONIC AGRICULTURE MANAGEMENT LEVEL TWO | PERMACULTURE |
| TUNNEL FARMING | FOOD SECURITY |
| AGRICULTURAL CO-OPERATIVE MANAGEMENT | ENVIRONMENTAL WEED CONTROL COURSE |
| BASIC BEEF PRODUCTION | EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION |
| BASIC DAIRY PRODUCTION (This course is suitable for beginner dairy farmers/advisors and students.) | ADVANCED SOIL FERTILITY |
| DAIRY PRODUCTION (ADVANCED) | AGRICULTURE EQUIPMENT REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE |
| DIVERSITY MANAGEMENT | INDIGENOUS CHICKENS |
| FARM RECORD-KEEPING | HEALTHS AND FOOD SAFETY |
| SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS | INTERGRATED PEST, DISEASE & WEED MANAGEMENT |
| SOIL CLASSIFICATION AND LAND CAPABILITY | INTRODUCTIONS TO ANALYTICAL SERVICES (A must for emerging farmers, farmers, advisers, extension personnel and students.) |
| CULTIVATED PASTURES | THE FARM TOGETHER COOPERATIVE |
| SOIL FERTILITY | POULTRY PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT |
| BEEKEEPING | BASIC POULTRY HEALTH SKILLS PROGRAM |
| COMMERCIAL CROP PRODUCTION | BROILER PRODUCTION SKILLS PROGRAM |
| GOAT PRODUCTION | LAYER PRODUCTION SKILLS PROGRAM |
| AGRI-BUSINNES ENTREPRENEURIAL | ADVANCED LAYER PRODUCTIONS |
| AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION | ADVANCED ANIMAL PRODUCTIONS |
| PIG PRODUCTION – BEGINNERS | COMMERCIAL VEGETABLE PRODUCTIONS |
| HOT IRON BRANDING | AQUACULTURE |
| VELD MANAGEMENT | HOME GARDEN EXPERT COURSE |
| AGRICULTURAL MARKETING | |
CUSTOMIZED COURSES / SHORT COURSES CONTENT
SKILLS PROGRAM: EAC 01: 6Q’s ® Simulation Training
The 6Qs used in the classic Cause and Effect Diagram are very useful in helping diagnose the
cause of problems and can be used in product planning but the language is that of manufacturing.
However, the visual effect of the diagram has great merit in showing the relationship between
cause and effect and thus can be a powerful tool for identifying the factors that influence any
results. By avoiding the language of manufacturing and using the language of the boardroom, we
can create a tool for focusing the attention of management onto the key questions that will reveal
what is needed for success. The questions can be asked at any level in the organization and for
any level, people need to know the answers as they relate to their job, whether it be cleaning the
floor or managing the enterprise.
6Q’ S SIMULATION COURSE
- What are we trying to do as emerging farmers?
- How will we make it happen?
- What competencies do we need to be successful emerging farmers?
- What capabilities and resources do we need?
- What financial resources do we need?
- How and who will help us to measure our progress and success?
SKILLS PROGRAM: EAC 02: FARM BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
The aim of this course is to give participants the theoretical and practical knowledge needed to
manage a farm business. Participants will be shown how to use the information (discussed in the
Farm Record-Keeping Course) and techniques involved in the analysis, planning and control and
a farm business.
The course will consist of discussions and practical examples on the following topics:
An overview of Farm Business Information;
Calculation and interpretation of enterprise gross margins;
Planning credit requirements:
Partial budgets, whole farm budgets and cash-flow budgets;
Machinery management and budgeting.
To achieve this task, farmers must then become business managers. In other words, they must
successfully manage the business of their farming enterprises. So Farm Business Management
(FBM) is just one of a number of disciplines, each of which have important effects on the success
(or otherwise) of their farming operations. The other key disciplines are covered in the practical
sciences such as cropping, livestock production, farm engineering and resource management.
The skills of FBM are very diverse and many cannot be learnt from training such as this, but only
from being a farmer. We call this experiential learning, or learning from experience, because only
through making such decisions and living with the consequences do many farmers learn the
difference between right and wrong choices, between good and poor decisions, and of most
importance, the differences between profitable, less profitable and unprofitable farming practices.
SKILLS PROGRAM: EAC 03: PRACTICAL HYDROPONIC FARMING
This Skills program will involve more practical training where by the learners will get vast
experience in basic routine operations in hydroponics production.
Perform basic routine operations in hydroponic context
Operate and maintain irrigation system
Maintain basic water quality
SKILLS PROGRAM: EAC 04: HYDROPONIC AGRICULTURE MANAGEMENT LEVEL ONE
Hydroponics is a technology for growing plants in nutrient solutions (water containing fertilizers)
with or without the use of an artificial medium (sand, gravel, vermiculite, rock wool, perlite, peat
moss. coir, or sawdust) to provide mechanical support.
This course covers the following aspects:
Site selection, Growing systems, Fertilizers: elements, mixing, bulk tank vs A and B, precipitation
etc, Growing media, Fertigation controllers and irrigation scheduling, Structures, Temperature
control, Sanitation, Safe use of chemicals, Pests and diseases, Gravel systems (suitable crops
and management), Bag systems (suitable crops and management), Post-harvest handling of
produce, Marketing, Economics
The following Unit Standards will apply
| L | SAQA ID | Description | Credits |
| 1 | 116168 | Maintain basic water quality | 1 |
| 1 | 116148 | Perform basic routine operations in hydroponic context | 5 |
| 1 | 116202 | Operate and maintain irrigation system | 2 |
This course includes a full day of visits to hydroponics producers.
SKILLS PROGRAM: EAC 05: HYDROPONIC AGRICULTURE MANAGEMENT LEVEL TWO
A person achieving this unit’s standard will be able to perform routine operations under
supervision and identify basic problems within a defined hydroponic production context.
It is assumed that a learner attempting this unit standard will demonstrate competence against the
unit standards or equivalent:
NQF 1: Perform basic routine operations in a defined hydroponic context.
NQF 2: Utilise and perform minor repairs and maintenance tasks on implements, equipment and
infrastructure.
| Level | SAQA ID | Unit Standards Title | Credit/s |
| 2 | 116072 | Perform routine operations and identify basic problems in hydroponic systems | 3 |
| 4 | 116290 | Establish a plan for the monitoring, safe use and maintenance of equipment implements, technology and infrastructure | 3 |
| 4 | 116321 | Procure and manage agricultural input | 3 |
| 4 | 116314 | Produce crop in a hydroponic system | 4 |
A learner achieving these units’ standards will be able to:
Design, prepare and implement basic operational procedures for the cleaning, storage and proper
maintenance of equipment, implements and infrastructure.
The learner will also be able to monitor the safe use of equipment, technology, infrastructure and
implements.
In addition learners will be well positioned to extend their learning and practice into other areas of
agriculture, or to strive towards professional standards and practices at higher levels.Competent learners will be fully conversant with agricultural regulations and aspects of safety as
to provide the environment for the application of quality practices and thus strengthen agricultural
practices in general.
Manage, control and issue agricultural inputs and products. In addition they will be well positioned
to extend their learning and practice into other areas of agriculture.
Learners will understand the importance of the application of business principles in agricultural
production with specific reference to inputs, resources and sourcing.
They will be able to operate farming practices as businesses and will gain the knowledge and
skills to move from a subsistence orientation to an economic orientation in agriculture. Farmers will
gain the knowledge and skills to access mainstream agriculture through a business-orientated
approach to agriculture.
Supervise activities in a hydroponic farming operation, through an understanding of hydroponic systems.
SKILLS PROGRAM: EAC 06: TUNNEL FARMING
Tunnel farming is the source of higher yields and earlier production, and this earlier and quality
produce gives good profits to farmers. For this reason, modern and progressive farmers of South
Africa are adopting this advance mode of farming at a faster pace.
The idea of tunnel farming is to shield the crops from the elements and trap the heat of the sun,
extending the growing season and increasing production. Tunnel farming is gaining acceptance
among educated farmers as it provides them with an opportunity to save the input resources by
using less than 40 per cent water, fertilizer and other resources under controlled conditions.
Through tunnel farming, it is possible to overcome the three main impediments that impact
agricultural growth: chronic water shortages, low yield per acre and low value of crop production
Course Details
Getting started (planning)
Tunnel selection
Tunnel maintenance
Setting of water schedules
Preparing seedlings
Heating systems
Fertiliser programmes
Low Cost High Tunnel Construction
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SKILLS PROGRAM: EAC 07: AGRICULTURAL CO-OPERATIVE MANAGEMENT
Cooperatives have been and continue to be an important aspect of rural and farm communities
through provision of services, credit, farm and home supplies, and markets or outlets for farm
products. Many agricultural cooperatives are small and lack sufficient economies of size and scale
to effectively compete with the often larger investor-owned businesses suggests that cooperatives
may be the single most cost-effective structure farmers can implement to improve their economic
status. In fact, numerous farmers are evaluating and forming cooperatives to improve their
economic plight. Also, existing agricultural cooperatives are using mergers, consolidations, and
acquisitions to improve their competitive position (Merlo, 1998).
Agriculture Co-Operative Management Training covers the following contents
What is a cooperative?
Duties and functions of the Board Members
The role of the manager
Entrepreneurship in cooperatives.
Starting your agricultural business.
The staff of the agricultural business.
Developing a business plan.
Managing your agricultural business.
Equipment and facilities
Financing your agricultural business.
Financial management.
General administration.
Pricing and storage.
Success for the agricultural business.
Marketing,
Shoplifting.
Working together.
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SKILLS PROGRAM: EAC 08: BASIC BEEF PRODUCTION
BEEF CATTLE COURSE
This popular course gives Learners the opportunity to learn the principles of beef cattle
management, breeding and production. While no one course can be expected to deal in
comprehensive detail with all aspects of the beef industry, this course provides a detailed overview
of the necessary subject matter for Learners who are already in the industry or those who are new
to the industry. Elements such as nutrition, production, reproduction, and disease recognition,
control and treatment, are dealt with in detail.
Course Aim:
To help Learners to analyse and make informed decisions about the management requirements of
beef cattle. On completion of this course you should be able to describe and explain the principles
and practices of beef cattle husbandry and management.
Lesson Structure
There are 10 lessons in this course:
Introduction to beef cattle and beef cattle breeds
The role of beef cattle in agriculture
Scientific classification
Examples of breeds worldwide
British Beef breeds – Angus, Hereford, South Devon, Sussex, Red Poll
U.S. Developed Beef breeds – Santa Gertrudis, American Brahman, Amerifax, Beefmaster
Eurpean Beef breeds – Salers, Charolais, Simmental, Gelbvieh
Australian Beef breeds – Braford, Beefmaster, Droughtmaster, Murray Grey, Australian
Lowline
South African Beef Breeds – Salorn, Tswana, Tuli, Africkander,
Breed selection considerations – horned vs poll, colour, gestation length, birth weight,
mothering ability, post weaning growth, meat quality etc
Beef Cattle Production Systems
Various systems of production – extensive, intensive, semi-intensive
Choosing a suitable system – considerations include size, climate, soils, transport, markets
Cattle handling facilities
Materials used in cattle handling
Cattle identification – branding, ear marking, tattooing, ear tags
De-horning – chemical and mechanical methods
Castration, dips and dipping, and injecting cattle
12
Beef Cattle Breeding
Heritability, performance testing, progeny testing, selection
Pure versus cross breeding – advantages and disadvantages
Calving percentage
Management factors to improve calving percentage
Weaning calves
Factors affecting calf weaning
The anatomy of the male reproductive system
The physiology of the male reproductive system
Fertility problems in the male
The anatomy and physiology of the female reproductive system
Fertility problems
Pregnancy and partition
The structure of the mammary glands
Secretion of milk
Growth and development
Post natal growth
Compensatory growth
Diseases in Beef Cattle – Viral and Bacterial
Determining health status of the animal
Signs of a healthy animal
Causes of ill-health
Injury, poor nutrition, poisoning, parasites, hereditary conditions etc
Preventing ill-health
Correct feed and nutrition, insect control, parasite control, vaccinations, control stress etc
Parasitic and Other Diseases in Beef Cattle
Some parasitic diseases
Other ailments of cattle – actinobacillosis, anaplasmosis, arthritis, beef measles
Poisoning, pink eye, milk fever, bloat etc
Nutrition in Beef Cattle
a. Feed type – roughages and concentrates
b. Carbohydrates, protein, fats
c. Grass or grain feeding
d. Rations for beef cattle – maintenance or production rations
e. Maintenance rations
f. Procedure for calculating a ration
g. Supplementary feeding of protein
h. Lot Feeding
i. Minerals
j. Common macro mineral deficiencies
k. Common trace mineral deficiencies
l. Diagnosis of trace mineral deficiencies
m. Vitamins
n. Water for farm animals
o. Protein
13
Commercial Herd Management
The breeding herd
Production systems
Cow-calf herd
Beef production systems using dairy stock
Feed Lot Management
Lot feeding – types of feedlot
Managing cattle in a feedlot
Feedlot Records
Article on pen feeding in South Africa
Stud Herd Management
Time of calving
Feeding
Fertility
Indicators of fertility in bulls
Indicators of fertility in cows
Management, Economics and Marketing
Profitability
Factors affecting gross output
Factors affecting variable costs
Each lesson culminates in an assignment which is submitted to for assessment, marked by the
assessor and returned to you with any relevant suggestions, comments, and if necessary, extra
reading.
Level US ID Unit Standards Title Credit/s
3 10976 Convey livestock 8
4 116402 Control problem animals 8
4 116307 Manage the quality of the harvesting of animal products 3
4 116281 Explain animal classification and natural history 2
3 116211 Minimise risk in animal management 3
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SKILLS PROGRAM: EAC 09: BASIC DAIRY PRODUCTION
(This course is suitable for beginner dairy farmers/advisors and students.)
This skills programme addresses all aspects that are of importance for the dairy farm worker to
operate effectively on a dairy farm. The following, including the outcomes of the specified unit
standards are covered: Executing pre-milking procedure. Executing milk routine. Executing postmilking procedure. Cleaning of milking system. Cleaning of milking parlor. Cleaning of milk
equipment. Cleaning of bulk tank. Basic principles of record-keeping. Implementing hygiene.
Handling/marketing of milk. Basic principles of feeding of cows, calves and heifers. Handling and
care of cows, calves and heifers. Identifying udder disease. Maintenance after milking.
Training is presented on farms or at agricultural institutions throughout South Africa. The
facilitators and assessors present the programmes in indigenous African languages or language of
choice. The skills programmes are from five days courses presented on a 30% theory and 70%
practical demonstration basis
The following US are part of the Skills program
Level US ID Unit Standards Title Credit/s
1 116207 Apply basic dairy production practices 6
2 116120 Explain basic pig husbandry practices 4
2 116110 Explain dairy production cleanliness 5
1 13996 Identify, discuss, describe and compare major economic
systems, with emphasis on the South African economy
2
1 13357 Demonstrate an understanding of agricultural production
management practices in relation to the socio-economic
environment
3
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SKILLS PROGRAM: EAC 10: DAIRY PRODUCTION (ADVANCED)
Training is presented on farms or at agricultural institutions throughout South Africa. The
facilitators and assessors present the programmes in indigenous African languages or language of
choice. The skills programmes are from five days courses presented on a 30% theory and 70%
practical demonstration basis
This course covers the advanced principles of feeding and management of dairy cattle. Topics
dealt with in this course include feeding the dairy cow (topics are discussed in more detail), dairy
herd dynamics, recordkeeping systems, fertility management, milking machines (maintenance and
how they work), handling facilities, herd health management, ration balancing, fodder flow planning
and basic pasture management.
The following US form part of the Skills program
Level US ID Unit Standards Title Credit/s
2 119447 Utilise health and safety principles in poultry production 4
2 116107 Identify basic breeding practices for farm animals 5
3 116215 Apply basic artificial insemination practices 5
3 116219 Explain the prevention and treatment of animal diseases 5
3 116653 Demonstrate an understanding of feedlot feed ingredient
and blends
6
2 116074 Observe and inspect animal health 5
16
SKILLS PROGRAM: EAC 11: DIVERSITY MANAGEMENT
Managing diversity remains a significant organisational challenge. The aim of the study was to
assess the diversity challenges of recruitment, mentorship, retention and training within an
agricultural trading organisation in South Africa. The organisation appears not to have a diverse
race group distribution of individuals working for them. Against this brief background the study will
investigate issues pertinent to the title of the paper.
This four days course covers the basics of
Social cohesion and visioning
Multistakeholder process
Conflict resolution
Skills and Capability analysis
Roles and responsibilities
17
SKILLS PROGRAM: EAC 12: FARM RECORD-KEEPING
This Farmers’ Agribusiness training course has been developed to help both farmers and farmer
organisations. Its intention is to provide access to provide access to additional skills and knowledge
that will allow farmers to move from a ‘farm’ to a ‘firm’. In this lesson the importance of keeping
records in a business is discussed as well as the types of records an entrepreneur should keep and
processes to do this.
The course will cover theoretical and practical examples on the following topics
Farm Business Information
The Balance Sheet
The Income and Expenditure Statement
The Cash Flow Summary
The Bank Reconciliation Statement
A record is written proof of what happened, what is happening, or what is anticipated to happen.
A record can also be a written proof of what was said, and who said it. Some examples are: minutes
of a meeting, a report on the number of group members who worked in the group project, a record
of the names of members who have brought in their membership contribution.
18
SKILLS PROGRAM: EAC 13: SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS
The vitally important provision of food through the food system is not a simple linear process, but a
contested outcome of a complex system. This systematic literature review was undertaken to better
understand the inherent complexity of this system and inform a long-term scenario-planning
process to ensure a food-secure future in South Africa.
This four days course covers the basics of
Identification of current food system
Sustainable soil management
Water Management
Sustainable production
Market mapping and identification
SKILLS PROGRAM: EAC 15: SOIL CLASSIFICATION AND LAND CAPABILITY
Land capability classification shows, in a general way, the suitability of soils for most kinds of field
crops. Crops that require special management are excluded. The soils are grouped according to
their limitations for field crops, the risk of damage if they are used for crops, and the way they
respond to management. The criteria used in grouping the soils do not include major and generally
expensive land forming that would change slope, depth, or other characteristics of the soils, nor do
they include possible but unlikely major reclamation projects. Capability classification is not a
substitute for interpretations designed to show suitability and limitations of groups of soils for
rangeland, for forestland, or for engineering purposes.
The course includes instruction on:
Soil classification
The properties of soil
Agricultural potential of soil, including eco tope identification
Land capability classification.
19
SKILLS PROGRAM: EAC 16: CULTIVATED PASTURES
South Africa has more than 70 main veldt types, all of which have their own characteristics as
dictated by climate and type of soil, and each has its own specific management requirements.
Grassland scientists continually search for additional forage species, which are suitable for local
conditions as cultivated pastures. They also try to improve indigenous material and cultivate new
varieties.
MODULE 1: THEORY:
What are grasses and legumes and how do they grow
Annual and perennial species
Selecting pasture species for your area (e.g Makhazeni)
Seed quality and seed testing
Establishing pastures:-
1: Soil sampling
2: Seedbed preparation
3: Sowing/planting
Irrigation System
Utilising pastures:-
1: Grazing
2: Hay
3: Silage
4: Foggage
Fertilization
Problems on pastures
MODULE 2: PRACTICAL ASPECTS:
Viewing and discussing different pastures on your area:-
1: Weeds in pastures
2: Implements
3: Soil sampling
4: Land preparation
5: Fertilizing
6: Planting
7: Hay/silage/foggage
8: Electric fencing
20
SKILLS PROGRAM: EAC 17: SOIL FERTILITY
Soil fertility refers to the ability of a soil related to plants its ease of tillage, fitness of seedbed,
and impedance to seedling emergence and root penetration by providing nutrients and suitable
soil structure to support the plants/trees growth
This three-day course covers some of the principles of soil fertility and plant nutrition that affect decisionmaking with respect to fertilization and liming.
When does liming pay?
Why should we test our soils?
Why is nitrogen difficult to manage?
How does phosphorus fixation affect my fertilization program?
When should we use organic fertilizers?
How do I interpret soil tests?
How do I work out which fertilizers to buy?
SKILLS PROGRAM: EAC 18: BEEKEEPING
Beekeeping is the care and management of colonies of honeybees. They are kept for their honey
and other products or their services as pollinators of fruit and vegetable blossoms. The practice is
widespread throughout the world: honeybees are kept on farms and rangelands, and in forests and
deserts
The course covers aspects such as:-
The functioning of a hive
Commercial and developing farmer beekeeping
Apiary sites and protection
The equipment required
The management of bees
The honey flow
Harvesting the crop
Marketing honey and honey products
Pollination services
Bee diseases and problems
21
SKILLS PROGRAM: EAC 19: COMMERCIAL CROP PRODUCTION
A cash crop is an agricultural crop which is grown for sale to return a profit. It is typically
purchased by parties separate from a farm. The term cash crop is applied exclusively to the
agricultural production of plants; animal agriculture is not a part of the terminology.
The course deals with the basic methods of crop production on a large and small scale to offer
participants the practical learning experience, the course covers the following learning areas:
Crops that will be dealt with in detail are
Maize, Potatoes,
Dry beans, Cowpeas,
Soya bean and Groundnuts
All aspects relating to the production of these crops will be dealt with
1: Soil conservation,
2: Nutrition of crops,
3: Efficient use of manure,
4: Animal and tractor draught implements,
5: land preparation, 6: Land suitability
7: Crop rotation, 8: Crop establishment practices,
9: Inoculation of legumes, 10: Weed control
11: Irrigation, 12: Disease and pest control,
13: Planning and budgeting, financing, marketing and value adding options.
22
SKILLS PROGRAM: EAC 20: GOAT PRODUCTION
Goat farming is not a new enterprise. Rearing goats is a profitable business. Goat has been rearing
since the time immemorial. Generally goat farming means rearing goats for the purpose of
harvesting milk, meat and fiber. At present, goat farming has become a profitable business and it
requires a very low investment because of its multi-functional utility. Commercial goat farming
business is contributing greatly to the economy and nutrition of a country. Goats are multifunctional animal. You can produce a wide variety of products from goats, such as milk, meat, fiber,
manure etc. Goat’s milk is used for producing full cream goat powder, skimmed goat milk powder,
goat butter, goat milk cream, fresh goat milk etc. Goat meat is a great source of consumable meat
which is very testy, nutritious and healthy. And goat’s wool is being used in many purposes and
skin of goat plays a vital role in leather industry. However, here we are describing more about the
advantages of goat farming business and the required steps for starting a lucrative business.
All aspects relating to the goat production will be dealt with
Steps For Starting Goat Farming Business
Selecting Farm Area
Goat Breeds
Housing
Feeding
Care & Management
Vaccination
Marketing
Total Expenditure & Profit
Advantages of Goat Farming
Some Essential Tips For Raising Goats
23
SKILLS PROGRAM: EAC 21: AGRIBUSINESS AND RURAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP
DEVELOPMENT (INCUBATION)
Many developing countries and economies in transition, particularly those with large rural
communities, suffer from inadequate access to food and lack of employment. The problem is
compounded by the dependence on outdated and inefficient technologies leading to poor
productivity and slow economic growth. Agriculture-based industrial products account for half of all
exports from developing countries, yet only 30 per cent of those exports involve processed goods
compared to a figure of 98 per cent in the developed world.
The course outlines the challenges associated with incubation in the agricultural sector specifically;
provides an overview of the various types of agribusiness incubator models that can be pursued
and what outcomes can be expected; it also engages participants in a discussion on critical
success factors for the establishment and operations of agribusiness incubators. Concepts are
illustrated by practical examples drawn from agribusiness incubator failures and successes, and a
set of templates for various aspects of the agribusiness incubation planning process and operations
are included.
BUSINESS INCUBATION BASICS
Module 1 – Business Incubation Definitions and Principles
Module 2 – Business Incubator Models, including Success Factors
BUSINESS INCUBATION OPERATIONS
Module 3 – Planning a Business Incubator
Module 4 – Business Incubation Marketing and Stakeholder Management
Module 5 – Financing a Business Incubator
Module 6 – Managing the Business Incubator
Module 7 – Monitoring, Evaluating and Benchmarking Business Incubators
ADVANCED INCUBATOR MANAGEMENT
Module 8 – Implementing Mentoring as a Business Incubation Service
Module 9 – deals and Financing for Incubator Clients
Module 10 – Technology Commercialization through Business Incubation
Module 11 – Setting Up Business Incubation Virtual Services
Module 12 – Agribusiness Incubation
24
SKILLS PROGRAM: EAC 22: AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION
The Department of Agriculture initiated the development of a qualification framework based on a
research study conducted in all the provinces suggesting active skills enhancement. The research
culminated in “An Agricultural Education and Training Strategy” which outlines the need for training
of extension officers to support small scale farmers to be able to produce for profit including
addressing poverty, managing food security and natural resources.
This qualification is aimed at learners who wish to enter a career in extension and have acquired
experience in related sub fields of technical skills, experience and knowledge. Qualifying learners
could render services to:
Farmers, farm workers, Rural communities, Departments of Agriculture (National and Provincial),
CBOs, NGOs, Faith-based organisations, Universities, Agricultural Colleges, Local Governments,
DWAF, Social and Economic, Private sector, Agricultural Research Council.
This qualification is a blend of knowledge, skills, behaviour and attitude that a person can apply in
the work environment. All learners of extension at this level must accordingly be competent in the
following areas:
Willing and able to deliver services effectively and efficiently.
Exchange information and ideas in a clear and concise manner.
Explain, persuade, convince and influence others to achieve the desired outcomes.
Plan, manage, monitor and evaluate specific activities in order to deliver the desired outputs.
Promote the generation and sharing of knowledge and learning in order to enhance the
productivity of farmers.
Explore and implement new and innovative ways of delivering services that contribute to the
improvement of productivity of farmers.
Identify, analyse and resolve existing and anticipated problems in order to reach optimum
solutions.
Display and build the highest standards of ethical, moral and professional conduct in order to
promote confidence, credibility and trust in extension.
Extension is a dynamic profession that constantly change in response to changing policy and clientele
needs or requirements.
NOTE: Course only available on Request
25
SKILLS PROGRAM: EAC 23: PIG PRODUCTION – BEGINNERS
Pigs are kept for the production of pork and bacon. Most breeds, if properly managed and fed are
capable of producing either pork or bacon. The pig industry in South Africa is characterized by low
input low-output poorly managed pig production enterprises. Small-scale producers in the rural
areas have largely sustained the industry. These producers keep on average 2-5 pigs under very
poor hygienic and management conditions. There are just a few commercial pig farmers in the
country. Unlike the dairy and beef industries, the pig industry has largely been unable to attract any
foreign and internal investment. This has been exacerbated by the high costs of inputs especially in
intensive pig production. The major constraints to production include; diseases and parasites, poor
breeding, capital investment, inadequate advisory services, inadequate research, lack of organized
marketing, lack of processing plants and poor product quality.
This training covers the following aspect
Housing – basic principles for design and management
Nutrition – choice of rations to meet requirements
Feeding systems –
Health Management – vaccination and medication programmes
Biodiversity
Breeding and Selection – traits of economic importance, selection and breeding methods
Management of breeding herd – service management, farrowing, management of lactating
sow and piglets
Management of grower herd – weaning to marketing
Economics – record keeping, gross margins and economics of scale
Marketing – value adding, decisions to sell
UNITS STANDARDS COVERED
ID LEVEL TITLE CREDITS
116 120 2 Explain Basic Pig Husbandry Practices 4
116 153 1 Apply Basic Pig Husbandry Practices 5
116 173 1
Evaluate Basic External Animal Anatomy & Morphology
5
Demonstrate an understanding of the basic concepts
116157 1 of sustainable farming systems 4
116191 1 Apply standard animal feeding procedures 6
116 198 1 Harvest Animal Products 5
26
SKILLS PROGRAM: EAC 24: HOT IRON BRANDING
Hot iron branding is a method of permanent identification that uses an iron that is heated
electrically or by fire to burn a brand into the hair follicles, resulting in permanent hair loss in that
area. The brand is a unique identification, assigned to a given owner/operation.
The regulations of the Animal Identification Act (No: 6 of 2002) will be discussed; how to register for
a brand (forms will be made available) and the correct procedure on how to brand cattle is covered.
Each applicant will brand one animal.
SKILLS PROGRAM: EAC 25: VELD MANAGEMENT
Veld management refers to the utilisation and management of forage in veld (grasses and trees) for
animal production, through grazing and browsing. Veld management involves the planned
movement of animals and the control of animal numbers to keep the veld in a good condition and to
improve veld that is in a good standards.
The Skills program will encompass an ecological study of the veld, including the identification of:
1: Grass species 2: Trees and shrub species
A learner achieving this unit standard will be able to explain the importance of natural resource
management in relation to regional agricultural practices. The learner will be able to incorporate this
understanding into the implementation of a natural resource management plan of the farm, which
draws on a broader area wide plan.
UNITS STANDARDS COVERED
ID LEVEL TITLE CREDITS
116303 4 Implement a natural resource management plan 3
27
SKILLS PROGRAM: EAC 26: FARMING SYSTEMS APPROACH (FSA)
The farming systems approach to development (FSD) has two inter-related thrusts. One is to
develop an understanding of the farm-household, the environment in which it operates, and the
constraints it faces, together with identifying and testing potential solutions to those constraints,
The second thrust involves the dissemination of the most promising solutions to other farm
households facing similar problems. This skills program primarily concentrates on procedures
useful to FSD personnel in addressing the first of these thrusts, particularly with respect to
designing and developing relevant improved technologies
The Skills program will encompass an
Part I – Conceptualising the farming systems development approach
Part II – Implementation of the farming systems development approach
Part III – Methodology for the farming systems development approach
SKILLS PROGRAM: EAC 27: ORNAMENTAL HORTICULTURE
Ornamental horticulture is the study of growing, arranging and tending decorative plants and flowers.
Studies in ornamental horticulture explore methods for designing plant and flower displays that can be
used by golf courses, greenhouses and public or private businesses.
The Skills program will encompass on the following Unit standards
UNITS STANDARDS COVERED
ID LEVEL TITLE CREDITS
119687 1
Demonstrate a basic understanding of the horticultural
industry 2
119689 1 Identify the major categories of ornamental plants 6
119707 1 Apply health and safety principles in horticulture 3
119696 1 Identify and prepare soils for landscaped planting 4
119711 1
Demonstrate an understand of the basic structure of
ornamental plants 4
119704 1 Propagate ornamental plants from seed 5
28
SKILLS PROGRM: EAC 29: ORGANIC FARMING
Organic Agriculture
The United Nations Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) have come out in favour of organic
agriculture. Its report Organic Agriculture and Food Security explicitly states that organic agriculture
can address local and global food security challenges. Organic farming is no longer to be
considered a niche market within developed countries, but a vibrant commercial agricultural system
practised in 120 countries, covering 31 million hectares (ha) of cultivated land plus 62 million ha of
certified wild harvested areas.
About the Training Courses
Introduction
Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Organic Agriculture
Nutrient Management in Organic Agriculture
Organic Pest and Disease Management
Seed and Seed Treatment Techniques
Farm scaping
Weed management
Biodynamic Agriculture
SKILLS PROGRAM: EAC 28: ENTREPRENEURIAL
Entrepreneurship refers to an individual’s ability to turn ideas into action. It includes creativity,
sense of initiative, innovation and risk-taking, as well as the ability to plan and manage projects in
order to achieve objectives. The entrepreneurship competence includes therefore transversal skills
and attitudes as well as more specialised knowledge and business skills. In a broad sense,
entrepreneurship should be considered as a mindset that supports everyone in day-to-day life at
home and in society, and provides a foundation for entrepreneurs establishing a social or
commercial activity.
This skills program consist three Phases
Phase 1: Identifying the personal strengths
Phase 2: Turning your idea into a successful business idea!
Phase 3: Writing a business plan for your successful idea
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SKILLS PROGRM: EAC 30: PERMACULTURE
Permaculture is about designing ecological human habitats and food production systems. It is a
land use and community building movement which strives for the harmonious integration of human
dwellings, microclimate, annual and perennial plants, animals, soils, and water into stable,
productive communities. The focus is not on these elements themselves, but rather on the
relationships created among them by the way we place them in the landscape.
The learner achieving this unit standard will be able to demonstrate and recognise the basic
concepts of permaculture principles that are applied to achieve the sustainable development of a
landscape. S/he will start developing an understanding of the ecological principles that underpin
this approach and will be able to contribute to the overall sustainability of the developed landscape.
In addition, the learner will be well positioned to extend their learning and practice into other areas.
ID LEVEL TITLE CREDITS
116150 1 Identify and explain permaculture principles 8
30
SKILLS PROGRAM: EAC 31: FOOD SECURITY
Lindros strives for the best solutions to take us into a sustainable future; Food Sovereignty is a path
to that future ―Food sovereignty‖ is a term coined by members of Via Campesina in 1996.Food
sovereignty is the claimed ―right‖ of peoples to define their own food, agriculture, livestock and
fisheries systems, in contrast to having food largely subject to international market forces.
Food security is part of the section 27 Constitutional rights in South Africa. On these rights, the
Constitution states that every citizen has the right to have access to sufficient food and water, and
that ―the state must by legislation and other measures, within its available resources, avail to
progressive realization of the right to sufficient food.
South Africa faces the following key food challenges:
- To ensure that enough food is available to all, now and in the future;
- Is to match incomes of people to prices in order to ensure access to sufficient food for every
citizen.
Lindros will help with regards to the following: - To empower citizens to make optimal choices for nutritious and safe food;
- To disseminate adequate and relevant information to ensure analysis, communication,
monitoring, evaluation and skills transference regarding the impact of food sovereignty
programmes on the target population.
31
SKILLS PROGRAM: EAC 32: ENVIRONMENTAL WEED CONTROL COURSE
The Basic Weed Control skills program has been developed to enable the pest control operator to
become proficient in weed control procedures.
The Basic Weed Control skills program deals with the following elements:
Inspection Procedures
Identification of Weeds and Declared invaders
Selection of Herbicides / Weed Killers
Selection and Calibration of Equipment
Safety Precautions
Application Techniques
Monitoring Procedures
Clean up Procedures
UNITS STANDARDS COVERED
ID LEVEL TITLE CREDITS
116520 2
Verify compliance to safety, health and environmental
requirements in the workplace 4
12918 2 Control vegetation by use of herbicides 2
252453 2 Combat problem plants 3
32
SKILLS PROGRAM: EAC 33: EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION
Poor communication skills are often identified as one of the causes of a breakdown in the business
development process. So, you must constantly work to improve your communication skills because
they are very important for the success of your business venture.
This is especially true in farmer-led value-added business projects. By its very nature, farming
tends to be a business where one person makes most of the decisions independently of others. So,
farmers don’t tend to see the need for communicating. However, in a value-added business project
with group decision-making, good communication skills are critical.
The course will include:
Understanding Communications
Effectively Communicating
Improving Communications Skills
Listening Skills
33
SKILLS PROGRAM: EAC 34: ADVANCED SOIL FERTILITY
Fertility of a soil is defined by its ability to provide all essential nutrients in adequate quantities and
in the proper balance for the growth of plants – independent of direct application of nutrients –
when other growth factors like light, temperature and water are favourable. This ability does not
depend on the nutrient content of the soil only, but on its efficiency in transforming nutrients within
the farm’s nutrient circle.
COURSE OBJECTIVES: The objective of this course is to provide learners with a comprehensive
understanding of soil fertility, plant nutrition, and nutrient management.
The course will include:
- Introduction
- Soils
- Soil fertility
- Organic agriculture approach to soil fertility management
- Soil and water conservation
- Improving soil organic matter
- Soil fertility supplements
.
34
SKILLS PROGRAM: EAC 35: AGRICULTURE EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR
This skills programs addresses competency related to the occupation of an Agricultural Equipment
Mechanical Artisan and is the first level of learning in the Further Education and Training band of
the career. The skills program is structured to address mechanical workshop competencies related
to servicing of agricultural equipment and mechanical repairs of agricultural equipment.
We are accredited for the full qualification national certificate
Course A: WORKSHOP PRACTICES
Course C: WELDING
Course D: ENGINES
Course E: DRIVE TRAINS & HYDRAULIC SYSTEMS
Course G: CROP EQUIPMENT
Course I: ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
Course H: BRAKING & HYDRAULIC SYSTEMS
Course I: ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
Course J: FUEL SYSTEMS
Annexure A for more Details
.
35
SKILLS PROGRAM EAC: 36 INDIGENOUS CHICKENS
Indigenous chicken farming has been described variously as backyard poultry rearing, rural poultry
production or scavenging. For our purpose, any flock of chicken that are kept under free-range
management and on which no selection of breeds or improvement by crossbreeding has been
done is considered as a flock of indigenous chicken. Indigenous chicken lay between 8 and 15
eggs per clutch depending on availability of feed. They are broody and hatch about 80% of the
eggs they sit on. They attain 2-3 clutches in a year.
The most common poultry breeds available in South Africa can be divided into two groups:
Multi-purposed indigenous chickens, ideal for a free-range environment, especially rural
communities. Breeds include Naked Neck, Venda, Ovambo, Potchefstroom Koekoek and Natal
Game. Other European breeds such as the New Hampshire, Rhode Island Red and the Black
Australorp, all can survive in this environment, although generally more susceptible to certain
diseases and not as hardy.
Breeds that are used in an intensive system for either meat or egg production. Ross and Cobb are
the most common for meat production, while Hi-Line or Lohmann are the best egg producers.
Indigenous chicken production skills program will cover the following area
- Introduction
- General management
- Breeding
- Diseases
- Vaccination programmes
- Record keeping
.
36
SKILLS PROGRAM EAC: 37 HEALTHS AND FOOD SAFETY
People have the right to expect the food they eat to be safe and suitable for consumption.
Foodborne illness and foodborne injury are at best unpleasant; at worst, they can be fatal. But
there are also other consequences. Outbreaks of foodborne illness can damage trade and tourism,
and lead to loss of earnings, unemployment and litigation. Food spoilage is wasteful, costly and can
adversely affect trade and consumer confidence.
The Skills program will encompass on - Primary production
- Establishment: design and facilities
- Control of operation
- Establishment: maintenance and sanitation
- Establishment: personal hygiene
- Transportation
- Product information and consumer awareness
- Training
.
37
SKILLS PROGRAM EAC: 38 INTERGRATED PEST, DISEASE & WEED MANAGEMENT
Integrated pest management, or IPM, is a process you can use to solve pest problems while
minimizing risks to people and the environment. IPM can be used to manage all kinds of pests
anywhere—in urban, agricultural, and wildland or natural areas
The Integrated Pest, Disease and Weed Management course will help you to understand and
manage the many pests, diseases and disorders that may affect plants and crops. Pest control is
an important tool to help you improve the success and quality of your crops and amenity plants.
The Integrated Pest, Disease and Weed Management course will help you to:
Understand the benefits of developing an integrated pest management system (IPM)
Identify plant pests, diseases and disorders in a variety of horticulture sectors such as fruit
production, amenity, nursery production, viticulture, vegetable and floriculture
Learn how to use chemical, biological and natural methods for preventing and controlling
horticultural pests, diseases and disorders
The following Unit Standards will be coved
UNITS STANDARDS COVERED
US ID LEVEL US TITLE CREDITS
116301 4
Apply effective and responsible integrated pest, disease
and weed control 3
38
SKILLS PROGRAM EAC: 39 INTRODUCTIONS TO ANALYTICAL SERVICES
(A must for emerging farmers, farmers, advisers, extension personnel and students.)
Without a soil analysis, it’s nearly impossible to determine what a soil needs in order to be
productive. Laboratory soil analyses (soil tests) provide information on your soil’s available nutrientsupplying capacity. This information helps you select the correct kind and amount of fertilizer and
liming material, which helps you develop and maintain more productive soil and increased crop
production.
This four days course covers the basics of soil fertility, plant nutrition, feed and quality water.
Soil properties for fertility, texture and salinity.
Plant structure and functions
What is the effect of the quality of feeds,
Why must analyses be done on feed samples?
Factors that influence water quality.
39
SKILLS PROGRAM EAC: 40 THE FARM TOGETHER COOPERATIVE
The Farm together co-operative training skills program is to equip members of co-operatives with
the necessary technical and soft skills that enable them to address key issues or challenges.
Program not limited to cooperative members. This skills program addresses a number of
shortcomings in the area of technical agricultural skills (crop and livestock production), value
adding, governance, agri-business functions and management.
The Skills program will focus on three main areas
Simulation: Farm simulation tests the participants/farmer’s production and investment
choices and consequences.
Checkups: The check-up is a diagnostic tool that is designed to assist participants /farmers
to evaluate their co-operative using eight (8) focus areas that can impact on
their farming business. These focus areas are land, resources, skills, systems,
support, external pressure, our farm vision and markets.
Agreement dilemma/role play: Participants are presented with a series of dilemmas
highlighting issues that confront many co-operatives and asked to act out the dilemma and
discuss what happened.
The program comprises of eight unit standards
US ID LEVEL US TITLE CREDITS
1009 3
Demonstrate the ability to start and run a business and adapt to
changing business environment 3
14001 1
Demonstrate an understanding of managerial expertise and
administrative capabilities. 4
116159 1
Identify the need for capital and understand the need for the
recording of the income and different costs in an agri-business 2
116165 1
Define production and understand the basic activities of
production/conversion in the agricultural business environment 2
10007 1 Identify, analyze and select business opportunities 3
116164 1 Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of marketing 2
13995 1 Demonstrate an understanding of contracts and their sources. 2
15092 1 Plan and manage personal finances 5
.
40
SKILLS PROGRAM EAC: 41 POULTRY PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT
ID LEVEL TITLE CREDITS
119437 2 Utilize feed management in poultry production 10
119487 2 Utilize water management in poultry production 8
SKILLS PROGRAM EAC: 42 BASIC POULTRY HEALTH
ID LEVEL TITLE CREDITS
119382 2 Apply health management practices poultry 12
119490 2 Utilize bio-security practices in poultry 8
production
SKILLS PROGRAM EAC: 43 BROILER PRODUCTION
ID LEVEL TITLE CREDITS
119448 2 Brood poultry chicks 10
119450 2 Produce poultry broilers 15
SKILLS PROGRAM EAC: 44 LAYER PRODUCTIONS
ID LEVEL TITLE CREDITS
116198 1 Harvest Animal Products 5
119395 1
Demonstrate an understanding of the Basic Anatomy &
Physiology of Poultry 2
119421 2 Handling eggs for setting at a hatchery 10
119450 2 Produce Poultry Broilers 2
119473 2 Rear pullets for table egg production 15
SKILLS PROGRAM EAC: 45 ADVANCED LAYER PRODUCTIONS
ID LEVEL TITLE CREDITS
119427 2 Monitor the incubation process in hatcheries 15
119397 2 Handle the collection and storage of the eggs on the farm 10
These informative courses are highly recommended for emerging farmers, extension officers,
supervisors and trainee farmers/farm managers as they provide a very good basic general
knowledge of what has to be done, why it has to be done and when it has to be done. Visual and
practical assignments are emphasised
.
41
SKILLS PROGRAM EAC: 46 ADVANCED ANIMAL PRODUCTIONS
Animal Production is a Vocational subject of in the Primary Agriculture programme. The subject
covers the following fields of study:
Basic Understanding of animal anatomy and physiology
Poultry production
Goat production
Sheep production
Pig production
Advanced animal nutrition
Cattle farming and ostrich Farming.
The subject aims to equip students with skills, values and knowledge necessary to progress
through the levels of Animal Production. Whilst the subject is grounded in the South African
context, it also incorporates global small-scale farming imperatives.
The following Unit Standards will be covered
ID LEVEL TITLE CREDITS
116285 4 Explain functional animal anatomy and physiology 3
116225 3 Explain elementary animal nutrition 6
116318 4 Plan and maintain breeding systems 3
116308 4 Implement animal health and bio-security programs 3
116063 2 Respond correctly to control defensive behaviour in animals 4
116313 4 Supervise artificial insemination practices 5
42
SKILLS PROGRAM EAC: 47 COMMERCIAL VEGETABLE PRODUCTIONS
Commercial growing is obviously different in that you are growing on a much larger scale; but there
are other differences too. Things that you might tolerate when growing vegetables at home, may
result in financial failure in a commercial situation. For any commercial operation to be successful,
the quality and quantity of produce must be optimised and the timing and cost of production must
be well managed; for example:
Crops that take too long to produce will cost you money.
Crops that are damaged too much by pests or diseases may not bring as high a price at
market.
Crop losses due to pest and disease can reduce the quantity that is sold, hence profitability
The way you harvest crops and how you treat them after picking can also impact on profit
COURSE STRUCTURE
Course Aim
Develop your skills to grow and manage a commercial vegetable crop.
CONTENT
There are eight lessons as follows: - Introduction to Vegetable Growing
Understand the planning processes required in setting up a farming enterprise. Select appropriate
crops - Cultural Practices for Vegetables
Explain general cultural practices used for vegetable production. - Pest, Disease & Weed Control
Explain the management of potential problems, including pests, diseases, weeds, and
environmental disorders in vegetable production. - Hydroponic & Greenhouse Growing
Explain alternative cultural techniques, including greenhouse and hydroponic production, for
vegetables. - Growing Selected Vegetable Varieties
Determine specific cultural practices for selected vegetable varieties. - Irrigation
To develop understanding of how efficiently manage the availability of water to vegetable crops in
order to achieve optimum growth. - Harvest & Post-Harvest
Determine the harvesting, and post-harvest treatment of different vegetables. - Marketing Vegetables
Develop marketing strategies for different vegetables.
.
43
SKILLS PROGRAM EAC: 48 AQUACULTURE
Fish farming may be a relatively old and well established technique; but it is an industry sector that
is rapidly changing, and growing. Fish (and crustacean) farming can be carried out on a small scale
(even in a home garden); or on a large scale (covering dozens of acres).
This course provides the foundation for undertaking aquaculture on any scale
Duration: 100 hours
There are 6 lessons in this course: - Introduction To Aquaculture
o Scope and nature of freshwater aquaculture
o Resources … references, organisations around the world
o Equipment and material suppliers - Production Systems – EP and IP
o Open, semi closed and closed systems
o Extensive production
o Intensive production
o Water containment … earth, concrete,wood, brick, stone, fibre-glass, liners, etc
o Dams and Water Storage … siting, site - What Species To Farm
o Selection criteria
o Climate
o Water resources
o Finance
o Scale of operation
o Other resources: manpower, knowledge, supports services, etc.
o Market demand and access
o Ecological considerations
o Risk Considerations
o Review of different fish …We review many fish and other species suited to farming in South
Africa
o Marine and Freshwater species. - Setting Up A Fish Farm
o Land and water
o Water requirements
o Extensive production dams
o Intensive production pools and raceways
o Cages
o Biological filtration systems
o Filter efficiency
o Clearing turbid water in dams
o Protecting fish
o Improving genetic quality of fish
o Economics of establishing and running an aquaculture farm
o Financial Management
o Financial Institutions
o Better planning
o Economics
o What to Plan for
o Production
o Marketing
.
44 - Fish Foods & Feeding
o Scope and nature
o Pelleted feed
o Live feed
o Brine shrimp
o Daphnia
o Worms
o Night lights
o Fishmeal
o Oil meals
o Fish food production
o Beef heart
o Legumes
o Seafood and vegetable mix
o Earthworm and Compost production - Harvesting
a. Introduction
b. Harvesting techniques … seine nets, gill nets, traps, long lines, funnel trap, flyke trap, etc
c. Fish pumps
d. Mechanical graders
e. Fish health management
f. Review of diseases … trout, carp, etc
.
45
SKILLS PROGRAM EAC: 49 HOME GARDEN EXPERT COURSE
This huge course covers everything a home gardener needs to know to become a gardening
expert. With almost 100,000 words (the size of three average books), plus lots of illustrations and
expert tutor support, this course provides a unique and well structured opportunity to develop a
very sound understanding of gardening
Lesson Structure
There are 8 lessons in this course:
Eight units each comprising 2 or 3 lessons, each lesson involves both reading and practical work - Basic Plant Identification & Culture: Plant names, planting, transplanting, tools & equipment.
- Soils & Nutrition: Soil structure, nutrition, composting, soil building, drainage, fertilizers.
- Pests & Weeds: Identifying problems, sprays, biological control, weed identification &
control. - Landscaping: How to design a garden, rockeries, native gardens, traditional (European
style) home gardens. - Propagation: Propagating materials, seed, and cuttings.
- Lawns: Turf varieties, laying a lawn, lawn care.
- Indoor Gardening: Hardy indoor plants, container growing.
- The Kitchen Garden: Vegetable gardening, fruit trees, herbs.
Each lesson culminates in an assignment which is submitted to the school, marked by the school’s
tutors and returned to you with any relevant suggestions, comments, and if necessary, extra
reading.
SKILLS PROGRAM EAC: 50 AGRICULTURAL MARKETING
Learn to sell farm produce better
Being a successful rural businessman or woman is a difficult managerial role. Very few non-rural
businesses are presented with the continuing changes and variations that confront a rural
business. The impact of climate means the rural manager has to continually consider, evaluate,
assess (and reassess) often on a daily or even hourly basis, the numerous changes and types of
information that may affect the rural business success. A successful rural manager also needs to
understand his unique markets, and how to capitalise on market forces to maximise business profit.
Marketing is not just selling! It involves: - Attracting customers
- Persuading them to buy
- Selling
- Keeping customers satisfied (so they come back!), by using the above and other strategies.
This course develops your ability to analyse and manage marketing problems in an agricultural
enterprise. Topics covered include: market research, management of your marketing, promotions,
handling produce, packaging, distribution, customer relations and more.
Agricultural marketing is concerned with relating the supply of products to its potential demand in
such a way as to satisfy the needs and wants of buyers and create a profit for the supplier. The
process of marketing is that of transferring goods and/or services from producer to consumer at a
profit. It should add maximum value to the product at minimum cost. Marketing is thus concerned
with such activities as:- pricing, selling, merchandising, advertising, promotion, packaging, market
research, transport, destination, placement, planning, and accounting. In fact all those processes
which will enable he/she to maximise the added value.
46
Course Structure
This course is comprised of eight lessons, outlined below: - Agricultural Marketing Concepts
Marketing
Goods and Services
The Marketing Concept
Managing the Marketing Process
The Role of Marketing
Approaches to Marketing
The Goals of Marketing
Organising, analysing, and selecting target markets
Developing the Marketing Mix
Managing the Market Effort - Farm Marketing Objectives and Strategies
Supply and Demand
Developing the Farm Marketing Plan
Organising the Planning process
Reviewing the Business’s Situation
Establishing Marketing Objectives
Developing Strategies
Market Penetration
Price Advantages - Target Marketing
Preliminary Research
Target Markets in Agriculture
Defining the Target
Resources
Analysing Market Opportunities
External Influences
General Economic Conditions
Government Policy and Regulations
Overseas influences
Demographic Patterns
Technological Change
Customer Values and Attitudes
Alternative Marketing Methods
Internal Influences
Selecting Target Markets
Market Segmentation - Handling Produce
Developing the Marketing Mix
The “Product” element of the Marketing Mix
Logos, packaging, positioning and image etc
The “Price” Element of the Marketing Mix
Pricing objectives and methods
The “Promotion” element of the marketing Mix
Publicity and Public Relations
Advertising, sales and personal selling
The “Place” element of the Marketing Mix
Market coverage
Determining Emphasis with the Marketing Mix
Impact of Product Life-cycle
47 - Customer Relations
Customer Care Policy
Levels of Involvement
Effective Communication
Becoming an effective communicator
Dealing with complaints
Self evaluation
Maximising customer service - Market Research
The Importance Of Market Research
What to Research?
The Research process
Analysing Costs and Benefits - Promotions
Promoting Product
Creating customer awareness
Promotional Campaign Strategy
The Promotional Message
Promotional Material
Making Promotions Cost Effective
Channels of Communication
Publicity Marketing
Advertising
Structuring an Advertisement or Promotion - Managing Marketing
Market Retention
Balancing Strategy
Market Development
Market Growth
Managing the Marketing Plan
Sales and the Market
Aims
Explain the role of marketing in business and the importance of marketing in the business plan.
Assess the relative importance of marketing planning and to determine marketing strategies in relation
to farming.
Identify target markets to select suitable marketing methods.
Explain the physical handling of products in the marketing process, including packaging, labelling,
presentation and transportation.
Plan to maintain sound customer relations in an agricultural business.
Conduct market research into a product or service in the agricultural industry.
Plan to manage the promotional program for an agricultural business.
Develop strategies to manage the marketing of an agricultural enterprise.
48
Tell: +27 74 0244 616 Fax: +27 (0) 86 512 0754
Cell: +27 (0) 76 53 44 031 / (0) 61 891 2163
E-mail: info@ekurhuleni-agri-college.co.za www. ekurhuleni-agri-college.co.za
Board of Directors
EAC prides itself on the quality of its administrative and academic staffs. While
academic credentials and ability are important, we recruit staffs primarily for
their passion, professionalism and team spirit.
Our administrative staffs are responsible for the behind- the-scenes running
of courses. Since part of our ethos is to challenge delegates to push the
boundaries of their own capabilities, training can be a stressful process,
especially when assignments and exams come around. Their job is to ensure
that our delegates experience the best possible experience while they are on
our training courses, and they need to be strict but fair and caring when doing
this. They all subscribe to EAC’s under Exacube.
Prof Timothy Simalenga is also the Executive Director of CCARDESA.
Brings a wealth of experience in agricultural research, technology development
and transfer, training, academia, economic and rural development and
community outreach. He has extensively been involved in Agricultural Research
across the continent and beyond. Since 2005 he has been working at the
Agricultural Research Council of South Africa where he served as the Research
and Technology Manager for the Institute of Agricultural Engineering and the
Institute of Soil, Climate and Water. During his career Prof Simalenga has
conducted and supervised research in areas of agricultural technology,
mechanization systems, animal traction, Soil water management, Rain Water
Harvesting and small scale water infrastructure among others. He is
internationally well known and respected in the agricultural research and
development fraternity.