Farming Type : National Certificate • NQF : 2 • Credits : 120

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.

It is assumed that a learner entering a programme leading to this qualification has achieved numeracy, literacy and technical skills pertaining to agricultural activities equivalent to NQF 1.

Recognition of Prior Learning:

This qualification may be achieved in part or in whole through the recognition of prior learning. Credit will be given to learning, which has already been acquired, through the appropriate process of assessment.

• For example:
  Learners who have acquired skills and competencies in this qualification through for instance experience in the industry will be assessed against the unit standards the qualification comprises of prior to entering learning. Credits will be allocated to those unit standards and exit level outcomes in which the learner is found competent. The outstanding unit standards will then be sequenced according to an appropriate learning programme.
• Should a new entrant into the industry wish to enter this learning programme, recognition will be given to all appropriate learning acquired through the schooling system.
• In terms of fundamental unit standards, competencies could be acquired through life experience.

Any learner wishing to be directly assessed may arrange to do so, without attending further training or education. The assessor and learner will decide together on the most appropriate assessment route to take.