Bachelor of Agriculture in Agricultural Extension and Rural Resource Management

Home > Study with us > Faculties and Schools > Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Sciences > School of Agricultural Sciences > Bachelor of Agriculture in Agricultural Extension and Rural Resource Management

Mr-Letsoalo.jpg
Mr Lambert Letsoalo

Programme Description

The Bachelor of Agriculture (Agricultural Extension & Rural Resources Management) was developed to address the changing agricultural landscape in South Africa. The changes redirect agriculture to the majority population which has been marginalised and generally denied meaningful access to the agricultural sector of the South African economy. This vision for agriculture requires agricultural extension practitioners who can facilitate the establishment of self-reliant farmers who are contributing to widespread prosperity.

The qualification aims to train and equip agricultural extension practitioners with the skills, knowledge and attitudes needed to build the capacity of farmers and farming communities to engage in market-‐orientated sustainable agricultural production, diversification of products and value adding, to improve their household livelihoods and to contribute to strengthening the rural economy.

The qualification was designed to train Agricultural Extension practitioners who will work in agricultural and rural development in the NGO sector, for government service, for agri-business and for other private sector companies involved with farmers and rural communities.

Bachelor of Agriculture graduates will help meet the demand for professionals who can lead and manage agricultural extension through the complexities of agricultural and rural transformation. It prepares them with a deliberate mix of extension, development and agricultural production and management competencies. The agricultural extension component is grounded in a learning framework and the agricultural component is grounded in a practice framework.
 

Admission Requirements

The minimum requirements for admission to a Bachelor’s Degree must be met. In addition, students will have the following:
 
National Senior Certificate:
  • Admission Points Score (APS): 26 with mathematics or 28 with Mathematic Literacy
  • English (home language or first additional language): Level 4.
  • Mathematics: Level 4 or Mathematical Literacy: Level 6.
  • One of Agriculture, Life Science or Physical Science: Level 4

Curriculum Structure

Subject Code Subject Description Credits
YEAR 1  
Semester 1  
AGRI1D1 Plant Protection 1 10
EXTN1D1 Rural Wealth Creation 13
FMBT1D1 Introduction to Farm Management IA 10
FENG1D1 Agricultural Engineering 10
RMGT1D1 Introduction to Soil Science IA 10
EXTN150 Computer Application for Extension 7
Semester 2
AGRI152 Plant Propagation 10
EXTN162 Rural Economic Systems 13
FBMT1D2 Farm Management 1B 10
FENG152 Agricultural Mechanisation 10
EXTN180 Scientific Writing and Reporting for Agriculture Extension 7
RMGT1D2 Soil science 1B 10
  TOTAL 120
YEAR 2
Semester 1
AGRI2D1 Introduction to Vegetable Production 2A 10
AGRI2D3 Introduction to Agronomy 2A 10
AGRI2D5 Introduction to Fruit Crop Production (Citrus & Subtrop) 2A 10
EXTN261 Extension Methods 15
FMBT2D1 Budget and Risk Management 2A 10
RMGT2D1 Introduction to Irrigation (Water) 2A 10
Semester 2
AGRI2D6 Fruit Production 2B 10
AGRI2D4 Agronomy Practices 2B 10
AGRI2D2 Vegetable Production 2B 10
EXTN262 Extension Practice 15
RMGT2D2 Managing Irrigation Systems 2B 10
  TOTAL 120
YEAR 3
EXTN369 Designing Agriculture Extension Projects 15
FBMT371 Developing a Farm Business Plan 30
RMGT371 Developing a Land Use Plan 30
EXTN370 Participatory Agricultural Extension 15
EXTN372 Extension Placement 30
  TOTAL 120
  TOTAL CREDITS 360
 

Additional Information for Potential Students and other Stakeholders

Agricultural Extension in the broader context of agricultural development, was included among the critical skill shortages identified by the South African National Strategy for Agricultural Education and Training. Further, the Norms and Standards developed for Agricultural Extension in South Africa indicated a need to strengthen the knowledge and skills within public and private sector agricultural extension services; including extension skills and practical agricultural skills.

 



Apply Now Fees