National Diploma: Agricultural Extension (NQF Level 5)
SAQA Qualification ID: 63249 | Credits: 240
Qualification Type: National Diploma
Duration: 24 Months (Full Qualification)
Accreditation: AgriSETA Aligned | Delivered by Inqola Yenguquku Training
Delivery Mode: Blended (Contact Sessions + Workplace-Based Learning + Online LMS)
Qualification Overview
The National Diploma in Agricultural Extension is designed to develop skilled Extension Officers capable of promoting sustainable and inclusive agricultural development across South Africa. This programme equips learners with technical knowledge, facilitation skills, and advisory competencies to support farmers, cooperatives, and agribusiness stakeholders in improving productivity, managing risk, and adopting new technologies.
This qualification is essential for individuals pursuing careers in agricultural advisory services, rural development, government extension, NGO programmes, or agripreneurship support roles.
Purpose of the Qualification
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Strengthen capacity in farmer support, rural enterprise facilitation, and agricultural outreach
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Improve understanding of sustainable production systems, technology transfer, and stakeholder engagement
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Address local, provincial, and national agricultural development priorities
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Promote inclusive participation of women, youth, and emerging farmers
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Align advisory practices with policy frameworks such as NSDP 2030, CAADP, NDP, and DALRRD strategies
Learning Outcomes
Graduates of this qualification will be able to:
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Apply principles of plant and animal production in various agro-ecological zones
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Facilitate participatory rural appraisal and needs assessments
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Develop and implement farmer training plans and demonstration projects
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Promote sustainable soil, water, and environmental management practices
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Conduct monitoring & evaluation (M&E) of agricultural development interventions
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Use extension methodologies and tools to engage with different farming communities
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Apply communication, leadership, and facilitation skills in multi-stakeholder contexts
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Support farmers in market access, compliance, and recordkeeping
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Integrate ICT and digital tools in agricultural outreach
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Apply project management principles in field-based extension
Curriculum Breakdown
The programme is structured into Knowledge Modules, Practical Modules, and Work Experience Modules, aligned with AgriSETA and QCTO requirements:
Knowledge Modules (KMs)
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KM01: Introduction to Agricultural Extension & Rural Development
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KM02: Plant & Animal Production Systems
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KM03: Agricultural Economics & Marketing
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KM04: Communication and Extension Methodologies
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KM05: Sustainable Resource Management
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KM06: Agricultural Policies and Development Frameworks
Practical Skills Modules (PSMs)
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PSM01: Facilitate Farmer Learning Activities
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PSM02: Implement Demonstration Plots
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PSM03: Develop Farmer Development Plans
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PSM04: Conduct Monitoring & Data Collection
Workplace Experience Modules (WEMs)
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Workplace placement or project-based exposure under a host farm, extension office, or agri-cooperative
Assessment & Certification
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Formative: Assignments, Case Studies, Presentations, Field Reports
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Summative: Integrated Summative Assessment (ISA)
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External Moderation by AgriSETA/QCTO
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Certification: National Diploma issued upon successful completion of all modules
Target Group
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Existing or aspiring Extension Officers
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Youth with Level 4–5 Agricultural qualifications
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Farmers or project managers in community development, land reform, or cooperative programmes
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Employees in government, municipal, NGO, or agri-parastatal sectors
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Graduates seeking technical employment in the public or private agricultural support sector
Career Pathways & Articulation
Graduates can pursue roles such as:
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Agricultural Extension Officer (government or private)
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Rural Development Facilitator
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Farmer Support Officer
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Agri-Cooperative Advisor
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Youth in Agriculture & Food Security Advisor
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Livelihoods or NGO Field Worker
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Sustainable Agriculture Project Officer
Articulation is possible into NQF Level 6 Diplomas or Degrees in Agricultural Management, Agribusiness, or Rural Development.
Tuition Fees
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Annual Cost: R27,500 per learner
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Includes contact sessions, LMS access, learning materials, assessment, moderation, and certification
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Payment plans
Strategic Relevance
This programme aligns with:
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NSDP 2030: Skills for inclusive economic growth
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Agricultural Extension Recovery Plan (DALRRD)
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Presidential Youth Employment Intervention (PYEI)
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District Development Model (DDM): Building local extension capacity
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TVET Extension Services Transformation Strategy
