NC: Mixed Farming Systems: NQF Level 2

National Certificate: Mixed Farming Systems (NQF Level 2)

SAQA Qualification ID: 48977

NQF Level: 2 | Credits: 120

Qualification Type: National Certificate

Duration: 12 Months (including workplace-based exposure)

Accreditation: AgriSETA-Aligned | Delivered by Inqola Yenguquku Training

Delivery Mode: Blended (Theoretical + Practical + On-farm Work Experience + Online)

Qualification Overview

The National Certificate in Mixed Farming Systems provides a comprehensive foundation in both plant and animal production, allowing learners to manage integrated farm enterprises. This qualification is ideally suited for emerging farmers, co-operative members, and land reform beneficiaries seeking to diversify operations and improve farm sustainability, productivity, and income.

Learners are trained in both crop production and livestock management — enabling them to optimise land, labour, and resources through a synergistic farming model.

Purpose of the Qualification is as follows:

• A learner assessed against this qualification will have the necessary competence to participate as part of a working team, performing the agricultural processes as applicable to both Plant- and Animal Production in an established and familiar context under general supervision.
• The Learner will be able to perform directed activities and take responsibility for the guiding others at lower level within a Mixed Farming context.
• Competency will be gained in a combination of the sub-fields of Plant and Animal Production as specified under Areas Of Specialization (i.e. Small Stock, Large Stock as well as Vegetables, Fruit Production, Hydroponics, etc.)
• The learner will be able to take responsible decisions within a familiar range based on a sound understanding of the basic principles of agri-business and good agricultural practices, in meeting the set objectives and targets within the broader farm plan which includes the economical application of general resources, agricultural production and technical knowledge and skills, all in Mixed Farming context.
• The Learner will be able to carry out familiar procedures in a limited environment and will be able to adhere to the relevant safety, quality, hygiene and technical standards as applicable within the industry.
• In addition to the above, the learner will be well positioned to extend learning and practice into other sub-fields such as Plant Production and Animal Production, since such efforts will only require additional learning within the elective scope of other qualifications at this level.
• The learner will be well positioned to progress towards higher levels of Management and Technical production practices as defined by qualifications at the next level.
• Learners will be enabled to actively participate in the Primary Agricultural Sector through the production of quality agricultural products, enhancing the overall agricultural process and gain opportunities to access local, national and international agricultural markets.
• This qualification will allow qualifying learners to become economically active in farming practices that will have a direct impact on Local Economic Development through the production of food, the improvement of household food security and access to mainstream agriculture.
• Finally, Learners will be able to guide and direct others in terms of the implementation of smaller development projects within Mixed Farming context.

Learning Outcomes

After successful completion, learners will be able to:

• Prepare land and plant a range of crops using appropriate tools and methods

• Identify and handle various livestock species (e.g., goats, cattle, poultry)

• Maintain basic animal housing, fencing, and crop irrigation systems

• Recognise common plant pests, animal diseases, and respond appropriately

• Feed and care for animals across life stages

• Harvest and store crops for consumption, sale or animal feed

• Apply elementary business and recordkeeping practices

• Observe farm safety, hygiene, and environmental care practices

Qualification Structure (As per AgriSETA curriculum)

1. Fundamental Learning (36 Credits)

• Communication (in a second language, verbal and written)

• Mathematics applied to agriculture and daily farm operations

2. Core Learning (68 Credits)

Compulsory unit standards from both plant and animal production disciplines, such as:

Plant Production Standards:

• US 116077: Plant a range of crops

• US 116058: Understand soil fertility and plant nutrition

• US 116072: Recognise pests and weeds

• US 116075: Irrigate farmland

• US 116079: Harvest crops

Animal Production Standards:

• US 116055: Identify and handle livestock

• US 116063: Feed farm animals

• US 116060: Observe and inspect animal health

• US 116065: Clean and maintain animal production facilities

• US 116064: Handle livestock safely and correctly

General Farm Practices:

• US 116164: Apply basic farm layout principles

• US 116096: Apply basic health and safety practices

• US 116115: Use agricultural tools and infrastructure

3. Elective Learning (Minimum 16 Credits)

Elective unit standards may be selected to support learner interests or enterprise focus, e.g.:

• Basic entrepreneurship and business skills

• Maintenance of irrigation systems

• Crop packaging and storage

• Animal breeding practices

• Farm marketing and customer relations

Assessment & Certification

• Formative Assessment: Daily task observations, oral questions, peer assessments

• Summative Assessment: Written tests, practical demonstrations, Portfolio of Evidence (PoE)

• Moderation: External as per AgriSETA standards

• Award: National Certificate: Mixed Farming Systems (NQF Level 2) on successful completion

‍ Target Audience

• Emerging farmers managing mixed enterprises (crops and livestock)

• Youth and women in rural agriculture development

• Land reform beneficiaries and co-operatives

• Community food security project members

• Entry-level farmworkers or assistants

• School leavers interested in general farming systems

Career Pathways

Graduates can pursue careers such as:

• General Farm Worker (Mixed Farming)

• Crop and Livestock Assistant

• Irrigation and Infrastructure Operator

• Smallholder Farmer

• Member of Agri-Cooperative

  • Progress to NQF Level 3–5 in:

  • Plant Production

  • Animal Production

  • Agricultural Management

  • Agricultural Extension

Tuition Fees & Support

• Annual Cost: R21,490 per learner

• Inclusive of: Tuition, materials, LMS access, assessment, moderation, certification

• Workplace Exposure: Partnered host farms or co-ops

• Funding Options: Available through AgriSETA, municipalities, or donor projects

Strategic Policy Alignment

This qualification supports:

• NSDP 2030 (National Skills Development Plan)

• National Food and Nutrition Security Policy

• Comprehensive Rural Development Programme (CRDP)

• Integrated Growth and Development Plan (IGDP)

• District Development Model (DDM): Youth and Cooperative development

• Land Reform Agricultural Support via DALRRD and DRDAR