SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Apply sustainable farming practices to conserve the ecological environment 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
116121  Apply sustainable farming practices to conserve the ecological environment 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Primary Agriculture 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation Primary Agriculture 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
A learner achieving this unit standard will be able to explain the importance of maintaining and increasing of natural resources. Furthermore, the learner will be able to incorporate this understanding into existing farming activities by applying basic practices to conserve the environment, including natural resources.

Competent learners will be familiar with the most important agricultural regulations and aspects of conservation as to provide the environment for the application of quality practices and thus strengthen agricultural practices in general.

Learners will gain an understanding of sustainable agricultural practices as applied in the animal-, plant and mixed farming sub fields. The application of natural resource management in primary agriculture is focussed on in this unit standard.

They will be able to participate in, undertake and plan farming practices with knowledge of their environment. A culture of maintenance and care will be instilled for both the environment as well as towards farming infrastructure and operations by this unit standard. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
It is expected of the learner attempting this unit standard to demonstrate competence against the unit standard or its equivalent:
  • Understand how sustainable farming systems conserve natural resources. - NQF 1 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Whilst range statements have been defined generically to include as wide a set of alternatives as possible, all range statements should be interpreted within the specific context of application.

    Range statements are neither comprehensive nor necessarily appropriate to all contexts. Alternatives must however be comparable in scope and complexity. These are only as a general guide to scope and complexity of what is required. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate an understanding of natural resources and recognise how sound management contributes towards sustainable farming systems. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Natural resources include renewable and non-renewable resources, living and non-living resources. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Local natural resources and their uses are identified and explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Different waste resources are identified and their uses explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Waste resources include materials and by-products that can be reduced, reused or recycled.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Different energy resources and alternative energy resources (renewable) are identified and different uses and applications are explained. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Eradicate alien plant species and noxious weeds. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    As outlined by the Department of Agriculture. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Alien plant species are correctly identified. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Methods of clearing are correctly applied (first clear least invaded areas, follow up and maintain; then expand into intensively infested areas). 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Cleared plant material is sorted and disposed of or re-used as mulch, compost, etc. as appropriate. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Prevent the spread of veld fires by making firebreaks and/or fireguards on the farm. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Fireguards include fire resistant plants, water and stones. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Available material or plants are used as and where appropriate. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Vegetation that might spread fire is cleared. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Stones are packed to form a proper barrier. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Recognise harmful and useful fauna and flora and their purpose and/or effect on the farm. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Fauna and flora include animals, micro-organisms, insects, plants including alien species common to the area. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Animals, micro-organisms, insects, plants and alien species common to the area are identified and categorised as useful/harmful. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Their purpose/effect on the activities of the farm is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Ways to create a healthy environment and to attract useful animals/plants and reduce or repel harmful animals/plants are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The components of a food chain are explained. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Recognise eroded areas and potential soil erosion and carry out minor control measures. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Control measures include but are not limited to gabions, mulch, plant and vegetation material, etc. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Gullies and areas where water runs regularly are recognised and reported. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Appropriate control measures are suggested. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Mulch is used to cover soil for water and soil conservation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Runoff is reduced and the soil's capacity to hold water is improved. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The ability to carry out repairs according to required specifications is demonstrated. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Tasks may include donga rehabilitation, contour and road repairs.
     


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    The assessment of qualifying learners against this standard should meet the requirements of established assessment principles.

    It will be necessary to develop assessment activities and tools, which are appropriate to the contexts in which the qualifying learners are working. These activities and tools may include an appropriate combination of self-assessment and peer assessment, formative and summative assessment, portfolios and observations etc.

    The assessment should ensure that all the specific outcomes; critical cross-field outcomes and essential embedded knowledge are assessed.

    The specific outcomes must be assessed through observation of performance. Supporting evidence should be used to prove competence of specific outcomes only when they are not clearly seen in the actual performance.

    Essential embedded knowledge must be assessed in its own right, through oral or written evidence and cannot be assessed only by being observed.

    The specific outcomes and essential embedded knowledge must be assessed in relation to each other. If a qualifying learner is able to explain the essential embedded knowledge but is unable to perform the specific outcomes, they should not be assessed as competent. Similarly, if a qualifying learner is able to perform the specific outcomes but is unable to explain or justify their performance in terms of the essential embedded knowledge, then they should not be assessed as competent.

    Evidence of the specified critical cross-field outcomes should be found both in performance and in the essential embedded knowledge.

    Performance of specific outcomes must actively affirm target groups of qualifying learners, not unfairly discriminate against them. Qualifying learners should be able to justify their performance in terms of these values.
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard or assessing this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the agreed ETQA procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    The person is able to demonstrate a basic knowledge of:
  • Patterns and processes of the environment.
  • Resource availability and limitations.
  • Basic sustainable agricultural principles.
  • Environmental indicators.
  • Basic soil types and its features i.e. clay, sand, loam and its distribution.
  • Basic weather patterns i.e. summer, winter, basic clouds and energy/ carbon/ hydrological/ oxygen cycles.
  • Basic water cycle and water management.
  • Basic veld types i.e. savannah, fynbos, forest, Karoo and links to weather patterns.
  • Basic ecosystems, their distribution and links to the rest of the environment i.e. vlei, grasslands, mountains.
  • Needs for wild life corridors, their functions and possible areas for corridors.
  • Basic natural resources (water, soil, veld, energy, heat), their limitations and sustainable uses.
  • Utilisation of basic waste as a resource i.e. types for erosion control, trench gardening.
  • Basic alternative energies i.e. wind, sun, gravity and some of their uses.
  • Basic biological pest control methods, identification and protection of predator insects, and where to access biological control agents.
  • Basic preparation and application of natural fertilisers.
  • Basic soil conservation and crop rotation methods.
  • Basic environmental indicators such as soil erosion, basic signs of land degradation.
  • Invasive species.
  • Pollution and pollution systems i.e. industry pollutants (ozone), farm pollutants i.e. dairies, etc.
  • Working safely with a range of hand-held tools.

    Intermediate Knowledge

    The person is able to demonstrate a basic knowledge of:
  • Understanding the use of a range of hand-held mechanical and low tech-tools, e.g. spirit level, etc.
  • Following instructions accurately. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Problem Solving relates to all specific outcomes. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Teamwork relates to all specific outcomes. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Self-management relates to all specific outcomes. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Interpreting Information relates to all specific outcomes. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use Science and Technology relates to sall specific outcomes. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    The world as a set of related systems relates to specific outcomes:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of natural resources and recognise how sound management contributes towards sustainable farming systems.
  • Eradicate alien plant species and noxious weeds.
  • Recognise eroded areas and potential soil erosion and carry out minor control measures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Self-development relates to sall specific outcomes. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  48976   National Certificate: Animal Production  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  AgriSETA 
    Core  48977   National Certificate: Mixed Farming Systems  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  AgriSETA 
    Core  48975   National Certificate: Plant Production  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  AgriSETA 
    Elective  49556   National Certificate: Development Practice  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  ETDP SETA 
    Elective  49605   National Certificate: Environmental Practice  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  LG SETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. A4 Consultancy CC 
    2. Academy (Pty) Ltd 
    3. African Divas 
    4. Alpha Business Consultants 
    5. Amabamba Recruitment 
    6. Amangile Academy (Pty) Ltd 
    7. AVAX SA 481 CC. T/A Mandisa Development Services 
    8. Azitjhewi Construction 
    9. Balemi Consulting Pty Ltd 
    10. Bantubanye Skills 
    11. Bettes - Types Trading and Projects 
    12. Bikologix Projects 
    13. Bizzy Fire Control CC. 
    14. BO Support Services CC 
    15. Boikgantsho Consulting & Events 
    16. Boiponahatso Enterprise 
    17. Bokamoso Impact Investment 
    18. Boni Africa Events & Development 
    19. Buena Vista Learning Academy 
    20. Bumunhu Services Providers Cc 
    21. Cedara College of Agriculture 
    22. Coceka Consulting 
    23. Colgene Group 
    24. Cre8ive Organisational Development 
    25. CTC College(PTY) LTD. 
    26. Daily Double Traiding 281 
    27. Dean Institute Of Learning (Pty) Ltd 
    28. Dihwai Food Cultural and Agricultural Services 
    29. Ditirelo Skills Development Services 
    30. ECO PARTNERS 
    31. Edutraining Business College 
    32. Elective Training Institute Enterprise CC 
    33. ELSENBURG AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE 
    34. Environmental Leadership Academy 
    35. Escay Catering and other Services 
    36. Essential Skills 
    37. Fire Protection Association of Southern Africa 
    38. GAEGOLELWE CONSULTANCY (PTY) LTD 
    39. General Economic Analysis 
    40. Ghoenas Kraal Opleiding Sentrum 
    41. Glere Skills and Consultants 
    42. GLOBAL LINKS CORPORATE TRAINING (PTY) LTD 
    43. Goitsikitso Enterprise Trading 
    44. Goldfields FET College 
    45. Green Prints Consulting and Projects 
    46. Growth Management Consulting 
    47. Heedmorine Training 
    48. Hercuscope 
    49. Hlombe and Associates 
    50. HS GLOBAL SKILLS BUSINESS SOLUTIONS 
    51. Icando 
    52. Impact Plus Training Consultants 
    53. Independent Development Trust 
    54. Integrated Waste and Recycling Services(IWARS) 
    55. IQ Skills Academy (PTY) LTD. 
    56. Jobafrik Consulting 
    57. Jomash Construction 
    58. Josmap Training Institute 
    59. JPM & Associates 
    60. Kay Beez Development Projects 
    61. KayDee Project Management Cc 
    62. Kernel Management and Consulting (PTY) LTD. 
    63. Kgakishe Trading and Projects (PTY) LTD 
    64. Kgopane Trading Enterprise 
    65. Kimbali Holdings 
    66. KMK Training Services (PTY) Ltd 
    67. Knowledge For Ever 
    68. Kokilesedi Trading 
    69. Kwazulu Skills Academy 
    70. KWEM Management Solutions 
    71. Lapa La Afrika Farming and Projects 
    72. Lesias Educational Services 
    73. Lip Holding (pty) LTD 
    74. Lorpen Investments 
    75. M.I.C. Training and Development 
    76. Madzivhandila Agricultural College 
    77. Mafusega Projects 
    78. Mahayi HRD Services cc 
    79. Maishamalema Development Training 
    80. Makavila Suppliers CC. 
    81. Mananthatshema Skills Dev. Centre 
    82. Mangalani Business Enterprises 
    83. Marang Women in Agric and Development 
    84. Masheshafike (Pty) Ltd 
    85. MashMP Holdings 
    86. Mashphe Logistics Services 
    87. Mathapuso Construction and Projects 
    88. Matotomana Training & General Trading 
    89. Mazasa Management Consulting CC. 
    90. Mbimbini Training and Community Development 
    91. Mbinga Holdings (Pty) Ltd 
    92. Mcebo Technologies 
    93. Mementos Training Pty Ltd 
    94. Mestel Training Solutions (Pty) Ltd 
    95. Mgwezane Training and Events Management CC. 
    96. Miczo's Enterprise 
    97. Mimoisa Business Solutions CC 
    98. Misol Projects cc 
    99. MML Consulting CC. 
    100. Mobile Agri Skills Development and Training NPC 
    101. Mod-Mosh Projects and Consulting (PTY) LTD 
    102. Mogaladi Business Enterprise 
    103. Mohlaje Solutions (Pty) Ltd 
    104. Montshepetsa Bosui Farming & Training Cnt 
    105. Morwa Agri-development cc 
    106. Moseki Consulting Engineering Training & Development (PTY) LTD 
    107. Mphela Education Training and Development 
    108. Mpontshe Training 
    109. Mthashana FET College - Vryheid Campus 
    110. Multiple Productive Management Solutions 
    111. Mvas-4 Trading (Pty) Ltd 
    112. Mvelo Consultant 
    113. National Institute For The Deaf - NID 
    114. Nettcon SA 
    115. New Heights 1082 Pty Ltd 
    116. NFS Services (Pty) Ltd 
    117. Ngwato Wa Mphela Agriculture Training Services 
    118. NKQUBELA CONSULTING 
    119. Nokusho M Consulting and Trading 
    120. Nonunu Projects 
    121. Nophelo Training Centre 
    122. Novi General Services 
    123. Nsuku Management Consultants 
    124. Nyankwavi Investment CC. 
    125. PBM Solutions 
    126. Pebetse Training and Consulting 
    127. PFIM Trading (Pty) Ltd 
    128. Philani Solutions 
    129. Phill Skills and Development Institute 
    130. Pioneer Business Consulting 
    131. PMA Holdings (PTY ) LTD. 
    132. POTCH - UTC (PTY) LTD 
    133. Power Rush Trading 170 CC. 
    134. Powernexus 
    135. Puseletso Trading and Projects 
    136. Rebone Safety and Environmental Consultants 
    137. Reflections Development Institute 
    138. RLSTP Training & Development (PTY) LTD. 
    139. RMCII Solutions (Pty) Ltd 
    140. Sekhukhune FET College - Central Office 
    141. Selipha Trading (Pty) Ltd 
    142. Senelo Trading CC 
    143. Setlakala Business Development 
    144. Siljeur Training Academy 
    145. Simmek Holdings 
    146. Simtho Investments (PTY) LTD 
    147. Siyafundisa I Africa 
    148. Siyasanga Training Centre 
    149. Siyavuna Abalimi Development Centre 
    150. SJM Squared Construction 
    151. SmartMatta (Pty) Ltd 
    152. South African Institute of Learning (SAIL) 
    153. South African ABET Development Agency SAADA 
    154. South African Governance and Business College 
    155. Suidwes Beleggings Eiendoms Beperk 
    156. Taletso FET College - Central Office 
    157. Thando Consulting Services 
    158. The Crimson CO CC. 
    159. The Green Affairs Consulting 
    160. The Petit Pois Chef's Academy 
    161. The Skills Development Hub (Pty) Ltd 
    162. Thembeni Skills Development Trading and Projects 
    163. Thubelihle Graduate Institute 
    164. Thuto Boshwa Skills Development Services 
    165. TLD Consulting 
    166. Tlotlangthuto Training & Consulting 
    167. TM Mashwara and Projects 
    168. Tompi Seleka Agricultural College 
    169. Township Fire and Rescure (Pty) Ltd 
    170. TPN Training and Recruitment cc 
    171. Training at Work (Pty) Ltd 
    172. Triple R Training Provider 
    173. Tshisimani Holdings (PTY) Ltd. 
    174. Twin Peak Technologies 
    175. Ukhamba Quality Skills 
    176. UNIVERSITY OF BUSINESS EXCELLENCE(PTY)LTD 
    177. University of Limpopo 
    178. University of Venda 
    179. Vari Holdings (Pty)Ltd 
    180. Venus Maintenance and Supply Services 
    181. Vista Chem Consulting 
    182. Westco Agri Training 
    183. X Foundation 
    184. Ya Hina Management Consulting and projects 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.