Introduction
The challenges facing the country include low literacy levels, which hinder the development of agricultural and other basic vocational skills.
The skills needed for agricultural production, food security and sustainable rural development include:
- literacy and numeracy skills
- basic decision-making and problem-solving
- technical and vocational skills in agriculture, and land and water management
- leadership, planning and management skills
- social, interpersonal and communication skills
- negotiation and facilitation skills
- the critical thinking that is necessary for fostering innovation and change
- food preservation and processing skills
- marketing skills
- business, income-generating and entrepreneurial skills
- the awareness of social, political and legal institutions that is necessary for effective participation in civil society
Many of these skills could be considered the building blocks for success in the modern world and should be gained through primary and secondary education. Unfortunately, this has not been the case as the education system has failed many youngsters, especially in rural areas.
The provision of Adult Basic Education and Training (ABET) is a cornerstone in the work of the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs). Certainly generating literacy amongst farm workers remains one of the greatest challenges to our investment in people.
Along with the provision of skills and the capacity to perform, the spin-offs of education and training go beyond the workplace and staff morale: people become agents of change and positive participators in the development of their communities.
National strategy and government contact
The National Development Plan (NDP) placed agriculture firmly on the agenda for the 15 years following its inception (NPC, 2011). Specifically, and in relation to Agricultural Education and Training (AET), the NDP calls for:
- The creation of an additional one million jobs in the agriculture, agro-processing, and related sectors.
- Increased investment in agricultural technologies, research, and the development of adaptation strategies.
- Expanding the college system with a focus on improving quality.
- Improved skills development and training in the agricultural sector, including entrepreneurship training. This should include the training of a new cadre of extension officers.
- Investigation into whether extension and agricultural services are appropriately located at provincial level.
- Innovative means for agricultural extension and training by the state in partnership with industries.
Additional targets of indirect relevance to AET include increasing enrolment at universities and increasing the percentage of PhD-qualified staff in the higher education sector.
Source: from the executive summary of Revitalising Agricultural Education and Training in South Africa. Find the details of the document under "Websites & publications".
Strategic Integrated Projects (SIPs) are part of the Infrastructure Plan developed by Government to support economic development and address service delivery in the poorest provinces. Each SIP comprises of specific infrastructure components and programmes. SIP 11 is Agri-logistics and rural infrastructure, and includes the expansion of agricultural colleges (see “Agricultural Training Institutes / Agricultural Colleges” heading).
The post-school education and training White Paper plans to expand the capacity of, access to, and the quality of South Africa’s higher education institutions. Find it at www.dhet.gov.za.
The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) has partnered with the NEPAD Agency to implement the Agricultural Technical and Vocational Education and Training (ATVET) project within the Comprehensive African Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP).
Government departments
Government departments of relevance to this page are the Department of Basic Education, the Department of Higher Education and Training, and of course DALRRD. Find contact details for all departments at www.gov.za.
The two relevant directorates at DALRRD are:
- Directorate: Sector Education & Training
- Directorate: Sectoral Colleges
Information on them can be found at www.dalrrd.gov.za.
Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) involved:
Agriculture Sectoral Education and Training Authority (AgriSETA) www.agriseta.co.za
The AgriSETA Board offers financial support to you as employer and employee in respect of training and development programmes.
FoodBev SETA is subdivided into five chambers:
- Baking, Cereals, Confectionary & Snacks (BCCS)
- Beverage Manufacturing
- Dairy Manufacturing
- Manufacture of Food Preparation Products
- Processed and Preserved Meat, Fish, Fruit and Vegetables
Visit www.foodbev.co.za.
Fibre Processing and Manufacturing Education and Training Authority (FP&M SETA) www.fpmseta.org.za The SETA responsible for training in the forestry sector
Health & Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority (HWSETA) www.hwseta.org.za Agriculture and its related outputs are very dependent on veterinary science, which falls under the HWSETA
Associations involved
- Association of Principals of Agricultural Colleges (APAC), Majela Mashiloane Tel: 015 294 3000
- Association of South African Agricultural Educators (ASAAE) https://asaae.co.za
- Association of Students of Agricutural Training Institutes (ASATI) www.facebook.com/ASATI22/
- Higher Education Learning & Teaching Association of Southern Africa (HELTASA) http://heltasa.org.za/
- Human Resource Development Council (HRDCSA) www.hrdcsa.org.za
- South African Agricultural Teaching Association (SAATA) www.facebook.com/groups/593871300762287/
- Technical Vocational Education and Training College Governors Council (TVETCGC) Tel: 012 664 1140 www.tvetcgc.org
- The South African Technology Network (SATN) is a voluntary association of universities of technology (UoTs) www.satn.org.za
- UMALUSI Council for Quality Assurance in General and Further Education and Training www.umalusi.org.za
- Universities South Africa / University Councils Chairpersons Forum-SA (UCCF-SA), Formerly Higher Education South Africa (HESA), www.usaf.ac.za
Agricultural schools
Three branches of agriculture studies are offered at these schools: Agricultural Sciences, Agricultural Technology and Agricultural Management Practices, the last two being practical in nature.
- Agricultural Sciences is the study of the relationship between soils, plants and animals in the production and processing of food, fibre, fuel and any other agricultural commodities that have an economic, aesthetic and cultural value. It is an integrated science that combines the knowledge and skills from Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, Social Sciences, Earth Sciences, Engineering, Mathematics and Economics. This subject must be seen within the holistic science framework rather than as an isolated science.
- Agricultural Management Practices is the study and application of economic and management principles that are used in the production, transformation and marketing of food and other agricultural products. The foregoing principles are used in the production and value adding of high quality agricultural products that have economic, aesthetic, social and cultural value.
- Agricultural Technology focuses on technological processes used in agriculture to create an understanding of how processes, equipment and structures are used with people, soil, plants, animals and their products to use the environment, to sustain and maintain quality of life and to promote economic, aesthetic and sound cultural values.
Schools that offer all three (Agricultural Schools) are listed here. For a list of other schools which offer Agricultural Sciences but are not classed as “Agricultural Schools”, contact SAATA (details under “Associations involved” heading).
Eastern Cape
School | Contact Details |
Hoër Landbouskool Marlow (Cradock) | Tel: 048 881 3121 www.marlow.co.za |
Phandulwazi Agricultural High School (Alice) | Cell: 062 122 0337 www.facebook.com/groups/143262439065246/ |
Winterberg Agricultural High School (Fort Beaufort) | Tel: 046 555 0005 www.winagric.co.za |
Free State
School | Website/Contact Details |
Bultfontein Hoërskool (Bultfontein) | Tel: 051 853 1140 |
Hoërskool Hendrik Potgieter (Reddersburg) | Tel: 051 553 0129 |
Hoërskool Trio High School | Tel: 056 212 5433 www.triohs.co.za |
Landboudal Agricultural High School (Jacobsdal) | Tel: 053 050 9392 https://landboudal.co.za |
Reitz Landbou Akademie | Tel: 058 863 2701 |
UnicomHigh School (Tweespruit) | Tel: 051 963 0013
|
Weiveld Landbouskool en Hotelskool (Parys) | Tel: 056 817 6688 |
Gauteng
School | Contact Details |
Hoërskool Bekker (Magaliesburg) | Tel: 014 577 5936/9 https://bekkerhs.co.za |
KwaZulu-Natal
School | Website/Contact Details |
James Nxumalo Agricultural High School (Ulundi) | Tel: 083 321 0608 |
Vryheid Agricultural High School (Vryheid) | Tel: 034 982 6005/06/07 http://vryheidlandbou.co.za |
Weston Agricultural College (Mooi River) | Tel: 033 263 1328
|
Limpopo
School | Website/Contact Details |
Dimani Agricultural High School (Shayandima) | Tel: 015 964 3520 |
Kheto Nxumayo Agricultural High School (Giyani) | Tel: 015 812 3315 / 083 366 5949 ikhetho [at] yahoo.com |
Hoër Landbouskool Kuschke (Eerstegoud) | Tel: 015 225 8902/03/04 Tel: 071 221 8146 |
Merensky High School (Tzaneen) | Tel: 015 305 7901/02/04 https://hsmerensky.co.za |
Settlers Agricultural High School (Settlers) | Tel: 014 730 1800/11 |
Tshipakoni Secondary School (Vumani) | Tel: 071 251 0934
|
Mpumalanga
School | Website/Contact Details |
Beestepan Agricultural High School (Middleburg) | Cell: 013 297 1697 / 082 682 2923 |
Mahhushe Agricultural High School (Kwalugedlane) | Tel: 082 812 8688
|
Mathews Phosa College (Schagen) | Tel: 013 733 3224 |
Hoërskool Middelburg (Middleburg) | Tel: 013 282 7393/4/5 |
Morgenzon Landbou Akademie (Morgenzon) | Tel: 017 793 3089/58 |
Perdekop Agricultural High School (Perdekop) | Tel: 017 785 1028 |
Sinethemba Secondary School (Piet Refief) | Tel: 017 730 0094 |
Suikerland Secondary School (Malelane) | Tel: 013 790 1191 |
Umzimvelo Agricultural School (Ermelo) | Tel: 017 819 5820
|
North West
School | Website/Contact Details |
Kromellenboog Combined School (Christiana) | Tel: 061 495 1537 |
PH Moeketsi Agricultural High School (Taung) | Tel: 053 994 1845/7 Tel: 082 696 7554 www.facebook.com/p/Ph-Moeketsi-Agriculture-High-School-100063867937857/ |
Hoërskool Sannieshof (Sannieshof) | Tel: 018 683 0011 |
Hoërskool Wagpos (Brits) | Tel: 012 072 2733 |
Northern Cape
School | Contact Details |
Hoërskool Martin Oosthuizen (Kakamas) | Tel: 054 431 0884/5 admin [at] hmoskool.co.za www.hmoskool.co.za |
Hoër Landbouskool Noord-Kaapland (Jan Kempdorp) | Tel: 053 456 4345 / 082 851 7652 www.facebook.com/groups/25712780312/ |
Western Cape
School | Contact Details |
Augsburg Landbougimnasium (Clanwilliam) | Tel: 027 482 2120/2 |
Boland Agricultural High School (Windmeul) | Tel: 021 869 8143 |
Hoër Landbouskool Oakdale (Riversdal) | Tel: 028 713 2549 |
Agricultural Training Institutes / Agricultural Colleges
Agricultural Training Institutes, also called Agricultural Colleges, offer higher education for those wanting to follow a career in agriculture, as well as short courses, previously known as further education training (FET), now technical, vocational education and training (TVET).
These short courses are offered in animal production, crop production, as well as in areas like tractor maintenance and the safe handling of chemicals. A document Structured Training Programmes, listing all short courses, may be found on www.dalrrd.gov.za. Alternatively, contact the Agricultural Training Institute of your choosing.
Institution and Province | Contact Details |
Fort Cox (Eastern Cape) | Tel: 040 653 8033/4 www.fortcox.ac.za |
Grootfontein (Eastern Cape) | Tel: 049 842 1113 http://gadi.agric.za |
Mpofu (Eastern Cape) | Tel: 040 664 9064 / 53 / 54 |
Tsolo Agricultural College (Eastern Cape) | Tel: 047 542 3700 www.tardi.ac.za |
Glen College (Free State) | Tel: 066 159 7561 or 066 475 8962 www.glenagriculturecollege.co.za |
Cedara (KwaZulu-Natal) | Tel: 033 355 9304 www.kzndard.gov.za |
Owen Sithole (KwaZulu-Natal) | Tel: 035 795 1345 www.kzndard.gov.za |
Madzivhandila (Limpopo) | Tel: 015 962 7200 www.madzicollege.gov.za |
Tompi Seleka (Limpopo) | Tel: 013 268 9300/1/2 www.lda.gov.za and www.tsca.gov.za |
Lowveld (Mpumalanga) | Tel: 073 901 5964 www.ump.ac.za |
Potchefstroom (North West) | Tel: 018 285 0700 https://potchagricollege.co.za |
Taung (North West) | Tel: 060 504 8149 |
Elsenburg (Western Cape) | Branches: George Campus – 044 874 7739 Oudtshoorn Campus – 044 272 6077 Clanwilliam Campus – 021 482 1362 Tel: 021 808 5451 Fax: 021 884 4319 www.elsenburg.com |
Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Colleges offering agriculture
Institution | Contact details |
Boland TVET College
| |
Coastal KZN TVET College | |
Ehlanzeni TVET College | |
Elangeni Sivananda TVET College | |
Gert Sibande TVET College | |
Ikhala TVET College | |
King Hintsa TVET College | |
Lovedale TVET College | Tel: 043 642 1331 |
Majuba Technology Centre | |
Maluti TVET College (Sefikeng Campus) | |
Mthashana TVET College | |
Taletso TVET College | |
Umfolozi TVET College | |
Vuselela TVET College | |
Waterberg TVET College | |
Westcol TVET College |
Find a full list of TVET Colleges per province at www.studentroom.co.za and www.careerhelp.org.za
Learnerships, apprenticeships and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Find the “Skills delivery” and option at www.agriseta.co.za.
Learnerships and apprenticeships are a combination of on-the-job learning along with some theoretical training. The major part of the training can be offered on the farm.
They are available in the following subjects: Agricultural Management; Agronomy, Animal Husbandry and Horticulture (for both farm owner and farm worker); Plant Production; Mixed Farming Systems; Fruit Packaging and Grading; Agricultural Machinery; Grain Handling; Grain Milling; Dry Pet Food Processing; Poultry Production; Poultry Processing; Red Meat (Abattoir Processes, Supervision, Slaughtering; Meat Examination); Seed (Production, Marketing, Research & Development; Processing etc); Sugar; Sugar Processing; Rooibos Processing; and Tobacco.
A learnership leads to a qualification and the level of qualification starts at Level 1 (equal to Grade 9). The highest level is level 5. Although it is not unit standard based, the apprenticeship also leads to a recognised national qualification indicating that you are competent in the skill for which you trained.
There are many financial incentives for a business owner to put employees (and unemployed people) on these learning programmes. AgriSETA picks up the bill for most aspects of the training (including a weekly allowance if the learner is unemployed), and the employer receives tax deduction benefits once the leaner has successfully completed his/her training.
The employer and learner will sign an agreement for the duration of the learnership/apprenticeship. The strategy is that the employer offers an opportunity to the learner to obtain practical experience in the work place, the practical experience obviously having some bearing on the learner’s theoretical training.
After completion of the learnership, the employer will have no further obligation towards the learner. By taking in such a learner you as employer get the opportunity of evaluating the person with a view to future employment.
Do your staff have various skills, competencies and experiences acquired outside of formal education and training? They could be awarded academic credit for these towards a formal certificate. Find out about Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). The brochure at www.kzndard.gov.za is a good place to start.
Adult Basic Education Training (ABET) and General Training
A number of AgriSETA-accredited providers offer ABET training (see next heading).
AgriSETA accredited training providers
- Agriskills Transfer www.agriskills.net
- Buhle Farmers Academy www.buhle.org.za
- Skills for Africa www.skillsafrica.co.za
A comprehensive list of AgriSETA accredited training providers (nearly 500 of them) can be found on the AgriSETA website.
Accredited training providers in related sectors can be found on the websites of FoodBev and the forestry SETA, FP&M SETA. Visit www.foodbev.co.za and www.fpmseta.org.za respectively. Training providers accredited with other SETAs also offer training relevant to the agricultural sector e.g. Resonance Institute of Learning offers business and financial training for co-operatives and small-scale farmer businesses.
Agricultural Research Council (ARC) training
Find the “Training & advisory services” option at www.arc.agric.za.
The ARC campuses are able to structure courses upon request. The numbers of persons accepted for the courses and the costs vary and are obtainable from the contact numbers.
Livestock and animal health
ARC-Animal Production (ARC-AP) Tel: 012 672 9111
- Small scale dairy production
- Meat processing and carcass cutting
- Aquaculture
- Advanced Poultry Nutrition
- Beef Production and Management
- Dairy Production
- Pig Production
- Poultry Production
- Small Stock Management
ARC-Animal Health Onderstepoort Veterinary Research Campus (ARC-OV) Tel: 012 529 9111
- Diagnosis of Avian influenza
- Introduction to Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy
- Tick Identification
- Zoonotic Disease
Field crops
ARC-Grain Crops (ARC-GC) Tel: 018 299 6100
- Basic nematology
- Introduction to Grain Crops Production
- Dry Beans Production
- Groundnut Production
- Maize Production
- Sorghum and Millet Production
ARC-Small Grains (ARC-SG) Tel: 058 307 3400
- Wheat production
ARC-Industrial Crops (ARC-IC) Tel: 012 427 999/014 536 3150
- Courses on tobacco, cotton and fibre crops are presented.
Horticulture
ARC-Vegetable, Industrial and Medicinal Plants (VIMP) Tel: 012 841 9611
- Hydroponics Vegetable Production
- Vegetable Production
ARC-Deciduous Fruit, Vines and Wine (ARC-Infruitec/Nietvoorbij) Tel: 021 809 3100
- Fruit processing
- Deciduous Fruit Production
- Basic Business Skills
- Table Grape Production
- Honeybush Tea Production
ARC-Tropical and Subtropical Crops (ARC-TSC) Tel: 013 753 7000
- Processing of subtropical fruit
- Cultivation of Subtropical crops: Avocado, Citrus & Macadamia, Banana, Guava, Mango & Litchi
- Propagation of Subtropical Fruit Crops
- Tissue Culture of Subtropical Crops
Natural resources and engineering
ARC-Plant Health and Protection (ARC-PHP) Tel: 012 808 8000
- Principles of integrated pest management (IPM) for established and developing agricultural systems
- Handling, extraction and Identification of plant-parasitic nematodes
- The identification of phytophagous mites and of slide mounted specimens of selected mite families.
- Introductory and advanced spider identification courses
- Identification of some parasitic mites (Acari) of birds and domestic animals in Southern Africa.
- Alien plant control for land managers
- Stored Grain & Rodent Management
- Beekeeping
- Beeswax and candle making
- Practical course in phytobacteriology techniques in applied entomology
- Introductory mycology
- Introductory Cell Biology
- Introductory Molecular Biology
- Fusarium Identification
- Fungal taxonomy course
- Plant inspectors course for the identification of quarantine pests and diseases
- Mushroom production
- Training of smallholder farmers
- Ecologically-based rodent pest management
ARC-Agricultural Engineering (ARC-AE) Tel: 012 842 4017
- Irrigation Evaluation
- Mechanization planning for crop production
- Irrigation Design
ARC-Soil, Climate and Water (ARC-SCW) Tel: 012 310 2500
- Basic Soil Properties: Analysis and Interpretation
- Conservation Agriculture Training
- Soil Classification & Mapping
- Soil Microbiology and Biological Nitrogen Fixation
Universities
Clicking on the university name will take you to its website.
CAPE PENINSULA UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY (CPUT)
Faculty of Applied Sciences
Relevant departments are Agriculture, Biotechnology and Consumer Science, Environmental and Occupational Studies, Food Technology, and Horticultural Sciences. Contact numbers and information can be found on the website.
National Diplomas in Agricultural Management and Agriculture (Animal Production or Crop Production), Horticulture, Consumer Science, Environmental Health, Environmental Management, Food Technology and Nature Conservation are offered. BTech and MTech qualifications in these areas are also offered.
CENTRAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY (CUT)
Health and Environmental Sciences
Department of Agriculture
The Department of Agriculture offers a Diploma (NQF 6), Advanced Diploma (NQF 7) and Post Graduate Diploma (NQF 8) in Agricultural Management. It also offers an Advanced Diploma in Agricultural Extension (NQF 7), a Master’s (NQF 9) and Doctoral degree (NQF 10) in Agriculture, as well as Post-Doctoral Fellowships in Agriculture.
Short courses are also offered, and students and lecturers are involved in community service and frequently liaise with industry.
Merit bursaries from the 2nd year of study, and Innovation fund bursaries for research projects are available.
DURBAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY (DUT)
Applied Sciences
Department of Horticulture
N Dip and B Tech are offered in horticulture
Department of Biotechnology and Food Science
Undergraduate degrees, honours, masters and PhD qualifications offered.
MANGOSUTHU UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY (MUT)
Faculty of Natural Sciences
Department of Agriculture
Three year National diplomas in Plant production or Animal production offered. Bursaries are available.
NELSON MANDELA UNIVERSITY (NMU) GEORGE CAMPUS (SAASVELD)
Departments within the School of Natural Resource Management are Forestry, Agriculture, Nature Conservation, Game Ranch Management and Wood Technology. The National Diploma, BTech degree, MTech and DTech in agriculture are offered.
NELSON MANDELA UNIVERSITY (NMU) PORT ELIZABETH NORTH CAMPUS
National Diploma in Agricultural Management; BTech in Agricultural Management; MTech and DTech in Agriculture.
NORTH-WEST UNIVERSITY (NWU) MAHIKENG CAMPUS
The School of Agricultural Sciences comprises of 4 disciplines: Agricultural Economics and Extension, Animal Health, Animal Sciences and Crop Sciences. Students are enrolled into under- and post-graduate programmes where they are expertly trained in the various disciplines. The School also houses the Centre for Animal Health Studies, which trains Animal Health technicians at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
NORTH-WEST UNIVERSITY (NWU) POTCHEFSTROOM CAMPUS
- Two programmes are offered: BSc (Agric) with Soil Sciences and Agronomy, and BSc (Agric) with Agricultural Economics and Agronomy.
- The School of Biological Sciences offers Geology, Zoology, Microbiology, Botany, Geography and Environmental Management.
- The School of Economics offers a BCom in Agricultural Economics and Risk Management.
- The Research Entity Environmental Science and Management offers a range of subjects that have a bearing on agriculture (mentioned in the relevant chapters of this publication) e.g. Biodiversity and Conservation Ecology, Environmental Management, Integrated Pest Management and Agricultural Economics.
The North-West University’s Business School provides the certification for the Leadership Academy for Agriculture. See http://leadagri.co.za.
Master’s and Doctoral Programs in Agricultural Economics at the North-West University’s Potchefstroom Campus
Agricultural research and education are, and will remain a prerequisite for increasing agricultural productivity and endured competitiveness in a globalised world economy. Agriculture has the ability to generate income for farmers and the rural workforce. This in turn will address food security and poverty alleviation. Given that few countries have achieved economic growth without agricultural development, it can be concluded that the sector can significantly contribute to poverty alleviation. Therefore, agricultural research and education should be a high priority, especially within the developing world.
Therefore, the main aim of the Master’s and Doctoral program in Agricultural Economics at the Potchefstroom Campus of the North-West University is to equip students with knowledge and practical experience that will empower him/her to contribute to solutions relating to these difficult real world challenges in an dynamic agricultural environment.
Contact Dr J van der Merwe at 018 299 2393 or send an email to Johnny.VanDerMerwe [at] nwu.ac.za.
STELLENBOSCH UNIVERSITY (SU)
Faculty of AgriSciences
Departments are Agricultural Economics, Agronomy, Animal Science, Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Food Science, Forest and Wood Science, Genetics and Institute of Plant Biotechnology, Horticultural Science, Plant Pathology, Soil Science, and Viticulture and Oenology (DVO). The faculty also hosts the Institute for Wine Biotechnology (IWBT). Consult the website for contact details and information.
TSHWANE UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY (TUT)
Faculty of Science
Departments relevant to this publication are Animal Sciences, Biotechnology and Food Technology, Crop Science, Environmental Health, Environmental Water and Earth Science, Horticulture and Nature Conservation. Find out more on the website.
UNIVERSITY OF FORT HARE (UFH)
Faculty of Science and Agriculture
Departments in the School of Agriculture and Agribusiness are: Agricultural Economics and Extension; Agronomy; Livestock and Pasture Sciences. Departments like Geography, Biochemistry and Microbiology, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) etc are housed within the School of Biological and Environmental Sciences or the School of Physical and Computational Sciences.
UNIVERSITY OF THE FREE STATE (UFS)
Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences www.ufs.ac.za/natagri
Relevant departments are Agricultural Economics; Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Sciences; the Centre for Environmental Management; Sustainable Food Systems and Development; the Disaster Management Training and Education Centre for Africa (DiMTEC); the Institute for Groundwater Studies; Microbiology and Biochemistry; Plant Sciences; Soil, Crop and Climate Sciences; and Zoology and Entomology. The faculty also hosts the Paradys Experimental Farm.
.
Short courses for commercial and emerging farmers are available in Afrikaans, English or Sesotho. To find out about the financial planning and strategic management courses offered by the Centre for Agricultural Management, call 051 401 2557 / 3551 or visit www.ufs.ac.za/agriman.
UNIVERSITY OF KWAZULU-NATAL (UKZN)
School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences http://saees.ukzn.ac.za
The School is comprised of 14 disciplines that fall under five clusters: Biophysical Science, Geography, Geology, Production Sciences and Value-Adding. Those of interest to us include Agricultural Meteorology, Soil Science, Animal & Poultry Science, Crop Science, Horticultural Science, Plant Breeding, Plant Pathology,Agricultural Economics & Agribusiness, Agricultural Extension & Rural Resources Management, Dietetics & Human Nutrition, and Food Security.
Two other schools of interest to us are:
- School of Life Sciences – http://lifesciences.ukzn.ac.za. Disciplines here include Biochemistry, Biology, Cellular Biology, Ecology, Marine Biology and Microbiology
- School of Engineering (includes Agricultural Engineering – https://engineering.ukzn.ac.za/bioresources
UNIVERSITY OF LIMPOPO (UL)
School of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
Departments are Agricultural Economics and Animal Production; Geography and Environmental Studies; Plant Production, Soil Science and Remote Sensing; and Water and Sanitation.
Research facilities include the Aquaculture Research Unit, the Experimental Farm, the Centre for Rural Empowerment and the Limpopo Agro-Food Technology Station.
UNIVERSITY OF MPUMALANGA (UMP)
School of Agricultural Sciences
A Bachelor of Agriculture degree (Agricultural Extension and Rural Resource Management), Bachelor of Science degrees (in agriculture and in forestry), as well as various diplomas are offered.
UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA (UP) FACULTY OF NATURAL AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES
The departments are listed on the faculty web pages, and include a link to where contact details and information are given. Departments in the faculty include: Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development; Animal Science; Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology; Consumer and Food Sciences; Geography, Geoinformatics and Meteorology; Geology; Plant and and Soil Sciences; Zoology and Entomology.
Their institutes, centres and units include: African Centre for Gene Technologies; Centre for Environmental Studies (CFES); Centre for Environmental Studies (CFES); Conservation Ecology Research Unit (CERU); Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI); UP Water Institute; Conservation Ecology Research Unit (CERU); and the Schweickerdt Herbarium.
UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA (UP) FACULTY OF VETERINARY SCIENCE
On the website, find the interactive links to the departments: Anatomy and Physiology, Companion Animal Clinical Studies, Paraclinical Sciences, Production Animal Studies, Veterinary Tropical Diseases. Centres include the Centre for Veterinary Wildlife Studies, Equine Research Centre, World Organization for Animal Health Collaborating Centre, and the Onderstepoort Veterinary Genetics Laboratory.
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AFRICA (UNISA)
The method of studying at UNISA – distance learning along with practical modules at a centre near you – makes this an ideal method of studying or upgrading your qualifications, whether you are an extension officer, potential farmer or entrepreneur.
The College offers both diplomas and degrees under one roof. In Agriculture, for example, a National Diploma and BTech in Agricultural Management as well as a generic BSc (Agric) are offered.
School of Agriculture and Life Sciences
- Department of Agriculture and Animal Health – the focus is on agricultural management, animal health, food nutrition, food security and social development. This department also hosts the Unit for Indigenous Technological Knowledge Services.
- Department of Life and Consumer Sciences – Life Sciences e.g. animal physiology, biochemistry, botany, biology, microbiology and zoology; Consumer Sciences e.g. food, clothing and textiles, nutrition and hospitality
School of Environmental Sciences
- The Department of Environmental Sciences focuses on environmental Science, Environmental Management, Ornamental Horticulture and Nature Conservation.
- The Department of Geography offers undergraduate degrees in environmental management and geography modules up to doctoral level.
The College also hosts the Applied Behavioural Ecological & Ecosystem Research Unit (ABEERU) and the Flylab Genomebase.
UNIVERSITY OF VENDA (UV)
Faculty of Science, Engineering and Agriculture
Of interest to us are the following departments: Food Science and Technology; Department of Animal Science; Department of Plant and Soil Sciences; Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness; Department of Forestry; Department of Geography and Environmental Sciences; Department of Biochemistry & Microbiology; and the Department of Agricultural and Rural Engineering. It also hosts the Institute for Rural Development.
UNIVERSITY OF THE WESTERN CAPE (UWC)
Faculty of Natural Sciences
- Departments in the faculty include Biotechnology, and Biodiversity and Conservation Biology.
- Units/Institutes of interest to this publication include the Institute for Water Studies and the South African Herbal Science and Medicine Institute (SAHSMI).
UNIVERSITY OF ZULULAND
Faculty of Science and Agriculture
- Departments include Agriculture; Biochemistry and Microbiology; Botany; Consumer Sciences; Geography and Environmental Studies; Hydrology; and Zoology.
VAAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY (VUT)
Faculty of Applied & Computer Sciences
- Department of Biotechnology
Websites and publications
Visit the websites listed earlier on this page.
- Find learning material on the AgriSETA website, www.agriseta.co.za, under the “Agri Quality Assurance” option.
- Nation in Conversation took a look at agricultural education and training (2018, September 13). Find the episode [in Afrikaans] at www.nationinconversation.co.za/Events/View/opleiding-en-opleidingsinstansies-in-landbou
- Download the report “JOBS NOW: Vocational Education and Training Swiss-style” at www.accenture.com/us-en/insight-swiss-style-training
Some articles
- Botha L. 2024, January 23. “Agriculture takes the spotlight in matric class of 2023”. Farmer’s Weekly. Available at www.farmersweekly.co.za/agri-news/south-africa/agriculture-takes-the-spotlight-in-matric-class-of-2023
- Espach W. 2023, September 21. “Cultivating tomorrow’s agricultural leaders: The power of online learning”. Bizcommunity. Available at www.bizcommunity.com/Article/196/472/242094.html
- Sihlobo W. 2022, October 2. “Not all South African agriculture colleges are in a state of collapse”. Available at https://wandilesihlobo.com/2022/10/02/not-all-south-africas-agriculture-colleges-are-in-a-state-of-collapse/
- Muller K. 2022, June 6. “Choosing the right institution of higher education”. SA Grain Mag. Available at https://sagrainmag.co.za/2022/06/06/choosing-the-right-institution-of-higher-education
- Find the Parliamentary Monitoring Group’s notes on the Higher Education, Science and Innovation committee meeting “Migration of Agricultural and Nursing colleges; AGRISETA & HWSETA on overview of their skills development programmes” (2022, June) at https://pmg.org.za/committee-meeting/35104/
- Reporter. 2022, April 22. “Nzimande pleased with progress on 4IR interventions”. SA News. Available at www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/nzimande-pleased-progress-4ir-interventions
- Steenkamp E-M. 2021, September 29. “Where there’s a ‘WIL’, there’s a way”. HORTGRO. Available at www.hortgro.co.za/industry-news/where-theres-a-wil-theres-a-way/
- Dordley L. 2021, September 10. “Western Cape farmers to get drone training”. Food for Mzansi. Available at www.foodformzansi.co.za/western-cape-farmers-to-receive-drone-training/
- Van der Berg W. 2020, March 13. Nuwe landbou-akademie belê in toekoms vir Reitz” [new agriculture academy an investment in the future of Reitz]. Landbouweekblad. Available at www.netwerk24.com/landbou/Bedrywe/Bedryfsake/nuwe-landbou-akademie-bele-in-toekoms-vir-reitz-20200313
- Laubscher K. 2019, July 13. “SA agri training needs drastic digital overhaul”. Farmer’s Weekly. Available at www.farmersweekly.co.za/opinion/by-invitation/sa-agri-training-needs-drastic-digital-overhaul/
- Ersamus, D. 2019, March 29. “Agri training falling further behind”. Farmer’s Weekly. Available at www.farmersweekly.co.za/opinion/blog/letter-from-the-editor/agri-training-falling-further-behind/
- Kriel, G. 2019, March 29. “High demand for smart machine operators”. Farmer’s Weekly, pp. 44-46.
- Erasmus, D. 2018, June 19. “Agricultural development’s education gap”. Farmer’s Weekly. Available at www.farmersweekly.co.za/agri-business/agribusinesses/agricultural-developments-education-gap/
- Coetzee, C. 2017, October 16. “#WorldFoodDay: Investing in agricultural education can help feed future populations”. Bizcommunity. Available at www.bizcommunity.com/Article/196/358/168791.html
- Blight, H. 2017, August 14. “Transforming agricultural education through technology”. Bizcommunity. Available at www.bizcommunity.com/Article/196/358/165981.html