Agriculture and Nature Conservation Primary Agriculture

Establish and Manage an Extension Unit Training

SAQA US 253022 | NQF 7 | Credits 10 | Duration 7 Days
From $1,523 per delegate

Description

This course equips learners with the competencies required to establish and manage an extension unit within an organisation. It covers strategic planning, resource allocation, stakeholder engagement, and performance monitoring to ensure the unit meets its objectives. Participants will gain practical skills to lead extension services effectively in various sectors.

Learning Outcomes

  • Analyse the need for an extension unit and define its scope and objectives.
  • Develop a strategic plan for the establishment and operation of an extension unit.
  • Implement resource management strategies including budgeting, staffing, and logistics.
  • Evaluate the performance of the extension unit against set goals and standards.
  • Demonstrate effective stakeholder engagement and communication techniques.

Target Audience

This course is designed for managers, supervisors, and professionals responsible for setting up or overseeing extension units in agricultural, community development, or corporate settings. It is also suitable for individuals aspiring to lead outreach or extension programmes.

Prerequisites

None — open enrollment

Course Outline

Day 1: Introduction to Extension Units and Their Role

Objectives:
• Understand the purpose and scope of an extension unit in agricultural and rural development.
• Identify key stakeholders and beneficiaries of extension services.
• Explain the historical context and current trends in extension.
• Recognize the importance of participatory approaches in extension.

Topics:
• Definition and objectives of extension units.
• Role of extension in sustainable agriculture and rural development.
• Overview of extension models (e.g., transfer of technology, participatory).
• Key stakeholders: farmers, communities, government, NGOs, private sector.
• Challenges facing extension services in South Africa.
• Ethical considerations and professionalism in extension.

Day 2: Planning and Needs Assessment

Objectives:
• Conduct a community needs assessment using appropriate tools.
• Develop a strategic plan for an extension unit.
• Identify priority areas and set SMART objectives.
• Align extension plans with national and provincial agricultural policies.

Topics:
• Principles of participatory needs assessment.
• Tools: surveys, focus groups, key informant interviews.
• SWOT analysis for extension planning.
• Formulating SMART objectives.
• Resource identification and mobilization.
• Policy frameworks: Agricultural Policy, Extension Recovery Plan.

Day 3: Programme Design and Implementation

Objectives:
• Design extension programmes tailored to target groups.
• Develop a work plan with timelines and milestones.
• Implement programmes using appropriate methods (e.g., demonstrations, field days).
• Monitor and adjust implementation as needed.

Topics:
• Principles of programme design.
• Developing a logical framework.
• Selection of extension methods: individual, group, mass media.
• Planning field demonstrations and trials.
• Use of ICT in extension (e.g., mobile apps, social media).
• Risk management and contingency planning.

Day 4: Communication and Facilitation Skills

Objectives:
• Apply effective communication techniques in extension.
• Facilitate group learning sessions and farmer meetings.
• Use participatory methods to enhance learning.
• Manage conflict and handle difficult situations.

Topics:
• Communication models and barriers.
• Active listening and questioning skills.
• Facilitation techniques: brainstorming, role-play, case studies.
• Adult learning principles.
• Conflict resolution strategies.
• Building trust and rapport with communities.

Day 5: Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting

Objectives:
• Develop a monitoring and evaluation (M&E) framework.
• Collect and analyze data to measure impact.
• Prepare reports for stakeholders.
• Use M&E results for continuous improvement.

Topics:
• M&E concepts: indicators, baseline, targets.
• Data collection methods: interviews, observations, records.
• Data analysis and interpretation.
• Report writing structure and style.
• Feedback mechanisms and learning loops.
• Case studies of successful M&E in extension.

Day 6: Financial Management and Resource Mobilization

Objectives:
• Prepare a budget for an extension unit.
• Manage financial resources responsibly.
• Identify funding sources and write proposals.
• Ensure compliance with financial regulations.

Topics:
• Budgeting principles and types.
• Cost-benefit analysis of extension activities.
• Financial record-keeping and reporting.
• Grant writing and fundraising strategies.
• Partnership development with donors and private sector.
• Procurement and asset management.

Day 7: Leadership, Team Building, and Sustainability

Objectives:
• Demonstrate leadership skills in managing an extension team.
• Build and motivate a cohesive team.
• Develop a sustainability plan for the extension unit.
• Integrate all course components into a comprehensive management plan.

Topics:
• Leadership styles and qualities.
• Team dynamics and conflict management.
• Staff development and performance management.
• Sustainability strategies: income generation, partnerships.
• Scaling up and out of successful interventions.
• Final project: presenting a management plan for a fictional extension unit.

Practicals

No practicals for this training.

This course is made up of exercises and case studies delivered alongside the theory — no separate practical sessions are required to complete it.

Summatives

Each delegate is assessed continuously throughout the course and a final summative test at the end.

Daily Exercises — 30%

Every training day ends with a multiple-choice exercise scored out of 100%. The scores from each daily exercise are averaged across the duration of the course to produce a Daily Average mark, which contributes 30% to the final total.

Final Test — 70%

On the last day a final summative test is written. It is a multiple-choice paper with multiple-answer questions: each question may have more than one correct option, and a single wrong selection on a question marks the entire question wrong — no partial credit. The final test is scored out of 100% and contributes 70% to the overall mark.

Final Total
Component Out of Weight
Daily Average (multiple choice) 100% 30%
Final Test (multi-answer multiple choice) 100% 70%
Final Total 100%

All marks are recorded on the AATICD LMS and visible to each learner under their account.

Certificate

Certificate of Completion

Awarded to delegates who achieve an overall mark of 50% or higher on the Final Total (Daily Average 30% + Final Test 70%).

How it works
  • Certificates are auto-generated on the AATICD LMS as soon as the marks pass the 50% threshold.
  • Each certificate is a branded PDF with the delegate's name, the course title, the unit standard ID, NQF level, credits, and the date of issue.
  • You can download or print your certificate from your LMS dashboard at any time after issue — there's no reissue fee and no expiry date.
  • If you scored under 50% you can sit the final test again at the next scheduled session at no extra cost.
Where to find it

Sign in to the LMS, open your dashboard, and your certificates appear under My Certificates. Each entry has a View / Download button and a print option.

Training Discounts

Group discounts apply automatically — the more delegates you enrol, the greater the saving. Discounts are calculated at 3% per 5 delegates, scaling up to 40% off for 100+ delegates.

Delegates Discount
5 3% off
10 6% off
15 9% off
20 12% off
25 15% off
30 18% off
50 30% off
75 35% off
100 40% off

3% discount per 5 delegates, up to 40% off for 100+ delegates. Contact us for a custom group quote.

Upcoming Training Sessions
Online training — attend live sessions from anywhere via our virtual classroom.
Start End Delivery Season Price Action
Mon 07 Sep 2026 Tue 15 Sep 2026 Virtual Spring 2026 $1,523 Register
Fri 02 Oct 2026 Mon 12 Oct 2026 Virtual Spring 2026 $1,523 Register
Thu 22 Oct 2026 Fri 30 Oct 2026 Virtual Spring 2026 $1,523 Register
Thu 10 Dec 2026 Fri 18 Dec 2026 Virtual Summer 2026 $1,523 Register
Wed 13 Jan 2027 Thu 21 Jan 2027 Virtual Summer 2026 $1,523 Register
Tue 16 Feb 2027 Wed 24 Feb 2027 Virtual Summer 2026 $1,523 Register
Mon 01 Mar 2027 Tue 09 Mar 2027 Virtual Autumn 2027 $1,523 Register
Fri 12 Mar 2027 Mon 22 Mar 2027 Virtual Autumn 2027 $1,523 Register
Thu 18 Mar 2027 Fri 26 Mar 2027 Virtual Autumn 2027 $1,523 Register
Wed 09 Jun 2027 Thu 17 Jun 2027 Virtual Winter 2027 $1,523 Register
Tue 29 Jun 2027 Wed 07 Jul 2027 Virtual Winter 2027 $1,523 Register
Mon 19 Jul 2027 Tue 27 Jul 2027 Virtual Winter 2027 $1,523 Register
Fri 10 Sep 2027 Mon 20 Sep 2027 Virtual Spring 2027 $1,523 Register
Thu 30 Sep 2027 Fri 08 Oct 2027 Virtual Spring 2027 $1,523 Register
Wed 20 Oct 2027 Thu 28 Oct 2027 Virtual Spring 2027 $1,523 Register
Thu 09 Dec 2027 Fri 17 Dec 2027 Virtual Summer 2027 $1,523 Register
Wed 29 Dec 2027 Thu 06 Jan 2028 Virtual Summer 2027 $1,523 Register
Tue 18 Jan 2028 Wed 26 Jan 2028 Virtual Summer 2027 $1,523 Register
On-Campus training — face-to-face sessions at our training venues across Africa and beyond.
Showing all 492 sessions across 26 venues
Start End Venue Season Price Action
Mon 10 Aug 2026 Tue 18 Aug 2026 Dubai, UAE Winter 2026 $5,929 Register
Tue 11 Aug 2026 Wed 19 Aug 2026 Pretoria, South Africa Winter 2026 $2,284 Register
Wed 12 Aug 2026 Thu 20 Aug 2026 Abu Dhabi, UAE Winter 2026 $5,929 Register
Thu 13 Aug 2026 Fri 21 Aug 2026 Durban, South Africa Winter 2026 $3,607 Register
Thu 13 Aug 2026 Fri 21 Aug 2026 Mauritius Winter 2026 $4,525 Register
In-House training — we bring the trainer to your organisation, tailored to your team.
Start End Delivery Season Price Action
Tue 15 Sep 2026 Wed 23 Sep 2026 Your Premises Spring 2026 $1,982 Register
Mon 05 Oct 2026 Tue 13 Oct 2026 Your Premises Spring 2026 $1,982 Register
Fri 30 Oct 2026 Mon 09 Nov 2026 Your Premises Spring 2026 $1,982 Register
Fri 18 Dec 2026 Mon 28 Dec 2026 Your Premises Summer 2026 $1,982 Register
Thu 21 Jan 2027 Fri 29 Jan 2027 Your Premises Summer 2026 $1,982 Register
Wed 24 Feb 2027 Thu 04 Mar 2027 Your Premises Summer 2026 $1,982 Register
Tue 09 Mar 2027 Wed 17 Mar 2027 Your Premises Autumn 2027 $1,982 Register
Mon 15 Mar 2027 Tue 23 Mar 2027 Your Premises Autumn 2027 $1,982 Register
Fri 26 Mar 2027 Mon 05 Apr 2027 Your Premises Autumn 2027 $1,982 Register
Thu 17 Jun 2027 Fri 25 Jun 2027 Your Premises Winter 2027 $1,982 Register
Wed 07 Jul 2027 Thu 15 Jul 2027 Your Premises Winter 2027 $1,982 Register
Tue 27 Jul 2027 Wed 04 Aug 2027 Your Premises Winter 2027 $1,982 Register
Mon 13 Sep 2027 Tue 21 Sep 2027 Your Premises Spring 2027 $1,982 Register
Fri 08 Oct 2027 Mon 18 Oct 2027 Your Premises Spring 2027 $1,982 Register
Thu 28 Oct 2027 Fri 05 Nov 2027 Your Premises Spring 2027 $1,982 Register
Fri 17 Dec 2027 Mon 27 Dec 2027 Your Premises Summer 2027 $1,982 Register
Thu 06 Jan 2028 Fri 14 Jan 2028 Your Premises Summer 2027 $1,982 Register
Wed 26 Jan 2028 Thu 03 Feb 2028 Your Premises Summer 2027 $1,982 Register
Training Discounts
Delegates Discount
5 3% off
10 6% off
15 9% off
20 12% off
25 15% off
30 18% off
50 30% off
75 35% off
100 40% off

3% off per 5 delegates, up to 40% for 100+

View Sessions & Register Get A Quote Download Course Brochure
Have an account?

Sign in to track your applications and manage your cart.

Related Courses

Other Agriculture and Nature Conservation courses at NQF level 7 learners on this page also viewed.

Browse the full Agriculture and Nature Conservation category for agriculture and nature conservation training programmes.
GET A QUOTE / APPLY COURSE CATALOGUE