National Certificate: Macadamia Production and De-Husking

This NQF Level 2 qualification is designed for individuals pursuing careers in macadamia production and de-husking. It equips learners with fundamental skills in orchard management, harvesting, fertilization, irrigation, pest control, and de-husking operations. The qualification provides a structured learning path for those already working in the macadamia industry or those looking to enter it, offering formal recognition of skills and opportunities for career advancement.

This course is ideal for:

  • Farm workers and macadamia farm employees looking to upskill.
  • Aspiring macadamia farmers wanting to enter the industry.
  • Agricultural entrepreneurs seeking to improve orchard productivity.
  • Processing plant workers involved in nut de-husking and packaging.

Start date

Contact Us

Course price from

R28,750.00 incl. VAT

Course duration

12 Months

Course language

English

NQF level

2

Credits

120

Entry level

Grade 12

Course ID

48892

Completing this course will enable you to:

Upon completing this course, participants will be able to:

  • Establish and maintain macadamia orchards, including planting and pruning.
  • Harvest macadamia nuts and manage quality control.
  • Implement orchard husbandry practices, including irrigation, fertilization, and pest control.
  • Operate and maintain de-husking machinery for macadamia nuts.
  • Manage intake, processing, and dispatching of nuts and kernels according to client requirements.
  • Maintain farm safety and hygiene standards.

Entry Requirements:

  • NQF Level 1 qualification (or equivalent) in literacy, numeracy, and basic agricultural activities.
  • Practical experience in macadamia farming or general agricultural operations is beneficial but not required.

Course Outcomes

1. Macadamia Orchard Establishment & Management

  • Peg and prepare plant stations according to contour lines.
  • Plant macadamia trees and apply proper mulching techniques.
  • Implement orchard layout principles to maximize efficiency and yield.

2. Harvesting & Post-Harvest Handling

  • Conduct pre-harvest preparations for macadamia orchards.
  • Implement harvesting techniques, including nut collection and quality assessment.
  • Weigh and record harvested nuts, ensuring accurate tracking.

3. Orchard Husbandry & Crop Protection

  • Apply pest and weed control measures using industry-standard methods.
  • Mix and apply fertilizers and chemicals safely and effectively.
  • Operate irrigation systems, ensuring optimal water management.

4. Scouting & Pest Monitoring

  • Identify and monitor common macadamia pests and diseases.
  • Implement sampling and data recording procedures for pest control.
  • Recommend appropriate intervention strategies based on scouting results.

5. De-Husking & Nut Processing

  • Manage intake processes for macadamia nuts.
  • Operate and maintain de-husking machinery.
  • Ensure quality control during de-husking and drying processes.

6. Dispatch & Customer Requirements

  • Process, package, and dispatch nuts and kernels per client specifications.
  • Maintain accurate documentation and quality records.
  • Implement inventory control procedures to track shipments.

Course Conditions

Pricing is exclusive of Travel Accommodation, Meals and PPE
Pricing is Inclusive of Training Material, Facilitation, Assessment and Certification
Pricing is based on training implemented at KT Academy in Mbombela
Pricing is based on group sizes of 5 + learners in a group
Discounts apply for large groups
Accommodation and meals available on request at additional rate
Special Pricing may apply for Public Training Dates

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Course Curriculum

Fundamental Modules (36 Credits)
FM-01: Agricultural Communication & Numeracy (Level 2, 18 Credits)

  • Develop communication skills for farm operations and record-keeping.
  • Apply basic mathematical concepts in agriculture.

FM-02: Agricultural Science & Environment (Level 2, 18 Credits)

  • Understand environmental factors affecting macadamia farming.
  • Implement sustainable farming practices to preserve resources.

Core Modules (61 Credits)
CM-01: Orchard Establishment & Management (Level 2, 12 Credits)

  • Peg and prepare plant stations for optimal orchard design.
  • Plant macadamia trees following best agricultural practices.
  • Apply proper mulching techniques to protect young trees.

CM-02: Harvesting & Quality Control (Level 2, 10 Credits)

  • Conduct pre-harvest checks to ensure nut quality.
  • Harvest macadamia nuts efficiently using manual and mechanized methods.
  • Maintain records of harvested nuts for traceability.

CM-03: Pest & Disease Management (Level 2, 12 Credits)

  • Implement pest control measures using approved agrochemicals.
  • Monitor orchards for early signs of infestation and disease.
  • Apply weed management techniques to improve orchard health.

CM-04: Irrigation & Fertilization (Level 2, 10 Credits)

  • Operate irrigation systems to maintain proper soil moisture.
  • Apply fertilizers according to macadamia tree growth requirements.

CM-05: De-Husking & Processing (Level 2, 17 Credits)

  • Operate de-husking machinery efficiently and safely.
  • Monitor moisture content and airflow during the drying process.
  • Remove damaged nuts to maintain product quality.

Elective Modules (Minimum 23 Credits)
EM-01: Occupational Safety & First Aid (Level 2, 6 Credits)

  • Maintain workplace safety standards in macadamia farming.
  • Perform basic first aid in case of farm-related injuries.

EM-02: Business & Record-Keeping (Level 2, 6 Credits)

  • Maintain farm inventory and production records.
  • Understand macadamia market requirements and pricing trends.

EM-03: Leadership & Team Management (Level 2, 6 Credits)

  • Lead harvesting and processing teams efficiently.
  • Train new workers on macadamia handling and safety procedures.

Assessment & Certification
Formative Assessments:

  • Practical farm-based evaluations of macadamia production and de-husking.
  • Written assessments and case studies on orchard management.
  • Workplace-based projects to test decision-making and problem-solving skills.

Summative Assessment:

  • A final theoretical and practical examination on macadamia production processes.
  • Demonstration of harvesting, scouting, and de-husking operations in real-world settings.

Certification:

  • Successful learners will receive a National Certificate: Macadamia Production and De-Husking (NQF Level 2), accredited by AgriSETA, enabling them to take on operational roles in macadamia farming, processing, and export sectors.

Why choose our Courses?

  • Low-pressure lesson environment.
  • Extensive 20′ years experience..
  • Structured modular lessons.
  • We focus on both theory and practical knowledge.
  • Fully-accredited, experienced instructors.

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