Certificate in Sustainable Agricultural and Food Security (Level 4)

Sustainable Agricultural and Food Security is your practical expertise in revolutionizing modern agriculture and ensuring food security for communities worldwide. This program is all about hands-on learning and actionable strategies that make a real difference. You’ll dive deep into sustainable farming techniques like agroecology and organic farming, gaining the skills needed to implement them effectively. Through interactive sessions and field visits, you’ll see these practices in action, learning from real-world examples and best practices. But it’s not just about theory – you’ll also explore cutting-edge technologies such as precision agriculture and biotechnology, understanding how they can be applied to enhance productivity and sustainability on the farm. Throughout the course, you’ll be challenged to think critically and problem-solve, preparing you to tackle the complexities of agricultural systems head-on.

The MUTAS qualifications in Sustainable Agricultural and Food Security were designed to meet the industrial revolution 4.0. They are for the industry and are taught, assessed and verified by local and international industry experts. They are career specific and are aimed at ensuring that the MUTAS students graduate as Vibrant, Skilled, Competent, and Work-prepared Entrepreneurial Technicians, Technologists, and Professionals to handle and confront the changing and demanding job roles within the Engineering industry.

Sustainable Agricultural and Food Security qualifications are for career goal minded individual who would appreciate the career specific and practical fascinating insight of the MUTAS programs. With a qualification in Sustainable Agricultural and Food Security, you’ll have many career options. What you choose depends on what most interests you.

The qualification level has broader coverage of knowledge and practical skills required for the vocational sector. The qualification has the potential to prepare students for progression to the Diploma in Sustainable Agricultural and Food Security (Level 5).

Who is this qualification for?

Sustainable Agricultural and Food Security is designed for anyone ready to roll up their sleeves and make a tangible impact in agriculture and food security. It’s perfect for farmers eager to adopt sustainable practices, policymakers hungry for effective solutions, researchers looking to turn ideas into action, entrepreneurs ready to innovate in the food industry, NGO workers passionate about community development, and anyone with a drive to fight hunger and promote sustainability. Whether you’re already knee-deep in the field or just starting out, this program equips you with practical skills and knowledge to drive real change where it’s needed most.

You could consider working with the skills from this qualification, opportunities abound in agriculture and food security. You could work in agricultural production, agribusiness, food processing, distribution, government policy, research, NGOs, or international development. Whether enhancing farming practices, optimizing supply chains, shaping policies, or implementing projects, your expertise will make a meaningful impact across diverse industries.

The Certificate in Sustainable Agricultural and Food Security (Level 4) is an ideal qualification for anyone who works in any of the below-listed fields and seeks to develop career-specific skills and gain a solid qualification in Sustainable Agricultural and Food Security to support his/her position and anyone who wants to enter into or has just started a career in any of the following career areas:

• Sustainable Agriculture Specialist
• Agricultural Extension Officer
• Food Security Analyst
• Agribusiness Manager
• Sustainable Farming Consultant
• Agricultural Policy Analyst
• Food Distribution Manager
• Agricultural Research Technician
• Community Development Officer (Agriculture)
• Agricultural Project Coordinator
• Environmental Conservation Officer (Agriculture)
• Food Systems Planner
• Crop Diversification Specialist
• Climate Change Resilience Advisor (Agriculture)
• Sustainable Agriculture Educator

What makes this course special?

The Marvelous University of Technology and Applied Sciences
(MUTAS ) is one of the world’s most successful and best-preferred applied (hands-on) learning brand. The Marvelous University of Technology and Applied Sciences
qualifications place greater emphasis on self-employment and employer engagement and work readiness. The MUTAS -Namibia provides 70% practical and 30% theory teaching and learning methodologies coupled with various practical learning-focused activities that fully engage our students. The MUTAS programs in Sustainable Agricultural and Food Security are work-related qualifications for students taking their first steps into employment, or for those already in employment and seeking career development opportunities.

Why you must study with MUTAS ?

At the Marvelous University of Technology and Applied Sciences
(MUTAS ), we know how important it is for career ambitious people to get the right education to start and further develop their careers.

With today’s industry and employers demanding so much more than just a qualification to contain the effects of global competition and to attain a competitive edge, here are the main six (6) reasons why you must choose to study at MUTAS :

Work Readiness

MUTAS courses will give you real hands on experience in pursuing your education. It is what is called learning by doing it or action learning. Based on a 70% practical (action learning, action research, projects, reflective thinking, critical thinking, etc.) and 30% theory teaching and learning and assessments methodologies, all the MUTAS students become work ready (prepared) during their first year of study and graduate with strong work ethics, analytical, problem solving, communication and entrepreneurial skills which are the major factors that employers are looking for in their new recruits.

Employability

MUTAS higher vocational, technical and professional courses prepare students for employment and self-employment. The MUTAS courses develop a student’s employability skills as they offer the experience of real-life practical tasks and work placements. MUTAS qualifications are generally well-regarded by employers as the courses enable students to develop useful hands-on skills in respective fields of study and in critical areas such as problem solving, time management, entrepreneurial, communication, work behavior, visionary and focus minded, team work, and project planning, execution to evaluation. The knowledge and skills you get from MUTAS programs will make you be sought after by employers locally and globally. MUTAS helps students to gain strong knowledge and skills that are essential to start and successfully run their own businesses and/or to be appreciated competent and productive employees that every employer would like to hire.

Relevant

MUTAS courses are designed and developed with the help of the employers, industrial experts, professional bodies, higher education experts and lecturers. This keeps the MUTAS curriculum to be industry driven and relevant for today and the future’s job market and self-employment. MUTAS qualifications provide students with industry-specific knowledge, skills and competencies which make graduates’ work outputs to be relevant to their employers’ missions, visions and goals.

Practical Teaching and Assessments

The MUTAS teaching and learning is based on the seven (7) major principles teaching and learning through which theory knowledge is practically applied into various practical teaching and learning methods including action learning, projects supported by verifiable tangible evidences (outcomes), critical reflective thinking, case scenarios, job placements, industrial site visits, public lectures led by industrial experts, etc.

The assessment for MUTAS courses is largely based on regular coursework and work experience, which makes them an ideal option for those who crumble under the pressure of exams.

All the MUTAS programs are assessed through objective and rigor-based assignments and projects for which origination is examined through the Turnitin IT Application to ensure that each student submits his/her own true work. The outcome of these assignments must be in an implementable practical and quality standard. 

Career and Education Progression

Employers value MUTAS qualifications as the courses are industry-centered and directed. In other words, unlike academic programs, the MUTAS courses give students the industry-specific knowledge and skills which makes them readily employable. This, combined with the problem solving, time management, entrepreneurial, communication, work behavior, visionary and focus minded, team work, and project planning skills they gained throughout their learning process give the MUTAS graduates a strong competitive edge to progress in senior job positions and to further pursue their postgraduate professional degrees such as Masters to Professional Doctorate Degree programs at various reputable higher education institutions/universities.

Reputation and Prestige

• The industry relevance, practicality, career specific and quality of the MUTAS qualification will make you to standout and visibly be seen and noticed in a cloud of many academically qualified graduates.
• As more employers expect their new employees to have relevant practical skills and competencies than costly academic knowledge, MUTAS makes your CV and profile standout.
• MUTAS is known for stringent quality standards which govern the provision of its higher vocational, technical and professional courses. MUTAS is also known for its practical, relevance and Industry driven courses.
• The above values, compounded with the work ethics, entrepreneurial and problem-solving skills you will learn and practice while studying at MUTAS will grant you the respect, reputation and prestige within the industry sector you will work.

Qualification Purpose and Outcomes

Upon completion of Certificate in Sustainable Agricultural and Food Security (Level 4), graduates will be able to:

• Implement Sustainable Farming Practices, applying knowledge of sustainable agriculture techniques such as agroecology, conservation agriculture, and organic farming to improve farming methods and minimize environmental impact.
• Develop and Monitor Agricultural Projects, planning, implementing, and monitoring agricultural projects focused on enhancing food security, sustainable land management, and livelihood improvement for rural communities.
• Conduct Research and Analysis, on agricultural practices, food security issues, and sustainable development, analyzing data, and providing recommendations for improving agricultural systems and food security initiatives.
• Provide training and capacity-building workshops for farmers and agricultural stakeholders on sustainable farming practices, food security strategies, and innovative technologies.
• Contribute to the development of agricultural policies and regulations that promote sustainability, food security, and equitable access to resources, and advocating for their implementation at local, national, and international levels.
• Promote Agricultural Innovation: Identifying and promoting innovative technologies and practices that improve agricultural productivity, resilience to climate change, and sustainability while reducing food losses and waste.

How will I learn?

The MUTAS tutors/lecturers are equipped with various traditional teaching methods which are all used to create and develop Vibrant, Skilled, Competent, and Work-prepared Entrepreneurial Technicians, Technologists, and Professionals.

The teaching and learning practices involve 70% practical and 30% theory methodologies by applying a wide range of action learning techniques stipulated in the course specification.

What does the course involve?

You will study a combination of theory, applied theory, and practical subjects across a broad range of units. To succeed, your effective time management and focus are both very critical. You will cover eleven (13) units. For each unit, you will do a main test, assignment, and examination in addition to an integrated action project. These assessments do not include the informal tests, practical based homeworks, presentations, projects, and assignments that your lecturers will require you to do in each learning outcome. To pass this applied qualification, it is critical that you constantly monitor, formalize yourself with and operate alongside developments taking place within the Sustainable Agricultural and Food Security field by regularly visiting different Engineering related projects and/or organizations, reading news and articles, etc.

Assessment Methods

The MUTAS programs are assessed using a combination of:

1. Informal Assessments
2. Formal Assessments

Informal assessments are conducted by lecturers on each covered component of the unit outcome to weigh knowledge created into his/her students so that necessary teaching practices adjustments can be made as appropriate.

Formal Assessments are further classified into two parts:

• Formal Continuous Assessments which comprise of:

1. Major Test
2. An Integrated Action Project

• Formal Final Assessments which comprise of:

1. Major Examination
2. Unit Assignments

What are the Career Progression Opportunities?

Learners who have achieved the Certificate in Sustainable Agricultural and Food Security (Level 4) can progress on to Diploma in Sustainable Agricultural and Food Security (Level 5). They can also competently serve in any of the below-listed job areas.

What are Articulation Opportunities?

The credit transfers from other programs offered by other institutions or other MUTAS programs will be dealt with according to MUTAS rules and regulations on Recognition of Prior Learning. Provided that an applicant has qualification accredited by NQA and verifiable through the NQF, the MUTAS rules provide for course by course credits as well as credit transfer by volume under certain conditions. Maximum credits that can be granted from none technical (hands-on) programs are 15% of the credits for a qualification. Maximum credits that can be granted from the technical (hands-on) programs of similar standards with those of MUTAS are 50% of the credits for a qualification.

What career opportunities can this lead to?

The Certificate in Sustainable Agricultural and Food Security (Level 4) is an ideal qualification for anyone who works in any of the below-listed fields and seeks to develop career-specific skills and gain a solid qualification in Sustainable Agricultural and Food Security to support his/her position and anyone who wants to enter into or has just started a career in any of the following career areas:

• Sustainable Agriculture Specialist
• Agricultural Extension Officer
• Food Security Analyst
• Agribusiness Manager
• Sustainable Farming Consultant
• Agricultural Policy Analyst
• Food Distribution Manager
• Agricultural Research Technician
• Community Development Officer (Agriculture)
• Agricultural Project Coordinator
• Environmental Conservation Officer (Agriculture)
• Food Systems Planner
• Crop Diversification Specialist
• Climate Change Resilience Advisor (Agriculture)
• Sustainable Agriculture Educator

What are the Fees?

Our fees include:

• Application/Registration Fees
• Tuition Fees
• Other Fees include Laboratory Fees, Study Manuals, industrial site tours, action research, etc. (where and if applicable).

For more information about our fees, please contact any of our Call Centre at any of our Campuses or the Marketing and Public Relationships Department.

Funding Opportunities

There are many funding options for the MUTAS accredited programs. Most of our students have over the past years been funded by their employers while others finance their studies on their own. Students can also apply for study loans with Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund. MUTAS also provides scholarships and bursaries to students who meet requirements as stipulated in our annual prospectus.

Withdrawal/Cancellation

Any cancellations/withdraw or refunds are executed as per the MUTAS policies. For more details, refer to the Students Registration Agreement and the Withdraw Policy.

The Certificate in Sustainable Agricultural and Food Security (Level 4) is made up of thirteen units. It is structured to be studied for one year through Face-to-Face Full-Time, Face-to-Face Part-Time and Distance Learning combined with Two (2) week-end Face-to-Face sessions per month, and Two (2) Block Weeks Face-to-Face sessions per Semester, Blended Learning and Virtual (On-Line) Learning (excluding Engineering Programmes).

Total Unit/Modules

The following is a compressive list of course units/modules you will cover in this program:

Certificate in Sustainable Agricultural and Food Security (Level 4)

• 2RET101  Engineering Principles
• 2RET102  Alternative Energy Technologies
• 2RET103  Engineering Drawing
• 2RET104  Principles of Programming
• 2RET105  Hydro Energy Generation Systems
• 2RET106  Renewable Energy Wiring Techniques and Practices
• 2RET107  Renewable Energy Fundamentals
• 2RET108  Electrical Machines
• 2RET109  Wind Energy Generation Systems
• 1STU101  Applied Business Communication and Technology
• 1STU102  Principles of Entrepreneurship
• 1STU103  Applied Fundamentals of Statistical Methods
• 1STU104  Legal and Ethical Context of Practice

Work placement/experience requirements

Although there are no specific mandatory elements of work placement/experience required for the Certificate in Sustainable Agricultural and Food Security (Level 4), students are expected to apply theories learned through various methods and carry out the practical learning activities as provided in the qualification specification.

Completion of Study Enrolment Form

Download and complete the Student’s Enrolment Agreement (SEA) form or obtain one from our Call Centre at any of our Campuses, print and complete it and submit it with proof of payment for the stipulated registration fees together to any of our Campuses before the stipulated application deadlines to avoid paying late application/registration fees. To be considered for approval, the completed enrolment agreement form must be accompanied by certified copies of documents as stipulated on the Student’s Enrolment Agreement (SEA) form.

Applicant must ensure that:

• The enrolment agreement form is properly and fully completed and that each page is initialed and signed;
• He/she provides all the required documentation such as certified copies of qualifications, Identity Card/Passport photos, Supporting letters from employers,
• He/she deposit registration fees into the respective Campus’ Bank Account provided on the enrolment agreement form and submits the original copy of the deposit as proof before being issued with an official receipt
• He/she is issued with an official Institutional Receipt, stamped with Official Company Stamp, and Signed by the Head of Call Centre for every payment made to the MUTAS .
• Please note that MUTAS does not receive cash payments,
• He/she obtains a written acknowledge letter confirming that his/her completed enrolment agreement form has been received
• He/she obtains the status of his/her application for studies within 30 working days.
• If admitted, an Admission letter issued by the Admissions section in the Office of the Registrar is obtained through the respective campus together with the timetable, program specifications, syllabuses, student’s details of student’s portal, student’s handbook, and rules and regulations, student card, and any other information.

When can I apply?

MUTAS has a whole year circle of accepting new applications from students from all over the world. However, please take note that applications for the First Semester which starts in January/February each year are only considered up to March of each year. This period includes late registration. Unsuccessful applications for First Semester and applications that are received late are considered for the Second Semester which starts in July each year.

The following are two (2) annual teaching and learning intakes for students to register to study on this program at MUTAS :

• January/February – June
• June/July – November

Applications must be made in-time to avoid late registration fees and to be disappointed if spaces are allocated to earlier applicants.

The Marvelous University of Technology and Applied Sciences (MUTAS) Undergraduate Admission Requirements

The Marvelous University of Technology and Applied Sciences (MUTAS) Admission requirement for all the technical and professional undergraduate and postgraduate Certificate, Diploma, and Degree Programmes are updated each year. Consequently, the below list presents the general requirements for the general guidance only. For the updated specific admission requirements, refer to the Application Form, brochures and prospectus.

Applicants must meet any of the following Minimum entry requirements:

• Five (5) credits at ‘O’ Level including English and Mathematics or,
• Any recognized related qualification at or equivalent to NQF Level 3 or better with total credit value as required by the MUTAS policy/regulation.
• Applicants with Credit (Grade 6) at ordinary ‘O’ level including in Mathematics and English may be accepted provided that they have passed an Aptitude Test with a Minimum of 60%.
• Mature age entry provided that applicant:
• is 23 years old or over at a time of making the application;
• has at least five (5) years’ work experience in a related field and provides acceptable reference from a reputable respective employing organization;
• has at least passed grade 10 which must include a credit or better in English and
• must pass an Aptitude test with a minimum of 60%

OR

• is 23 years old or over at a time of making the application;
• has at least three (3) years’ work experience in a related field and provides acceptable reference from a reputable respective employing organization;
• has at least passed grade 11 or 12) which must include a credit or better in English and
• must pass an Aptitude test with a minimum of 60%.

The Marvelous University of Technology and Applied Sciences (MUTAS) Postgraduate Admission Requirements

Entry requirements for a Master’s Degree Programme

Applicants must have a 1st degree in a relevant field from a recognized University or full professional qualification such as ACCA, CIM, CIMA, CIPS, CILT, etc.

Entry requirements for a Professional Doctorate or PhD Degree Programme

Applicants must be holders of Master’s degree or any other related programs from a recognized University. At least 5 years of significant experience working at senior level within an organisation or as a consultant.

International applicants must have a minimum of five (5) General Certificate of Education (GCSEs) at an ordinary level or their equivalent including passes in Maths and English.

Resources for Prospecting Students

• Qualifications Brochure
• Prospectus
• Online Application
• Application Form

Resources for Registered Students

• Students Handbook
• Institutional Calendar
• Learning and Assessments Policies
• Qualifications Specifications
• Assessments Schedules
• Recorded Lessons’ Presentations 
• Virtual Classrooms
• Virtual Library
• Virtual Laboratories
• Study Manuals and Books