This paper examines the perceived competence on agricultural tasks among graduating students in the School of Agriculture, North-West University, Mafikeng, South Africa. This is based on the premise that the professional profile of an agricultural officer is made up of a number of competencies and knowing students' self-perceived level of preparedness in various employability skills would enable educators to identify competencies to be given priority in their curriculum and program planning. A simple random sampling technique (table of random numbers) was used to select 74 from a list of 94 graduating students in the School of Agriculture, 2010. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire covering selected personal characteristics and 60 agricultural tasks covering soil and crop science, animal science and health, agricultural economics and extension. Competency on agricultural tasks was measured using a Likert-type scale of not competent (1), slightly competent (2), competent (3) and very competent (4). The questionnaire was subjected to face validity and has a reliability coefficient of 0.90 using the split-half technique. Data were analyzed with SPPS 17 package using frequency counts and percentages. The results report high competence in most of the agricultural tasks covered in the study. The study concludes that competency-based curricula that reflect inter-program modules for all academic programs should be sustained.
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