An evolving paradigm of agricultural mechanization development: How much can Africa learn from Asia?

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Publisher : Intl Food Policy Res Inst
ISBN 13 : 0896293807
Total Pages : 548 pages
Book Rating : 4.8/5 (962 download)

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Book Synopsis An evolving paradigm of agricultural mechanization development: How much can Africa learn from Asia? by : Diao, Xinshen, ed.

Download or read book An evolving paradigm of agricultural mechanization development: How much can Africa learn from Asia? written by Diao, Xinshen, ed. and published by Intl Food Policy Res Inst. This book was released on 2020-12-07 with total page 548 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Agricultural mechanization in Africa south of the Sahara — especially for small farms and businesses — requires a new paradigm to meet the needs of the continent’s evolving farming systems. Can Asia, with its recent success in adopting mechanization, offer a model for Africa? An Evolving Paradigm of Agricultural Mechanization Development analyzes the experiences of eight Asian and five African countries. The authors explore crucial government roles in boosting and supporting mechanization, from import policies to promotion policies to public good policies. Potential approaches presented to facilitating mechanization in Africa include prioritizing market-led hiring services, eliminating distortions, and developing appropriate technologies for the African context. The role of agricultural mechanization within overall agricultural and rural transformation strategies in Africa is also discussed. The book’s recommendations and insights should be useful to national policymakers and the development community, who can adapt this knowledge to local contexts and use it as a foundation for further research.

Addressing the Challenges Facing Agricultural Mechanization Input Supply and Farm Product Processing

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Publisher : Food & Agriculture Org.
ISBN 13 : 9789251057841
Total Pages : 88 pages
Book Rating : 4.0/5 (578 download)

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Book Synopsis Addressing the Challenges Facing Agricultural Mechanization Input Supply and Farm Product Processing by : B. G. Sims

Download or read book Addressing the Challenges Facing Agricultural Mechanization Input Supply and Farm Product Processing written by B. G. Sims and published by Food & Agriculture Org.. This book was released on 2007 with total page 88 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: FAO is a global knowledge broker for the agri-food industry, including technologies for production and processing. In particular, the Agro-Industries Programme of FAO is increasingly tending to focus on appropriate input supply, innovation and value chain development. Improvements in these areas have the potential to sustain and improve livelihoods and well-being at whatever scale and in whatever region of the world. Within the World Congress on "Agricultural Engineering for a Better World," as a preparation for the challenges of the twenty-first century, FAO conducted two workshops. The first targeted the subject of "challenges for agricultural mechanization in sub-Saharan Africa," and the second focused on "using technology to add value and increase quality." This report contains the results of the Congress, and encourages both readers and decision-makers to consider the important role of engineering technologies for development and, indeed, for a better world. (Also available in French and Spanish)

Agricultural Machinery and Mechanization

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Author :
Publisher : Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
ISBN 13 : 9781456328764
Total Pages : 0 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (287 download)

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Book Synopsis Agricultural Machinery and Mechanization by : Segun R. Bello

Download or read book Agricultural Machinery and Mechanization written by Segun R. Bello and published by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform. This book was released on 2012-06-11 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: New ideas and developed technologies in agricultural operations depend to a large extent on scientific research diversity. Their results and implementation are responsible for increased agricultural production. The dynamic nature of agricultural operations and the complexity of agricultural machinery are indices of such scientific research diversity as evident in the wide spread requirements in agricultural operation if increased production must be sustained. Extensive works on agricultural mechanization and machinery utilization in agricultural production documented in this eleven chapter book will go a long way to acquaint students and researchers with the principles of agricultural machinery and provide him with requisite knowledge and skills on various agricultural machinery operations for effective agricultural mechanization. The book thus discusses in details the basic concepts in the development of agricultural machinery and mechanization.

Agricultural Mechanization and Automation - Volume II

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Publisher : EOLSS Publications
ISBN 13 : 1848260970
Total Pages : 516 pages
Book Rating : 4.8/5 (482 download)

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Book Synopsis Agricultural Mechanization and Automation - Volume II by : Paul McNulty

Download or read book Agricultural Mechanization and Automation - Volume II written by Paul McNulty and published by EOLSS Publications. This book was released on 2009-07-23 with total page 516 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Agricultural Mechanization and Automation is a component of Encyclopedia of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Engineering and Technology Resources in the global Encyclopedia of Life Support Systems (EOLSS), which is an integrated compendium of twenty one Encyclopedias. The mechanization of farming practices throughout the world has revolutionized food production, enabling it to maintain pace with population growth except in some less-developed countries, most notably in Africa. Agricultural mechanization has involved the partial or full replacement of human energy and animal-powered equipment (e.g. plows, seeders and harvesters) by engine-driven equipment. The theme on Agricultural Mechanization and Automation cover six main topics: Technology and Power in Agriculture; Farm Machinery; Facilities and Equipment for Livestock Management; Environmental Monitoring; Recovery and Use of Wastes and by-Products; Slaughtering and Processing of Livestock, which are then expanded into multiple subtopics, each as a chapter. These two volumes are aimed at the following five major target audiences: University and College students Educators, Professional practitioners, Research personnel and Policy analysts, managers, and decision makers and NGOs

Agricultural Machinery and Technologies

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Publisher :
ISBN 13 : 9781641724418
Total Pages : 213 pages
Book Rating : 4.7/5 (244 download)

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Book Synopsis Agricultural Machinery and Technologies by : Jack Atkinson

Download or read book Agricultural Machinery and Technologies written by Jack Atkinson and published by . This book was released on 2020-09-22 with total page 213 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The machinery and technology primarily used in farming and other agricultural processes are referred to as agricultural machinery. Some of the equipment which fall in this category are hand tools, power tools and tractors. There are different types of farm machinery such as combine harvesters, tillage implements and planters. Machines are also used to deliver fertilizers and pesticides. Some of the diverse technologies used for agricultural purposes are computer monitoring systems, GPS locators and self-steer programs that are used in tractors that use less fuel and do not waste seeds or fertilizer. The topics included in this textbook on agricultural machinery and technologies are of utmost significance and bound to provide incredible insights to readers. While understanding the long-term perspectives of the topics, it makes an effort in highlighting their impact as a modern tool for the growth of this field. This book will provide comprehensive knowledge to the readers.

Advances in Agricultural Machinery and Technologies

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Publisher : CRC Press
ISBN 13 : 1351132377
Total Pages : 679 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (511 download)

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Book Synopsis Advances in Agricultural Machinery and Technologies by : Guangnan Chen

Download or read book Advances in Agricultural Machinery and Technologies written by Guangnan Chen and published by CRC Press. This book was released on 2018-03-05 with total page 679 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The agricultural industry is dealing with enormous challenges across the globe, including the limited availability of arable lands and fresh water, as well as the effect of climate change. Machinery plays a crucial role in agriculture and farming systems, in order to feed the world’s growing population. In the last decade, we have witnessed major advances in agricultural machinery and technologies, particularly as manufacturers and researchers develop and apply various novel ways of automation as well as the data and information gathering and analyzing capabilities of their machinery. This book presents the state-of-the-art information on the important innovations in the agricultural and horticultural industry. It reviews and presents different novel technologies and implementation of these technologies to optimize farming processes and food production. There are four sections, each addressing a specific area of development. Section I discusses the recent development of farm machinery and technology. Section II focuses on water and irrigation engineering. Section III covers harvesting and post-harvest technology. Section IV describes computer modelling and simulation. Each section highlights current industry trends and latest research progress. This book is ideal for those working in or are associated with the fields of agriculture, agri-food chain and technology development and promotion.

Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization: A Framework for Africa

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Author :
Publisher : Food & Agriculture Org.
ISBN 13 : 9251308713
Total Pages : 150 pages
Book Rating : 4.2/5 (513 download)

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Book Synopsis Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization: A Framework for Africa by : Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Download or read book Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization: A Framework for Africa written by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and published by Food & Agriculture Org.. This book was released on 2019-03-13 with total page 150 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This framework presents ten interrelated principles/elements to guide Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization in Africa (SAMA). Further, it presents the technical issues to be considered under SAMA and the options to be analysed at the country and sub regional levels. The ten key elements required in a framework for SAMA are as follows: The analysis in the framework calls for a specific approach, involving learning from other parts of the world where significant transformation of the agricultural mechanization sector has already occurred within a three-to-four decade time frame, and developing policies and programmes to realize Africa’s aspirations of Zero Hunger by 2025. This approach entails the identification and prioritization of relevant and interrelated elements to help countries develop strategies and practical development plans that create synergies in line with their agricultural transformation plans. Given the unique characteristics of each country and the diverse needs of Africa due to the ecological heterogeneity and the wide range of farm sizes, the framework avoids being prescriptive.

Agricultural mechanization

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Publisher : Food & Agriculture Org.
ISBN 13 : 9251093814
Total Pages : 55 pages
Book Rating : 4.2/5 (51 download)

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Book Synopsis Agricultural mechanization by : Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Download or read book Agricultural mechanization written by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and published by Food & Agriculture Org.. This book was released on 2018-07-25 with total page 55 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This paper is specifically about agricultural mechanisation: the opportunities provided by mechanisation for intensifying production in a sustainable manner, in value addition and agri-food value chain development, as well as the inherent opportunities implied for improved local economies and livelihoods. The establishment of viable business enterprises agro-processors, transport services, and so forth as a result of increased agricultural mechanisation in rural areas, is crucial to creating employment and income opportunities and, thereby, enhancing the demand for farm produce. Mechanisation plays a key role in enabling the growth of commercial agri-food systems and the efficiency of post-harvest handling, processing and marketing operations, and as such can be a major determinant in the availability and accessibility of food, the food prices paid by urban and rural poor, as well as contributing to increased household food security.

Sustainable agricultural mechanization in China

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Publisher : Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
ISBN 13 : 9251371725
Total Pages : 168 pages
Book Rating : 4.2/5 (513 download)

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Book Synopsis Sustainable agricultural mechanization in China by : Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Download or read book Sustainable agricultural mechanization in China written by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and published by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. This book was released on 2023-01-20 with total page 168 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Sustainable agricultural mechanization covers all levels of farming and processing technologies, and takes into consideration technological, economic, social, environmental and cultural aspects when contributing to the sustainable development of agrifood systems. This publication strives to comprehensively and systematically summarize the status and strategies of China's agricultural mechanization development, its impacts, experiences and practices, and business models. Furthermore, the publication investigates the related investment and policy recommendations to reach the goal of agricultural and rural modernization by 2035, to drive smallholder farmers to enter modern agriculture, and to achieve sustainable development. It is estimated that by 2035, agricultural production in China will predominantly be mechanized. The concept of integrating mechanization and digitalization will be applied to agricultural mechanization management and operation monitoring and services, and mechanization will comprehensively support all agricultural and rural modernization. The development of sustainable agricultural mechanization in China provides cases and examples of innovations with global value, not only for developing countries but in particular for middle-income countries and emerging countries.

Agricultural Mechanization in Ghana

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Author :
Publisher : Intl Food Policy Res Inst
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 24 pages
Book Rating : 4./5 ( download)

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Book Synopsis Agricultural Mechanization in Ghana by : Nazaire Houssou

Download or read book Agricultural Mechanization in Ghana written by Nazaire Houssou and published by Intl Food Policy Res Inst. This book was released on 2013-03-29 with total page 24 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Since 2007, the government of Ghana has been providing subsidized agricultural machines to private enterprises established as Agricultural Mechanization Services Enterprise Centers (AMSEC) to scale up tractor-hire services to smallholder farmers. Although farmer’s demand for mechanization has increased in recent years, most of this demand concentrates on land preparation (plowing) service. Using the firm investment model and recent data, this paper quantitatively assesses whether AMSEC as a private enterprise is a viable business model attractive to private investors. Even though the intention of the government is to promote private sector-led mechanization, findings suggest that the AMSEC model is unlikely to be a profitable business model attractive to private investors even with the current level of subsidy. The low tractor utilization rate as a result of low operational scale is the most important constraint to the intertemporal profitability of tractor-hire services. Our findings further support the argument of Pingali, Bigot, and Binswanger (1987), who indicated that mechanization service centers supported through government’s heavy subsidy are not a policy option anywhere in the world, even in the current situation in Ghana. Although the tractor rental service market is a proper way of mechanizing agriculture in a smallholder-dominated agricultural economy such as Ghana, this paper concludes that the development of such a market depends crucially on a number of factors, including increased tractor use through migration across the two very different rainfall zones (north and south), increased tractor use through multiple tasks, and use of low-cost tractors. The government can play an important role in facilitating the development of a tractor service market; however, the successful development of such a market depends on the incentive and innovation of the private sector, including farmers who want to own tractors as part of their business portfolio, traders who know how to bring in affordable tractors and expand the market, and manufacturers in exporting countries who want to seek a long-term potential market opportunity in Ghana and in other west African countries.

Agricultural mechanization policy options in Rwanda

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Publisher : Intl Food Policy Res Inst
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 24 pages
Book Rating : 4./5 ( download)

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Book Synopsis Agricultural mechanization policy options in Rwanda by : Takeshima, Hiroyuki

Download or read book Agricultural mechanization policy options in Rwanda written by Takeshima, Hiroyuki and published by Intl Food Policy Res Inst. This book was released on 2024-05-13 with total page 24 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This paper summarizes general demand- and supply-side issues for agricultural mechanization based on recent studies that focus on experiences and evidence from both Africa and Asia. The paper pro vides typologies of agricultural mechanization in Rwanda along with policy options within the context of its current mechanization support strategies. Provincial variations in agroecology and cropping systems, irrigated/rainfed systems, farm size, and labor use intensity, among other factors, characterize the key types of mechanization use in Rwanda. Support for mechanization in Rwanda can be broadly tailored to (a) irrigated medium-scale farmers in the Eastern province and Kigali; (b) rainfed medium-scale farmers in the Eastern and Southern provinces; (c) rainfed, small-scale highland farmers in the Northern province; and (d) irrigated small-scale farmers in the Western province. Recent experiences in other countries with rugged terrain and smallholder farming systems similar to Rwanda suggest that significant growth in the use of tractors is possible in the medium term among smallholders cultivating rainfed maize and legumes, in addition to irrigated rice. However, farm wages may still be too low in Rwanda and tractor-hiring fees may still be too high to induce a shift to mechanization in the short term. Therefore, it may be advisable for policy support for mechanization to focus on improving the understanding of mechanization needs among each type of farmers identified, knowledge of suitable machines, and required skills for their operations and maintenance. Such efforts should also balance the need to develop competitive markets and supply networks for promising machines, parts, and repair services at a viable and integrated market scale.

Agricultural mechanization and agricultural transformation

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Publisher : Intl Food Policy Res Inst
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 56 pages
Book Rating : 4./5 ( download)

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Book Synopsis Agricultural mechanization and agricultural transformation by : Diao, Xinshen

Download or read book Agricultural mechanization and agricultural transformation written by Diao, Xinshen and published by Intl Food Policy Res Inst. This book was released on 2016-04-29 with total page 56 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A renewed focus on agriculture’s potential contribution to economic transformation in Africa has resulted in increased attention paid to agricultural mechanization. African agriculture still relies predominantly on human muscle power despite anecdotal evidence on urbanization and rising rural wages, in contrast to other developing regions that have experienced rapid increases in agricultural mechanization during the past few decades. Past state-led mechanization pushes in Africa often failed due to insufficient understanding of the nature of demand for mechanization technologies among farmers and insufficient knowledge of private-sector functions. This background paper reviews the factors likely to influence farmer demand for mechanization in Africa and details different existing and potential mechanization supply models. Although an empirical analysis of mechanization demand and the effectiveness of supply chains is beyond the scope of this paper, in part due to data limitations, this paper suggests that demand for mechanization may be emerging in some parts of Africa. It also suggests that private-sector-driven supply models are better positioned to meet this demand than direct government involvement and certain types of subsidized programs. The paper then identifies possible areas for government support to complement private-sector leadership in developing mechanization supply chains. Nevertheless, significant further research is required to better understand the changing nature of mechanization demand in Africa and the extent and effectiveness of different supply models in meeting it.

Can the private sector lead agricultural mechanization in Ghana?

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Author :
Publisher : Intl Food Policy Res Inst
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 4 pages
Book Rating : 4./5 ( download)

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Book Synopsis Can the private sector lead agricultural mechanization in Ghana? by : Houssou, Nazaire

Download or read book Can the private sector lead agricultural mechanization in Ghana? written by Houssou, Nazaire and published by Intl Food Policy Res Inst. This book was released on 2014-09-01 with total page 4 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Increasing agricultural mechanization has long been of interest to many African countries. Constrained by the limited area that can be cultivated through the use of the hand hoe and its association with perceptions of primitiveness and drudgery, agricultural mechanization and large-scale farming have long been a part of the vision of modernizing agriculture in many African countries, including Ghana.

Agricultural Mechanization and Automation - Volume I

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Author :
Publisher : EOLSS Publications
ISBN 13 : 1848260962
Total Pages : 518 pages
Book Rating : 4.8/5 (482 download)

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Book Synopsis Agricultural Mechanization and Automation - Volume I by : Paul McNulty

Download or read book Agricultural Mechanization and Automation - Volume I written by Paul McNulty and published by EOLSS Publications. This book was released on 2009-07-28 with total page 518 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Agricultural Mechanization and Automation is a component of Encyclopedia of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Engineering and Technology Resources in the global Encyclopedia of Life Support Systems (EOLSS), which is an integrated compendium of twenty one Encyclopedias. The mechanization of farming practices throughout the world has revolutionized food production, enabling it to maintain pace with population growth except in some less-developed countries, most notably in Africa. Agricultural mechanization has involved the partial or full replacement of human energy and animal-powered equipment (e.g. plows, seeders and harvesters) by engine-driven equipment. The theme on Agricultural Mechanization and Automation cover six main topics: Technology and Power in Agriculture; Farm Machinery; Facilities and Equipment for Livestock Management; Environmental Monitoring; Recovery and Use of Wastes and by-Products; Slaughtering and Processing of Livestock, which are then expanded into multiple subtopics, each as a chapter. These two volumes are aimed at the following five major target audiences: University and College students Educators, Professional practitioners, Research personnel and Policy analysts, managers, and decision makers and NGOs.

Agricultural mechanization and south-south knowledge exchange

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Author :
Publisher : Intl Food Policy Res Inst
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 4 pages
Book Rating : 4./5 ( download)

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Book Synopsis Agricultural mechanization and south-south knowledge exchange by : Animaw, Addisu Tadege

Download or read book Agricultural mechanization and south-south knowledge exchange written by Animaw, Addisu Tadege and published by Intl Food Policy Res Inst. This book was released on 2016-02-05 with total page 4 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This note synthesizes one of the two study tour reports written by the participating African officials. This report provides observations made by participants from Ethiopia and Kenya, the two East African countries with participants on the tour.

Effects of agricultural mechanization on smallholders and their self-selection into farming

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Author :
Publisher : Intl Food Policy Res Inst
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 36 pages
Book Rating : 4./5 ( download)

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Book Synopsis Effects of agricultural mechanization on smallholders and their self-selection into farming by : Takeshima, Hiroyuki

Download or read book Effects of agricultural mechanization on smallholders and their self-selection into farming written by Takeshima, Hiroyuki and published by Intl Food Policy Res Inst. This book was released on 2016-12-16 with total page 36 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This research was undertaken to better assess the role of mechanization in the future of smallholder farmers in Nepal. It addresses the knowledge gap about whether promoting mechanization that is often complementary to land can effectively support smallholders, particularly in the face of a growing nonfarm sector. Rising rural wages in Nepal have increasingly put pressures on smallholder farmers, who tend to operate labor-intensive farming. Agricultural mechanization through custom hiring of tractor services has recently been considered as an option to mitigate the impact of rising labor costs for smallholders. However, the benefit of agricultural mechanization may still be better captured by exploiting the economies of scale of medium to large farmers rather than smallholders. In the meantime, the Nepal agricultural sector still employs a disproportionate share of workers given its share in the economy, potentially depressing agricultural labor productivity. It is therefore an important policy question whether to (1) continue supporting smallholders through custom-hired tractor services or (2) encourage smallholders to rent their farms out to medium-size or larger farmers, while helping smallholders specialize in the nonfarm sector, where their labor productivity may be higher. Using samples from the Terai zone—one of the agroecological belts in Nepal, largely consisting of lowland plains— from the Nepal Living Standards Survey, we assess whether the benefits of hiring in tractor services are greater among medium to large farmers than among smallholders, and how these benefits may depend on smallholders’ decision to remain in or leave farming. This study also contributes to the impact evaluation literature by showing that jointly assessing the effects of two treatments (whether to adopt custom-hired tractor services and continue farming, or to search for better options and specialize in off-farm activities) can lead to different implications than assessing them separately. Our analyses suggest that the government should continue to promote custom-hired tractor services not only for medium to large farmers but also for smallholders. If, over time, barriers to specializing in nonfarm activities are lowered and more smallholders start leaving farming, mechanization may no longer benefit the remaining smallholders. Support for mechanization can then be focused more on medium to large farmers, while types of support other than mechanization can be devised for the remaining smallholders.

The rapid – but from a low base – uptake of agricultural mechanization in Ethiopia: Patterns, implications and challenges

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Author :
Publisher : Intl Food Policy Res Inst
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 33 pages
Book Rating : 4./5 ( download)

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Book Synopsis The rapid – but from a low base – uptake of agricultural mechanization in Ethiopia: Patterns, implications and challenges by : Berhane, Guush

Download or read book The rapid – but from a low base – uptake of agricultural mechanization in Ethiopia: Patterns, implications and challenges written by Berhane, Guush and published by Intl Food Policy Res Inst. This book was released on 2017-04-21 with total page 33 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The uptake of agricultural mechanization in Ethiopia is low with less than one percent of agricultural plots plowed with a tractor. However, in recent years the uptake of agricultural machinery has accelerated. We note an impressive increase in imports of combine-harvesters and of tractors, seemingly associated with the increasing costs of agricultural labor and animal traction, substitutes for agricultural mechanization. We estimate that a quarter of the area in Ethiopia planted to wheat – the fourth most important cereal in the country – is currently harvested by combine-harvesters, and they are widely used in the major wheat growing zones in the southeast of the country in particular. Private mechanization service providers have rapidly emerged. Smallholders in these wheat growing zones rely heavily on agricultural machinery rental services for plowing, harrowing, or harvesting. We find that mechanization is associated with significantly lower labor use, and that the adoption of combine-harvesters – but not tractors – is significantly associated with higher yields, seemingly due to lower post-harvest losses. While further expansion of mechanization in the country is desired, given the environmental and financial cost of holding oxen and the higher yields linked with some forms of mechanization, it appears to be hampered by farm structures, particularly small farm sizes and consequent limits in scale; fragmented plots; crop diversity; physical constraints, such as presence of stones, steepness of fields, and soil types; and economic and financial constraints, including limited access to foreign exchange and credit and the still relatively low wages in less commercialized zones.