AGRICULTURAL MECHANIZATION STATUS IN AFRICA: AN OVERVIEW

Abstract

One of the key aspirations of Agenda 2063 on the Africa we want is to consolidate the modernization of African agriculture and agro-businesses. Use of mechanical technologies which are both labour saving and directly increase yields and production is the most appropriate way of sustaining increased food production. It is therefore important that an appropriate technology, technology that is socially acceptable, economically viable and technically feasible, is selected for specific prevailing condition. Sub-Saharan Africa remains the region in the world with the lowest power usage (manual, animal and mechanical) and the lowest level of farm mechanization. In SSA the general average number of tractors is about 28 tractors per 1 000 ha whereas it is about 241 tractors in other regions. In order to enhance mechanization in Africa, governments have to place more emphasis on the development of small-scale farmers, support and encourage the existing advanced and successful commercial farming sector, provide in-service training for extension officers, artisans and other entrepreneurs to improve their understanding of the different power and mechanization options available to farmers and to expose them to new technologies and opportunities as well as strengthening input supply networks and promote the manufacturing base on agricultural operations and processing technologies.