African Agricultural Mechanization: Myths, Realities and an Emerging Research Agenda

Abstract

African farm systems remain the least mechanized of all continents. There were substantial state-led efforts to promote agricultural mechanization during the 1960s and 1970s, but these efforts failed, which led to a subsequent neglect of mechanization, both in practice and in academia. In practice, this situation has changed more recently as governments, development practitioners and private companies have rediscovered agricultural mechanization as a top priority. In academia, scholars are also gradually devoting more effort to study mechanization. However, there is still a large gap in the literature from several decades of neglecting mechanization. In this empirical vacuum, several claims around mechanization have emerged in the public debate. While some of them are accurate, many are too simplistic and some are plainly wrong or "myths". Such popular myths can mislead policies and programs to promote mechanization and lead to adverse effects on farmers. This paper presents a fact check on nine propositions regarding mechanization. Which ones are true? Which ones are false? To answer these questions, the study uses most of the recent literature on mechanization, thereby also providing a review of the current literature on agricultural mechanization in Africa. The paper draws up implications for future research and action.

Animal traction, two-wheel tractors, or four-wheel tractors? A best-fit approach to guide farm mechanization in Africa

“…In Europe and North America, animal traction played a large role before the adoption of four-wheel tractors, and for a period, farmers combined both technologies (e.g. using tractors for plowing and draught animals for harrowing) (Daum et al, 2018). Two-wheel tractors constituted entry points toward motorized mechanization for small farms in parts of Europe (Herrmann, 1994).…”

“…The agricultural innovation system plays a strong role in the support of farm mechanization and can shape technological trajectories (Daum and Birner, 2017;Daum et al, 2018;Diao et al, 2020;FAO & AUC, 2018;Kahan et al, 2018). For example, the comparative advantage of animal traction depends on public research (e.g.…”

“…vaccination and deworming programs), and extension services, among others (Ellis- Jones et al, 2005;Pearson and Vall, 1998). The relative advantage of tractors also hinges on public policies and investments, for example, related to knowledge and skills development for tractor owners, operators, and technicians (Daum and Birner, 2017;Daum et al, 2018;Diao et al, 2020;FAO & AUC, 2018;Mrema et al, 2008). Past efforts by governments and development partners related to farm mechanization have often been misguided, leading to 'large amounts of equipment that is not suited to the specific SSA circumstances' and a 'graveyard of junked machinery' (Sims and Kienzle, 2006, p. 58)an error that could be avoided with a better alignment of farm mechanization efforts with agroecological and socioeconomic requirements (Sims and Kienzle, 2006).…”

Agricultural mechanization and sustainable agrifood system transformation in the Global South

“…Mechanization does not always have negative effects on on-farm biodiversity. Biodiversity-enhancing practices such as no-till planting basins, intercropping and rotations are often not adopted by farmers because they are very labour-intensive (Dahlin and Rusinamhodzi, 2019;Daum et al, 2022b).…”

Sustainable intensification of African agriculture: a necessity, but not yet a reality

“…Labor may appear abundant in the region, but shortages at periods of peak demand (sowing and weeding) delay operations and reduce yields [9][10][11] , and farm labor entails considerable drudgery, especially for women and children. State-led efforts in several African countries to mechanize agriculture mostly failed, due to their governance models, lack of proper use and maintenance, and the type of equipment selected [12] . Recent interest in mechanization for the region is building on lessons from the success of scale-appropriate mechanization in Asia [13] .…”