Thinking Outside the Plot: Insights on Small-Scale Mechanisation from Case Studies in East Africa

Kahan, David; Bymolt, Roger; Zaal, Fred

doi:10.1080/00220388.2017.1329525

Cited by 32 publications

(72 citation statements)

References 4 publications

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“…Recent research and development initiatives taking place in the region point to the potential of using small single-axle tractors for agricultural mechanization in areas dominated by small and fragmented fields (Baudron et al 2015;Kahan et al 2017; http://knowledgeplatform.hellotractor.com). However, these initiatives remain at a pilot stage and whether singleaxle tractors will prove useful to mechanize smallholder farming outside of irrigated areas remains unproven (FAO and AUC 2018).…”

Section: Myth No 3: Agricultural Tasks Are Carried Out Almost Entirementioning

confidence: 99%

A farm-level assessment of labor and mechanization in Eastern and Southern Africa

Baudron¹,

Misiko

Getnet

et al. 2019

Agron. Sustain. Dev.

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Once again, agricultural mechanization is top on the policy, research, and development agendas in sub-Saharan Africa. However, whether labor is limiting in this region-and mechanization is in demand-remains debated. The hypothesis of this study is that labor is a major limiting factor to the productivity of most farming systems in Africa. We used farm-level data (including detailed labor data) from eight sites dominated by smallholder agriculture and spanning four countries in Eastern and Southern Africa, and analyzed this unique dataset using multivariate methods (generalized linear models, boundary line analysis, and binary classification and regression trees). Labor and/or other sources of farm power (draught power or tractor power) were found to limit land productivity in all study sites. We also found that the overall contribution of female labor to farming was much lower than commonly stated-between 7 and 35%-and that the labor intensity experienced by women in agriculture was dependent to a large degree on men's tasks. Our results reveal a much higher demand for mechanization than previously found by macroeconomic analyses, and point to a problem of access rather than demand. Our results also add to recent evidence debunking the persistent myth that women provide the bulk of the farming labor, and demonstrate that reducing labor intensity experienced by women in farming depends to a large degree upon understanding labor intensity experienced by men, rather than poorly founded generalizations about how women are overworked. This is the first time farm-level data containing detailed labor assessment and spanning four countries are used to assess mechanization demand in Africa. This paper also plays a pioneering role in debunking a number of myths related to labor in African smallholder agriculture, with implications for the mechanization agenda of the region.

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Section: Myth No 3: Agricultural Tasks Are Carried Out Almost Entirementioning

confidence: 99%

A farm-level assessment of labor and mechanization in Eastern and Southern Africa

Baudron¹,

Misiko

Getnet

et al. 2019

Agron. Sustain. Dev.

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Investments in soil mapping not only could help in adapting machinery to local conditions and determining optimal tractor sizes, but also could help countries move from a blanket promotion of fertilizer to integrated soil fertility strategies. Similarly, increased R&D on ergonomics, or more broadly the R&D on demand for drudgery reduction, among other topics, is likely to be important for Africa from a welfare enhancement perspective (Kahan, Bymolt, and Zaal 2018).…”

Section: Public Goods Policiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

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

2020

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in 1975, provides research-based policy solutions to sustainably reduce poverty and end hunger and malnutrition. IFPRI's strategic research aims to foster a climate-resilient and sustainable food supply; promote healthy diets and nutrition for all; build inclusive and efficient markets, trade systems, and food industries; transform agricultural and rural economies; and strengthen institutions and governance. Gender is integrated in all the Institute's work. Partnerships, communications, capacity strengthening, and data and knowledge management are essential components to translate IFPRI's research from action to impact. The Institute's regional and country programs play a critical role in responding to demand for food policy research and in delivering holistic support for country-led development. IFPRI collaborates with partners around the world. About IFPRI's Peer Review Process IFPRI books are policy-relevant publications based on original and innovative research conducted at IFPRI. All manuscripts submitted for publication as IFPRI books undergo an extensive review procedure that is managed by IFPRI's Publications Review Committee (PRC). Upon submission to the PRC, the manuscript is reviewed by a PRC member. Once the manuscript is considered ready for external review, the PRC submits it to at least two external reviewers who are chosen for their familiarity with the subject matter and the country setting. Upon receipt of these blind external peer reviews, the PRC provides the author with an editorial decision and, when necessary, instructions for revision based on the external reviews. The PRC reassesses the revised manuscript and makes a recommendation regarding publication to the director general of IFPRI. With the director general's approval, the manuscript enters the editorial and production phase to become an IFPRI book.

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“…Alternate cropping practices that feature reduced tillage require smaller, less powerful, more affordable tractorsincluding two-wheel tractorsand are suited for small farms [14] . Even so, mechanization will prove expensive for individual farmers, so public-private partnerships and mechanization service provision models, whereby machine owners contract their services to farmers, will be required [15] .…”

Section: Low Productivity Of Rural Labormentioning

confidence: 99%

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

Gérard¹

2020

Front. Agr. Sci. Eng.

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Thinking Outside the Plot: Insights on Small-Scale Mechanisation from Case Studies in East Africa

Cited by 32 publications

References 4 publications

A farm-level assessment of labor and mechanization in Eastern and Southern Africa

A farm-level assessment of labor and mechanization in Eastern and Southern Africa

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

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

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