Mechanization and agricultural technology evolution, agricultural intensification in sub-Saharan Africa: typology of agricultural mechanization in Nigeria.

摘要

This study used cluster analysis methods to assess how the use of mechanization is associated with farm household types and production behaviours in Nigeria. It also used a simple linear programming to simulate a farm household model to assess the potential demand for and effect of mechanized land preparation across major types of small-holder farmers, given their level of seasonal labour demand, liquidity constraints, and off-farm income earning opportunities. The study shows, first, that tractor use is associated with input intensive crop production. Second, tractor use in the North is more associated with increased nonfarm income earning activities, rather than expansion of cultivated area. Tractor use in the North seems to be increasing, albeit slowly, across various farm household types; while in the South, it is highly concentrated among large-scale rice producers. Third, while mechanization services are not available for many small-holder farmers in Nigeria, mostly because of the shortage of machineries and private service providers, farmers may be willing to pay for the mechanized land preparation services if they are available at the prices currently offered in some locations.Digital Object Identifier http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/ajae/aat045