Sustainable Agriculture Resource Hub

Abstract:

The framework for Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization in Africa (SAMA) was developed through a collaboration between the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Department of Rural Economy and Agriculture (DREA) of the African Union Commission (AUC).

Abstract:

Conservation agriculture (CA) is an increasingly adopted production system to meet the goals of sustainable crop production intensification in feeding a growing world population whilst conserving natural resources. Mechanization (especially power units, seeders, rippers and sprayers) is a key input for CA and smallholder farmers often have difficulties in making the necessary investments. Donors may be able to provide mechanization inputs in the short term, but this is not a sustainable solution as a machinery input supply chain needs to be built up to continue availability after external interventions cease.

Abstract:

L’agriculture est cruciale pour le développement de l’Afrique, mais le rendement du secteur est bien inférieur à son potentiel. À l’heure actuelle, si l’emploi et les moyens de subsistance d’environ 60 pour cent de la population afri- caine dépendent de l’agriculture, sa contribution au pro-duit intérieur brut reste dérisoire: 21 pour cent en 2016. Bien que l’Afrique dispose de la plus grande superficie de terres arables non cultivées de la planète (202 millions d’hec- tares), environ 50 pour cent du total mondial, sa produc-tivité est nettement inférieure à celle des autres régions en développement.

Abstract:

L’agriculture est cruciale pour le développement de l’Afrique, mais le rendement du secteur est bien inférieur à son potentiel. À l’heure actuelle, si l’emploi et les moyens de subsistance d’environ 60 pour cent de la population afri-caine dépendent de l’agriculture, sa contribution au pro-duit intérieur brut reste dérisoire: 21 pour cent en 2016. Bien que l’Afrique dispose de la plus grande superficie de terres arables non cultivées de la planète (202 millions d’hec- tares), environ 50 pour cent du total mondial, sa produc- tivité est nettement inférieure à celle des autres régions en développement. Les rendements ne représentent que 56 pour cent de la moyenne internationale (BAfD, 2016; Jerome, 2017).

Abstract:

Rural people depend heavily upon agriculture either as farmers, casual labourers, workers in agro-based industries, traders in agricultural produce or as hire service providers. One of the principal causes of poverty among smallholder farmers is the lack of farm power (labour saving tools and equipment, animal and mechanized power) and importantly access to it.

Abstract:

Rural women across the world work along agri-food value chains performing numerous agricultural operations. Their work is increasingly affected by land degradation, climate change impacts and out-migration. It is often unrecognized, unqualified and unpaid. Moreover, the traditional division of labour often relegates women to manual, time-consuming operations with high degrees of drudgery. The combination of family responsibilities and insufficient access to critical services, information and technologies, affects women’s work burden and their potential for income generation. For example, fewer rights over land make it more difficult for women to access subsidies, finance or mechanization.

Abstract:

Over the last couple of decades, conservation agriculture has gained increas- ing interest worldwide as well as in Africa. This approach to farming is very attractive for African farmers: it boosts yields, saves labour and money, and conserves the soil and the environment. It appeals to all categories of farmers – from small-scale subsistence farmers to high-tech commercial producers. It can be used in all climates and on all soils where it is possible to grow crops. And it appeals to the general public and to national leaders as a policy to promote and approve.

Abstract:

Agricultural technologies are rapidly evolving towards a new paradigm – Agriculture 4.0. Within this paradigm, digitalization, automation and artificial intelligence play a major role in crop production, including weeding and pest control. This evolution presents both challenges and opportunities, such as leapfrogging from manual and animal-driven technologies to automated and mechanized equipment in developing countries and closing the digital divide. Traditional agricultural mechanization, characterized by the use of tractors and engine power, will be matched and even surpassed by automated equipment and robotics and the precision they can provide in farm operations.

Abstract:

The development of these Guidelines originates from the early 1990’s when interest was expressed by several countries in Asia, Eastern Europe and Africa for assistance from FAO for the development of plans for the expansion of mechanization. In the case of Eastern European countries advice was requested on how to privatize the public sector mechanization services. In response to these requests the Agricultural Engineering Service (AGSE) of FAO developed some guiding principles for the assistance to be provided. Subsequently, field work was conducted in several countries from which a mechanization strategy was formulated for each. From this experience, in 1997 AGSE produced more detailed guidelines on strategy formulation. The author of these was Clare Bishop, a consultant who had been involved in the formulation of several of the country studies. Overall guidance and supervision during this period was provided by Lawrence Clarke, Chief of the Agricultural Engineering Service.