The Mandate of FAO's Agricultural Engineering Branch (AGSE)

Background

Technological change is needed today to boost agricultural production and help meet the food requirements of growing populations. Most farmers in developing countries spend more annually on farm power inputs than on fertilizer, seeds or pesticides. In many cases, investment in land development and agricultural production technology failed to realize the anticipated benefits because the need for adequate farm power, machinery, tools and equipment was ignored. However, it is now recognized that the proper selection, utilization and management of these resources is a crucial factor in the agricultural production process. Agricultural engineering solutions are also being sought increasingly to solve environmental problems such as reduction of pollution and health hazards of agrochemicals through improved application technology and improved soil tillage technology to reduce soil degradation.

Against this background AGSE is entrusted with the following Mandate:

The Branch is concerned with all aspects of farm power (human, animal and mechanical), farm tools, farm machinery and equipment, and farm structures. Its role and functions embrace technical, policy and strategy issues concerning the selection, supply, utilization and management of tools, implements, machines and equipment for agricultural land development, crop production, harvesting, preparation for storage, on-farm processing, farm structures, as well as the small-scale production, distribution, repair and maintenance of engineering inputs.

More specifically, the following tasks are undertaken:

• To analyze and define the role and function of farm power, tools, machinery and equipment as well as farm structures in development, and advises on the formulation of policies and strategies in the agricultural engineering sector.

• To serve as an international focal point and forum on topics, actions and issues which fall within the role and function of the Branch.

• To address social, economic, environmental and energy issues relating to farm power, tools, machinery and equipment, and farm structures.

• To advise and assist FAO Members on:

  • the selection, availability, repair and maintenance, utilization and management of appropriate hand tools, animal draught implements and powered machines and equipment used in agriculture;

  • issues concerning the supply chain for agricultural engineering inputs particularly with regard to the development of the private sector and the role and function of government;

  • testing and evaluation programmes;

  • training and education programmes; and,

  • the functional and environmental aspects of farm structures.

• To provide technical support to units in FAO Headquarters, UN Agencies and other organizations particularly with regard to normative aspects of agricultural engineering programmes and projects;

• To provide and assist with the dissemination of technical information and human resource development activities related to the role and functions of the Branch.

To see what AGSE is currently doing look at our activities

Water and soil aspects of agricultural engineering, such as irrigation & drainage and soil conservation, fall within the mandate of FAO's Land and Water Development Division, AGL.

Agricultural processing and post harvest management, such as storage, packing and finished product marketing fall within the mandate of FAO's Agro-Industries and Post-Harvest Management Service, AGSI.

To know more about the mandate, structure and finance of the Food and Agriculture Organization look at FAO, what it, is what it does.