Agricultural mechanization is not an isolated activity but is part of complex interactions between numerous actors. Besides agronomic, technical and social aspects there is also an important role played by institutional aspects like agricultural education, extension and research. Subsidies, infrastructure and the world market, too, are important.

In order to make appropriate use of available resources FAO stimulates and assists member countries in formulating a National Agricultural Mechanization Strategy. Such a strategy indicates ways to improve production and food security through policy measures, investments, agricultural and technical interventions.
So far, FAO has assisted ten countries in formulating a strategy.