AGRICULTURAL MANAGEMENT,
MARKETING AND FINANCE
OCCASIONAL PAPER - 22

Agricultural mechanization
in sub-Saharan Africa:
time for a new look

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Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
Rome, Italy 2008

ABSTRACT

This Occasional Paper examines the role of agricultural mechanization in the agricultural and economic development of sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The paper argues that in the light of global changes and challenges the time is ripe to reconsider the potential of mechanization and the priority that needs to be given to it by African governments and developmental agencies. It purports the view that if efforts to promote and support mechanization in SSA are to receive greater attention then it is essential to rethink the nature of mechanization and how it can be accelerated. The paper suggests that successful and sustainable mechanization should not be established by direct public sector provision of mechanical technologies and services but rather through creating a conducive enabling environment for private sector engagement. It concludes by making the case that efforts to accelerate mechanization in SSA will require substantial long-term political and financial commitments in order to effectively respond to the new challenges facing the continent.

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ISBN 978-92-5-106018-6

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