Today, a new wave of innovation is redefining what mechanization means for agriculture, and agriculture in Africa in particular. Early mechanization efforts on the African continent, particularly in the 1960s and 70s, came with great hopes but yielded limited results. Large tractors and imported machinery were often mismatched to end users and the local realities of small plots, poor road networks and limited access to spare parts and repair services. Many programmes faltered once the equipment broke down or maintenance and operation costs became too much.

Now, with a focus on sustainability, inclusivity and local innovation, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is working with countries across Africa to deploy machines that fit the context, and still reduce drudgery and open doors for women and youth.