Key factors for consideration in smallholder mechanisation in Africa

The appropriateness of a farm machine, implement or tool for field operations depends on many factors. Farmers should consider their local conditions and needs when they select appropriate machinery and equipment for their farms. These and other factors influence, to a large extent, the types of tools/equipment which organic farmers can use to assist in their field operations. Nevertheless, the principles of soil health, reduced tillage, soil cover, and timely weed control are applicable to all smallholder farmers regardless of the context, and farmers require suitable tools or machines to support the application of these principles.

Some of the key factors to consider in smallholder farm mechanisation include:

• Type of farm enterprises and their components, e.g. horticultural and arable field crops and types: Planting maize and sesame definitely require different planting machines due to their seed size differences. Some crops are more appropriate for certain machines while others are not. For example, delicate and highly perishable products such as lettuce and grapes for the fresh market are better handled by hand. Threshers and shellers are suitable for small and large grains.
• Size of farm operations: Very small fields do not require the use of tractors for land preparation and planting, as the size will make it difficult for the tractors to turn, for example.
• Agro-climatic characteristics of the area and soil types: The use of heavy machines in very wet conditions can worsen the soil compaction risks.
• Cultural values, traditions and taboos
• Availability of tools and equipment at the local level, the terrain, and access to infrastructure in and outside the farm, e.g. for transporting the tools/equipment: In many areas, motorised equipment of machinery are not available due to low demand, poor road infrastructure and other factors. It is important for farmers to select equipment for which they can easily find backup services and parts.
• Cost (for purchasing or hiring) and access to financing: The added advantage of purchasing or hiring a machine or equipment should be considered as this can lead to debt or economic losses for the farmers.
• Ability, technical capacity and skills levels of farmers to operate them: Many machines or equipment require specialised handling and operation for pro­per functioning.
• Types of energy or power needed (hand-operated, diesel, electrical, solar, etc.): Some motorised tools, equipment, pumps or machines require electri­city or fuel to operate. If these are not available in the area, then it will not be suitable for the farmers to buy them unless alternatives such as solar energy is compatible.
• Availability of repair services such as spare parts, and/or experts to service the machine: Good backup services for repair and maintenance are important.

The variability in conditions and contexts afore mentioned illustrates why this training manual is to be used as a guide only to discuss case-specific appropriate-scale mechanisation options in a collaborative exchange between farmers, extension agents, and other organic farming resources, and not as a mechanisation ‘recipe’.