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Thinking Outside the Plot: Insights on Small-Scale Mechanisation from Case Studies in East Africa

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  • David Kahan
  • Roger Bymolt
  • Fred Zaal

Abstract

The changing agricultural sector and the challenges faced by smallholders call for the need for farm mechanisation suited to smallholder farming. Conventional four-wheeled tractors (4WTs) are not feasible for many smallholders owing to their high capital costs, unsuitability for fragmented holdings as well as topography and slope. More appropriate technologies are needed such as two-wheeled tractors (2WTs) and their requisite accessories. Our findings show that opportunities exist for the introduction of 2WTs in maize based systems through service provider models combining a number of operations that can be offered throughout the year and targeted to niche areas where 4WT access is unlikely. The paper also suggests that attention needs to be given concurrently to development of the 2WT supply chain to ensure that its profitability is sustainable.

Suggested Citation

  • David Kahan & Roger Bymolt & Fred Zaal, 2018. "Thinking Outside the Plot: Insights on Small-Scale Mechanisation from Case Studies in East Africa," Journal of Development Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 54(11), pages 1939-1954, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:jdevst:v:54:y:2018:i:11:p:1939-1954
    DOI: 10.1080/00220388.2017.1329525
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    Cited by:

    1. Brown, Brendan & Paudel, Gokul P. & Krupnik, Timothy J., 2021. "Visualising adoption processes through a stepwise framework: A case study of mechanisation on the Nepal Terai," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 192(C).
    2. Hatzenbuehler, Patrick L. & Takeshima, Hiroyuki & Edeh, Hyacinth & Lawal, Akeem, 2018. "Cost and policy determinants of features of tractor markets in Nigeria: Case studies of tractor sellers in Kaduna state and tractor owners in Benue state," NSSP working papers 55, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
    3. Belton, Ben & Win, Myat Thida & Zhang, Xiaobo & Filipski, Mateusz, 2021. "The rapid rise of agricultural mechanization in Myanmar," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 101(C).
    4. Daum, Thomas & Villalba, Roberto & Anidi, Oluwakayode & Mayienga, Sharon Masakhwe & Gupta, Saurabh & Birner, Regina, 2021. "Uber for tractors? Opportunities and challenges of digital tools for tractor hire in India and Nigeria," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 144(C).

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