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Policy briefThe (continued) potential of motorized mechanization 2022
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No results found.Motorized mechanization is an important form of agricultural automation and has the capacity to transform agriculture and rural livelihoods. Its benefits have resulted in a substantial increase in mechanization worldwide, although adoption has been uneven and particularly limited in sub-Saharan Africa. Agricultural mechanization has been so far dominated by large and heavy machinery, putting small-scale producers at a disadvantage due to their lower capacity to afford large, more costly, machinery that often does not suit their small, irregular, or hilly terrains. Moreover, such machinery contributed to environmental problems such as biodiversity loss, land degradation and soil erosion. Inclusive access to mechanization requires a conducive business environment through a range of (coherent) policy instruments and investments. Particularly for small-scale agricultural producers, it is important that machinery is tailored to local conditions through technological and institutional innovations. -
Book (stand-alone)Proceedings of the FAO Global Conference on Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization
Rome, 27–29 September 2023
2024Also available in:
No results found.The Global Conference on Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization (GAMC) organized by FAO from 27 to 29 September 2023 provided a neutral platform for global stakeholders to discuss sustainable agricultural mechanization for agrifood systems transformation. The conference covered various themes like crop production, post-harvest and agroprocessing, climate change and resilience, digitalization and automation, supply chain and standards, models and multistakeholder engagement, and creating an enabling environment. The proceedings feature abstracts of speeches and presentations and culminate in a compelling call to action to guide future efforts for promoting sustainable agricultural mechanization towards 2030 and beyond. -
Book (series)Agricultural digitalization and automation in low- and middle-income countries: Evidence from ten case studies
Background paper for The State of Food and Agriculture 2022
2022Also available in:
No results found.Digital and automation solutions can solve labour bottlenecks, increase agricultural productivity, resilience and efficiency, and improve environmental sustainability. However, access is limited in low- and lower-middle-income countries, especially for small-scale producers. Based on ten case studies in sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean and Asia, this study investigates the suitability of digital and automation solutions for small-scale producers, the main drivers and barriers to their adoption and the role of policies and regulations in creating an enabling environment. Findings show that technologies in the study countries are largely limited to smartphones and tablets, and related software tools (e.g. mobile applications). Most digital and automation solutions focus on crops, some on livestock and aquaculture, and a few on agroforestry. The most important adoption barriers include the high investment cost, lack of digital skills and knowledge and a lack of an enabling environment. Yet, advances in mechanization supported by digital technologies, and the development of hiring platforms foster adoption. The emergence of guidelines, strategic plans and policies that regulate and streamline automation should be encouraged, as should providing producers with information about the benefits and costs of digital and automation solutions.
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