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The Present Status of Agricultural Mechanization in Kwara State, Nigeria: A focus on Tractorization
Subject area: Science,Engineering and Technology · Area of research: Agricultural Mechanization
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV10I1-1719670
Abstract
This research critical assess the level of agricultural mechanization in Kwara State, Nigeria, focusing specifically on tractorization. Combining data from primary surveys and existing literature, the research examines ownership levels and intensity of usage of tractors, as well as gender participation and the distribution of this technology. Key findings were: ownership levels for tractors is extremely low, with usage predominantly (97.99%) hired services, signifying strong structural limitations to ownership; that gender imbalance persists, with female share less than 3%; and that there was a concentration on relatively low horse-power tractors in the range of 51-75hp which indicates suitability to the small holder nature of farms. Constraints identified include: prohibitively high costs of acquiring tractors, lack of access to credit, poor maintenance support structures and poorly developed rural infrastructure. The research recommends policy induced mechanization models such as, custom hire services, a comprehensive credit and financial strategy as well as a capacity building framework. The implications of the findings enhance ongoing discussion about low-energy agriculture in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Keywords
Agricultural Mechanization, Tractorization, Agriculture, Tractor.
References
[1] Achoja Roland Onomu --- Michael Aliber (2021). Factors Influencing Smallholder Farmers’ Mechanization Decisions in Nigeria: The Case of Tractor Use in the Fourth Industrial Revolution ERA. Asian Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development, 11(2), 199-209. 10.18488/journal.ajard.2021.112.199.209
[2] Diao, X., Silver, J., & Takeshima, H. (2021). Agricultural mechanization and agricultural transformation. Annual Review of Resource Economics, 13, 135–159.
[3] Okafor, C.C. (2021). Engineering Agriculture for Sustainable Economic Transformation in Nigeria. Cambridge Research and Publications (CR&P), Vol 18, No 5)
[4] Ozumba, I. C., Ogunjirin, O.A, Opadotun, O. O., Iorpev, T, and Kang, S., (2019). ‘A Review of Current Status of Agricultural Mechanization in Nigeria. Royal Academy of Engineering (RAE). (2019). Engineering and economic growth: a global view. https://raeng.org.uk/eep
[5] Takeshima, H., Pratt, A. N., & Diao, X. (2013). Mechanization and agricultural technology evolution, agricultural intensification in Sub-Saharan Africa: Typology of agricultural mechanization in Nigeria. American Journal of Agricultural Economics, 95(5), 1230-1236.
[6] Zhang, X., Chen, Y., & Li, M. (2024). Digital transformation in agricultural mechanization: Trends and impacts. Agricultural Systems, 220, 103850.
How to cite this paper
@article{1719670,
author = {Ogunjirin, O. A., Ogunjirin O. C., Sunmonu, S. E., Kosemani Babajide; Sulugambari U. S., Tajudeen K.O; Jimoh W.; Abdullahi H.},
title = {The Present Status of Agricultural Mechanization in Kwara State, Nigeria: A focus on Tractorization},
journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
year = {2026},
volume = {10},
number = {1},
pages = {1417-1421},
issn = {2456-8880},
url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1719670.pdf},
abstract = {This research critical assess the level of agricultural mechanization in Kwara State, Nigeria, focusing specifically on tractorization. Combining data from primary surveys and existing literature, the research examines ownership levels and intensity of usage of tractors, as well as gender participation and the distribution of this technology. Key findings were: ownership levels for tractors is extremely low, with usage predominantly (97.99%) hired services, signifying strong structural limitations to ownership; that gender imbalance persists, with female share less than 3%; and that there was a concentration on relatively low horse-power tractors in the range of 51-75hp which indicates suitability to the small holder nature of farms. Constraints identified include: prohibitively high costs of acquiring tractors, lack of access to credit, poor maintenance support structures and poorly developed rural infrastructure. The research recommends policy induced mechanization models such as, custom hire services, a comprehensive credit and financial strategy as well as a capacity building framework. The implications of the findings enhance ongoing discussion about low-energy agriculture in Sub-Saharan Africa.},
keywords = {Agricultural Mechanization, Tractorization, Agriculture, Tractor.},
month = {July},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV10I1-1719670}
}