Mechanization
Agricultural science SSS 1 Third Term
Week 2
Mechanization
Performance objectives.
Students should be able to:
- State the meaning of agricultural mechanization.
- Explain the major problems of agriculture.
Content.
MEANING OF AGRICULTURAL MECHANIZATION.
Farm mechanization is the application of engineering principles and technology in agricultural production, storage and processing on the farm.
Farm mechanization is applicable to land preparation, planting, fertilizer application, weeding and crop harvesting, rearing, caring and feeding of animals as well as processing and storage of farm produce, using appropriate farm machinery.
PROBLEMS OF AGRICULTURAL MECHANIZATION
- Land tenure system:
The type of land tenure system (communal) does not allow for large farm holdings suitable for mechanization.
- Scattered farm holdings:
Scattered farm holdings are also not conducive or economical for mechanization, especially in West Africa.
- The poverty of farmers:
Most farmers, especially in West Africa are very poor and cannot afford the cost of tractors and farm implements.
- Inadequate facilities (machinery)
The facilities or machinery for fabricating and repairing farm implements are grossly insufficient where they are available.
- Bad topography:
The topography of most West African landscape is too rough and unconducive for farm mechanization.
- Varied soil types:
Soil types are extremely varied and the machines to use them have not been developed locally. West African countries, Nigeria for instance, still depend on imported machinery which is not too suitable for our soil.
- Inadequate spare parts:
Availability of spare parts is a major problem as these parts are still being imported.
- Inadequate technical manpower:
Available technical manpower to operate or service the implements and machines is not adequate.
- Problems of stumps and logs:
During clearing, heavy stumps and logs are usually left behind, and they constitute additional problems in mechanization.