In recent times, many of the interventions have provided some level (although not sufficient) of support in addressing some of these factors. The exception is mechanisation. Sadly, issues surrounding mechanisation are a well known challenge but this subject has consistently received little to no attention due to the priority of donor organisations, the interest of the political parties in government and that of other key stakeholders in the agricultural sector.

Subsequently, it is common knowledge that the smallholder farming system is very popular in developing countries as a result of long-age tradition, scarce resources and cultural norms of the people. This practice is characterised by the use of hoe and cutlass for agricultural production and hinges on the availability of manual labour (which is favoured by high population and low employment opportunities). For such a system, mechanisation is a nightmare for many farmers who barely survive on manual labour due to its increasing costs – talkless of the use of machines (even if they are simple machines). The initial capital investment is a big threat to adoption of mechanisation at the different levels of production. Also, the availability of technical personnel at the village level is a concern for after-sale support and maintenance.

Thus, there is a need for huge investment in mechanisation, for the manufacturing of simple farm mechanisation equipment such as planter, tractor, harrower, ridger, harvester amongst others and to improve the technical know-how locally for personnel. This can be achieved by the collaboration between the government and the private sector to support smallholder farming communities. In addition, the government needs to affirm their commitment to agricultural mechanisation through its policies and resources mobilisation in order to give more confidence to investors. Furthermore, the government needs to put measures in place to protect investors' money especially for large commercial farmers that are into semi or full mechanisation. This can be achieved through an enabling and secured environment. That's why security of lives and property is a minimum requirement towards achieving food security.

Therefore, all stakeholders must join hands to promote an enabling environment to support mechanisation. This is because agricultural productivity has the potential to improve significantly and this would have a positive impact on food security and reduce food inflation. The change we need is not automatic but intentionally planned for and we cannot afford to play lip service to this and lose this opportunity. Today is another day for us to walk and work towards food security through mechanisation. Our time has started ALREADY.


Yours-in-Service

Babatunde