Problems Of Agricultural Mechanization SS1 Agricultural Science Lesson Note

Mechanization refers to the application of engineering principles and technology in agricultural production. It is the use of machines such as tractors, ploughs, harvesters, harrows, planters etc as well as the use of farm inputs such as insecticides, improved seeds, fertilizer etc.

The objective of mechanization is to:

1. Reduce human labour (that is to reduce drudgery)
2. Increase efficiency
3.  Save cost (in the long run)
4. Save time
5. Improve the standard of living by improving the quality and quantity of produce available.

ADVANTAGE OF FARM MECHANIZATION 

1. It ensures that farm operations are done and completed within the shortest possible time.
2. It saves labour that could otherwise be useful elsewhere.
3. It reduces health hazards and accidents that can occur from using tools.
4. It reduces drudgery. 
5. It encourages large-scale farming hence increasing output.
6. It promotes specialization of labour for example machine operators become specialists in the machines they handle.
7. It increases cooperation among farmers such as enabling them to put their resources together to buy machines and use them on a rotational basis thereby making them united.
8. It in the long run saves labour costs, and waste, and reduces errors and spoilage thereby leading to an increase in income (saved cost).

DISADVANTAGES OF FARM MECHANIZATION 

1. It involves huge capital investment.
2. With mechanization very few workers are needed which renders other laborers unemployed.
3. The movement of heavy-duty machines on land leads to compaction of the soil.
4. The smoke from the exhaust of machines can cause air pollution.
5. Due to small land holdings as a result of the system of land tenure, the use of machinery is not encouraged (e.g. communal land tenure).
6. Continuous usage of machines on the soil tends to destroy the soil structure.

Limitations Of Farm Mechanization include:

1. Inadequate spare parts.
2. Farmers are generally poor, and cannot afford to buy machines like tractors etc.
3. There is inadequate technical know-how on how to operate and repair farm machines.
4. As a result of a small area of land cultivation, it is not economically advisable for farmers to use machines on their farms. 
5. This problem is created by the land tenure system.
6. Seasonality of farm operation: Machines may be left unused because of the seasonality nature of farming.
7. Uneven land terrain makes it difficult to operate farm machines.
8. Inadequate storage and processing facilities discourage large-scale production.

PROSPECTS OF MECHANIZATION 

1. Farmers should be educated to accept a modern system of mechanization. 
2. Provision of loans to enable farmers to purchase farm machines. 
3. Farmers should pool their resources together to buy farm machines.
4. The land tenure system should be reviewed to make land available for farming.
5. Simple and less expensive machines should be developed for farmers to acquire.
6. There should be engineering personnel trained to work on machines.

ASSIGNMENT:

1. What is mechanization?
2. Outline five problems of agricultural mechanization.
3. State five advantages and disadvantages of farm mechanization.
4. State five limitations of farm mechanization. 
5. State five possible ways of improving agriculture through mechanization.