Gender Differentiation in the Analysis of Alternative Farm Mechanization Choices on Small Farms in Kenya

Using multinomial logit we analyze factors that influence the choice of mechanization technologies in Nyanza Province. The results show that farmers are aware of the attributes of the mechanization technologies, and that animal traction is the most commonly used. Gender, formal and informal training of the household head, and technology attributes influence the choice of mechanization technology. This study recommends increased formal and informal training, extension, credit, and tractor hire services to facilitate knowledge transfer, credit, and tractor availability. The study also recommends enactment of laws that increase women's access and control of productive resources.mechanization, technology, gender, choice

A review of empirical evidence on gender differences in nonland agricultural inputs, technology, and services in developing countries

This paper reviews existing microeconomic empirical literature on gender differences in use, access, and adoption of nonland agricultural inputs in developing countries. This review focuses on four key areas: (1) technological resources, (2) natural resources, (3) human resources, and (4) social and political capital. In general, there has been more empirical research on inorganic fertilizer, seed varieties, extension services, and group membership than on tools and mechanization, life-cycle effects, and political participation. Across input areas, generally men have higher input measures than women; however, this finding is often sensitive to the use of models that control for other background factors, as well as the type of gender indicator implemented in the analysis. We find few studies that meet our inclusion criteria outside Sub-Saharan Africa. Finally, future directions, opportunities, and recommendations for microeconomic gender analysis of nonland agricultural inputs are discussed.access to farm inputs, Agricultural inputs, Agriculture, assets, Developing countries, Gender, life-cycle effects, mechanization, Women,

Développer durablement la mécanisation pour améliorer la productivité de l'agriculture familiale en Afrique Subsaharienne

In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), the agricultural production energy is supplied by men (65%), animals (25%) and motor (10%). Family farming, more than 75% of farms, provides relevant incomes of rural populations but are often considered as unproductive because they used essentially human energy and manual tools. However, draught power continues to expand in favorable areas, while the use of tractors and tillers remains marginal. After an overview of mechanization and lessons learned from the past experiences, this article proposes measures for sustainable development of agricultural mechanization. Method of analysis are based on the planning objectives of mechanization, the analysis of the supply and demand of agricultural mechanization and environmental scan of mechanization services. This study highlights significant variations in levels of mechanization in different regions, farming systems, as well as agricultural operations. In addition, agricultural mechanization support measures and actions are insufficient and unsustainable. Indeed, they are not based on a specific, structured and tailored request, and don't take into account the capacity building needed to support the agricultural mechanization process. The major stake in SSA for the coming decades is to equip rural areas to reach the growing needs of production, storage and processing of agricultural products for sustainable food security of a growing population. Governments have a key role to play in creating economic, social conditions and set up a policy for sustainable development of agricultural mechanization. Public-private partnerships are also needed to improve agricultural mechanization level in SSA. (Résumé d'auteur

Intellectual Property and Opportunities for Food Security in the Philippines

By 2050, the Philippine population is projected to increase by as much as 41 percent, from 99.9 million to nearly 153 million people. Producing enough food for such an expanding population and achieving food security remain a challenge for the Philippine government. This paper argued that intellectual property rights (IPR) can play a key role in achieving the nation’s current goal to be food-secure and provided examples to illustrate that the presence of sound intellectual property (IP) helps foster research, development, and deployment of agricultural innovations. This paper also offered key recommendations about how the IP system can be further leveraged to enable access, creation, and commercialization of new and innovative agricultural practices and technologies to enhance the nation’s agricultural productivity, meet rice self-sufficiency, and sustain food security

ANANABIO: A project to design organic pineapple cropping systems through a participative approach between research and producers

ANANABIO is a multi-partnership project (2016-2018) associating Research (CIRAD) with a technical institute (ARMEFLHOR) on Reunion Island (Indian Ocean) to design innovative practices for environmental-friendly organic pineapple cropping systems. Other partners of the project are the local administrative support to farmers (Agriculture Chamber and agricultural training school), professional organizations of farmers and independent farmers as well. Pineapple produced under the French Organic production specifications are marketed with the label'Agriculture Biologique' (AB) of the French Ministry of Agriculture. The project proposes through a participatory approach to encourage farmers to co-design cropping systems with agronomists and to evaluate their performances. As far as cultural practices are concerned, ANANABIO focuses on the destruction of old crops and mechanized planting, organic fertilizer application, the pest and weeds management, and production of disease-free planting material. These cropping systems should also follow the Agroecology concept that promotes an agriculture that respects and protects man in his environment. (Résumé d'auteur

Appropriate small scale mechanization

Poster prepared for a share fair, Addis Ababa, May 201

Gender in agricultural mechanization: Key guiding questions

This tool describes case studies of gender implications in mechanization in RTB crops, illustrating both positive and negative outcomes. GENNOVATE research has shown that the beneficiaries of mechanization tend to be the wealthier rather than the poorer farmers and more often men than women. However, results also reveal that women have strong interest in mechanization as a way to improve their own circumstances