Trends in agricultural mechanization in Kenya’ s maize production areas from 1992-2012

Abstract

Agricultural intensification is key to feed the rapidly increasing African population. While the use of improved varieties has increased substantially over the last twenty years, the use of land-saving technologies such as fertilizer and labor-saving technologies such as mechanization has lagged behind. This study provides a literature review and analyzes the evolution of agricultural mechanization in Kenya, based on four household surveys conducted in Kenya between 1992 and 2012. The results show persistent low levels of agricultural mechanization: in 2012, most farm households still used only hand tools. More than a quarter of farmers (28%) had a plow (either for oxen or tractor), but very few (2%) a tractor. From 1992 to 2012 the percentage of farmers with oxen increased from 17% to 33%, but those with tractors decreased from 5% to 2%. Tractors were most important in the highlands, but animal traction was most important in the dry areas and moist midaltitude zone. Adoption of tractors increased with income, acreage and age. Adoption of animal traction increased with absentee husbands, income, age, sales of maize, livestock, family size, and access to extension; it decreased with land and with fertilizer use. Mechanization in Kenya is likely to continue depending on animal traction, which is not linked to farm size and complements labor, helps to reduce fertilizer and increase commercial maize production, and has room to grow, in particular in the highlands. Agricultural extension, development projects and research should consider the options in animal traction, and provide training and research on appropriate technologies and implements in areas with sufficient land area.