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The rapid-but from a low base-uptake of agricultural mechanization in Ethiopia: Patterns, implications, and challenges

In: An evolving paradigm of agricultural mechanization development: How much can Africa learn from Asia?

Author

Listed:
  • Berhane, Guush
  • Dereje, Mekdim
  • Minten, Bart
  • Tamru, Seneshaw
Abstract
The uptake of agricultural mechanization in Ethiopia is low, with less than 1 percent of agricultural plots plowed with a tractor. However, in recent years the uptake of agricultural machinery has accelerated. We note an impressive increase in imports of combine harvesters and of tractors, seemingly associated with the increasing costs of agricultural labor and animal traction, for which agricultural mechanization can substitute. We estimate that a quarter of the area in Ethiopia planted with wheat—the fourth most important cereal in the country—is currently harvested by combine harvesters, and they are widely used in the major wheat-growing zones in the southeast of the country in particular. Private mechanization service providers have rapidly emerged. Smallholders in these wheat-growing zones rely heavily on agricultural machinery rental services for plowing, harrowing, and harvesting. We find that mechanization is associated with significantly lower labor use, and that the adoption of combine harvesters—but not tractors—is significantly associated with higher yields, seemingly due to lower postharvest losses. Although further expansion of mechanization in the country is desired given the environmental and financial costs of holding oxen, and the higher yields linked with some forms of mechanization, it appears to be hampered by farm structures, particularly small farm sizes and consequent limits in scale; fragmented plots; crop diversity; physical constraints, such as the presence of stones, steep fields, and certain soil types; and economic and financial constraints, including limited access to foreign exchange and credit, and the still relatively low wages in less commercialized zones.

Suggested Citation

  • Berhane, Guush & Dereje, Mekdim & Minten, Bart & Tamru, Seneshaw, 2020. "The rapid-but from a low base-uptake of agricultural mechanization in Ethiopia: Patterns, implications, and challenges," IFPRI book chapters, in: An evolving paradigm of agricultural mechanization development: How much can Africa learn from Asia?, chapter 10, pages 329-375, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
    • Handle: RePEc:fpr:ifpric:9780896293809_10
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Schmidt, Emily & Kedir, Mekamu, 2009. "Urbanization and spatial connectivity in Ethiopia: Urban growth analysis using GIS," ESSP discussion papers 3, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
    2. Berhane, Guush & Hirvonen, Kalle & Minten, Bart, 2016. "Synopsis, Agricultural mechanization in Ethiopia: Evidence from the 2015 Feed the Future survey," ESSP research notes 48, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
    3. Schmidt, Emily & Woldeyes, Firew Bekele, 2019. "Rural youth and employment in Ethiopia," IFPRI book chapters, in: Youth and jobs in rural Africa: Beyond stylized facts, chapter 5, pages yj109-136, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
    4. Bachewe, Fantu Nisrane & Berhane, Guush & Minten, Bart & Taffesse, Alemayehu Seyoum, 2016. "Non-farm income and labor markets in rural Ethiopia," ESSP working papers 90, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
    5. Chamberlin, Jordan & Schmidt, Emily, 2012. "Ethiopian Agriculture: A dynamic geographic perspective," IFPRI book chapters, in: Dorosh, Paul A. & Rashid, Shahidur (ed.), Food and agriculture in Ethiopia: Progress and policy challenges, chapter 2, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
    6. Bart Minten & David Stifel & Seneshaw Tamru, 2014. "Structural Transformation of Cereal Markets in Ethiopia," Journal of Development Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 50(5), pages 611-629, May.
    7. Bachewe, Fantu Nisrane & Berhane, Guush & Minten, Bart & Taffesse, Alemayehu Seyoum, 2015. "Agricultural growth in Ethiopia (2004-2014): Evidence and drivers:," ESSP working papers 81, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
    8. Hailu, Getu & Weersink, Alfons & Minten, Bart, 2018. "Farming practices and productivity," IFPRI book chapters, in: The economics of teff: Exploring Ethiopia’s biggest cash crop, chapter 9, pages 205-235, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
    9. Binswanger, Hans, 1986. "Agricultural Mechanization: A Comparative Historical Perspective," The World Bank Research Observer, World Bank, vol. 1(1), pages 27-56, January.
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    Cited by:

    1. Dillon, Brian & Brummund, Peter & Mwabu, Germano, 2019. "Asymmetric non-separation and rural labor markets," Journal of Development Economics, Elsevier, vol. 139(C), pages 78-96.

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