Smallholder mechanisation: man,animal or engine?

Abstract

The importance of mechanisation in improving agricultural productivity needs no emphasis, but the most appropriate system depends very much on local socio-economic factors. In western countries, where labour is scarce and expensive, the tractor and an associated range of implements may well be the most attractive choice on the basis of cost-benefit analysis. However, in many Third World countries—where quite different socio-economic situations prevail—the use of animal power, or even simply of human power using improved hand implements, may be the more attractive.