Sustainable Intensification is one of the key drivers of agricultural transformation involving Smallholder Farmers in emerging economies. Mechanization would be a crucial component in farming that helps improving productivity and profitability in agriculture. It has been estimated by FAO that adoption of appropriate mechanization solutions would enhance the productivity by 20%. Mechanization would also help significantly reducing Post Harvest Loss resulting to increased profitability. It also attracts youth into agriculture.
The major challenges of Smallholder farmers to adopt appropriate mechanization solutions are
To optimize production and profitability from farming, smallholder farmers require scientific knowledge of package of practices, farm management systems, postharvest techniques, value addition and above all be part of credible value chain. Smallholders need to build their capacities and strengthen supporting institutions.
Use of appropriate farm machineries depends on various factors viz., soil type, climatic conditions, agroecology, crop to be grown, perishability of produce, access to market etc. Comprehensive strategies need to be developed to optimize the gains out of mechanization.
Smallholders often are resource poor and risk prone. Their access to formal financial institutions is limited. They won’t be able to raise necessary capital due to lack of required collateral.
The complex combination of these three challenges pose humongous obstacles to the growth of mechanization among Smallholder Farmers in emerging economies in Africa, Asia and Latin America
L3 is an integrated approach to commercially promote sustainable and profitable ‘mechanization solution’ to Smallholder Farmers by blending three definite solutions viz.,
Knowledge and capacity
development support
Diagnostic studies to determine appropriate specifications of machineries, Negotiation with Manufactures through RFQ, Facilitating Procurement, Training on repair-maintenance, ICT based advisory on machine health, Developing SOP in local language
Innovative Lease financing options, No collaterals, Minimal down payment, flexible repayment schedule, robust built-in risk mitigation
L3 partnered with Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) and Rockefeller Foundation to bring sustainable mechanization solutions to reduce Post Harvest Loss in Maize value chain in Southern Highlands in Tanzania.
Southern Highlands is one of most impoverished regions of Tanzania where food and nutritional securities of the communities need to improved.
L3 identified three major stakeholders such as individual Farmers, Farmers’ Organizations (SACCO & AMCO) and local Millers.