Transforming agriculture for a sustainable future

Sustainable agricultural mechanization (SAM) is not just about machinery. It is more about introducing technologies and innovations along the value chain to improve agricultural productivity while minimizing negative environmental and social impacts. It can have far-reaching effects on our daily lives – shaping the availability, quality, and affordability of food, impacting rural livelihoods, conserving the environment, and contributing to economic and social development.

In September 2023, FAO has scheduled the first-ever Global Conference on Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization (GAMC), to debate and synthesize evidence on innovations that confer “Efficiency, Inclusiveness and Resilience” to the various components of SAM systems. This will lay the foundation for broader adoption and scaling up, particularly in developing countries, the core of FAO’s work.

Learn more about sustainable agriculture mechanization through this selection of FAO publications.

Empowering women farmers – A mechanization catalogue for practitioners
The combination of family responsibilities and insufficient access to critical services, information, and technologies, affects women’s work burden and their potential for income generation. This catalogue aims to promote and support women’s access to SAM as operators and managers. It lists and provides information on market-tested machinery and equipment for crop production and post-harvest operations, such as planting, seeding and fertilization.

Training of trainers manual on the operation, maintenance and repair of farm machinery
This manual provides insights into the operation, maintenance and basic repair of farm machinery. It provides an overview of the main concepts of equipment that can facilitate sustainable agriculture practices, with examples and guidelines on the topic. It aims to provide interested audiences with the knowledge of and skills for mechanization and crop management.

Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization: A Framework for Africa
This publication presents a set of interrelated principles, from boosting farm power through innovative technologies and business models to promoting social sustainability, with a focus on women and youth. Further, it presents the technical issues to be considered and the options to be analysed at the country and subregional levels.

Agri-hire in sub-Saharan Africa – Business models for investing in sustainable mechanization
Business models for mechanization hire services driven by the private sector should not only be profitable, sustainable and inclusive for smallholder farmers and vulnerable community members including women and youth, but also resilient to the effects of climate change. This study analyses five typical agri-hire business models, identifying their success factors and providing entry points for investment.

Further reading

• Agricultural mechanization and child labour in developing countries – Background study
• Sustainable agricultural mechanization in China – A comprehensive review
• Agricultural mechanization and sustainable agrifood system transformation in the Global South – Background paper for The State of Food and Agriculture 2022
• Review of and recommendations for Custom Hiring Centers for mechanization in Nepal and the Asian region
• Use of information and communications technology tools for tractor hire services in Africa – Opportunities and challenges
• Agriculture 4.0 – Agricultural robotics and automated equipment for sustainable crop production
• Conservation Agriculture – Training Guide for Extension Agents and Farmers in Eastern Europe and Central Asia
• Hire Services as a Business Enterprise: A Training Manual for Small-Scale Mechanization Service Providers
• Agricultural mechanization – A key input for sub-Saharan Africa smallholders
• A Regional Strategy for Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization – Sustainable Mechanization across Agri-Food Chains in Asia and the Pacific region
• Mechanization for Rural Development – A review of patterns and progress from around the world
• Agricultural Mechanization in Sub Saharan Africa: Guidelines for preparing a strategy
• Hire services by farmers for farmers

Additional resources

• FAO Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization website
• FAO Global Conference on Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization
• Community of Practice on Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization