A major challenge facing many low- and middle-income countries is that agriculture is not viewed as a realistic career path for young people. Youth unemployment in such countries is often high. However, opportunities exist for transforming agrifood systems that take advantage of the numerous benefits offered by innovative mechanization and digitalization technologies.
Three women leaders who have benefited from the "Promotion of sustainable agricultural mechanization to improve smallholder efficiency, income and resilience" project, describe the skills they have acquired as a result of the interventions. The project reached, benefited and strengthened fifteen women-led cooperatives in Benin, working in rice, soybean and cassava value chains.
Introduction of women-managed Custom Hiring Center for sustainable agri-mechanization, Nepal
Ms. Ram Kumari Chaudhari, chairperson of Ganesh Agri Mechanization women group in Siraha district of Nepal, explains about the difficulties the women faced in performing the traditional agriculture operations and its impact on their increased workload and time both at the household level and in performing farming operations.
The Power of Youth: Driving Sustainable Mechanization & Digitalization
This side event was organized by the Youth Group of the FAO Plant Production and Protection Division (NSP) during the Global Conference on Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization in 2023. Five young professionals from around the world came together to share their views, experiences and opportunities in the area of sustainable mechanization and digitalization.
Sustainable mechanization for Africa
Her Excellency Josefa Sacko, African Union Commissioner for Rural Economy and Agriculture, and Joseph Mpgagalile, Agricultural Engineer at FAO Regional Office for Africa, shed light in this podcast on the importance of the framework developed with FAO to roll out sustainable farm mechanization across the continent.
Improving livelihoods and ensuring enough food for everyone
Tools, machines and technologies have made our lives easier. Simple hand tools to advanced motorized equipment can fundamentally transform the way we farm. Mechanization can strengthen every part of the food supply chain, including processing, storage and transport. It can open up new markets and career paths for young people and women, on and off farms.
International Forum of Agricultural Robotics
Santiago Santos Valle presents the Plant Production and Protection Division’s work on sustainable mechanization promotion and adoption of innovative agricultural technologies.
The importance of mechanization for developing countries
Josef Kienzle, FAO Agricultural Engineer, provides a brief overview of what mechanization is, how it can improve smallholder farmer's livelihoods, and how it makes the agriculture sector more attractive to the rural youth.
Revitalizing small-scale agriculture in Zimbabwe: Conservation Agriculture using the 2 wheel tractor
In Zimbabwe, small-scale farmers are contributing immensely to the agricultural production of the country. They are not only growing food to feed themselves, they also greatly contribute to feeding the larger population of Zimbabwe.
This video was produced by FACASI, CIMMYT and ACIAR.
The video demonstrates how smallholder farmers and service providers are using the two wheel tractor in maize and wheat production in Asela and Hawassa, Ethiopia.
This video was produced by FACASI, CIMMYT and ACIAR.