Agricultural mechanization in Africa south of the Sahara — especially for small farms and businesses — requires a new paradigm to meet the needs of the continent’s evolving farming systems. Can Asia, with its recent success in adopting mechanization, offer a model for Africa? An Evolving Paradigm of Agricultural Mechanization Development analyzes the experiences of eight Asian and five African countries. The authors explore crucial government roles in boosting and supporting mechanization, from import policies to promotion policies to public good policies. Potential approaches presented to facilitating mechanization in Africa include prioritizing market-led hiring services, eliminating distortions, and developing appropriate technologies for the African context. The role of agricultural mechanization within overall agricultural and rural transformation strategies in Africa is also discussed. The book’s recommendations and insights should be useful to national policymakers and the development community, who can adapt this knowledge to local contexts and use it as a foundation for further research.

This book analyses several aspects of small farm production systems that increase efficiency when the farmer's production resources are limited. It is concerned with the goals of the individual farmer and his immediate family.

The theoretical and methodological bases of forming strategies for the development of farms on the basis of marketing are highlighted. An assessment of the implemented strategies for the development of farms and their investment orientation in conditions of instability is carried out. The peculiarities of managing the marketing activities of farms during the war and post-war reconstruction are determined. The directions of strategic development of farms in order to ensure their sustainable development are substantiated. The use of the results in research and practice makes it possible to objectively assess the state and prospects of farm development during the war and post-war reconstruction. It is intended for farmers, government officials, scientists, teachers of agricultural education institutions, postgraduates, and students.

The small farm setting. Definition of farm management research. Conduct of farm management research. The need for farm management research on small farms. Approaches to farm management research on small farms. Role of farm management research techniques...