Methodological Guidelines for Agricultural mechanisation strategy formulation

Abstract

The economies of most countries in Eastern and Southern Africa are going through a dynamic transformation from centralized to market oriented economies. The current emphasis on private sector development accompanied by privatisation of government institutions creates ample opportunities for enterprising in agriculture. The paper highlights some of the opportunities which exists and recommends approaches to develop and promote entrepreneurship in animal traction. Some of the opportunities discussed include: Draught animal hire including rural transport services, small scale manufacturing, repair and maintenance services and the establishment of rural supply and distribution centres networks. It is argued that entrepreneurship development in animal traction ca n empower farmers, youth and rural communities in improving their income levels and rural livelihoods. However for these initiatives to thrive, an enabling environment is necessary as well as a change of attitudes and training in business management to the target groups