It’s easy to find arguments in favour of raising the degree of farm mechanisation. It’s just as easy to find examples of ambitious mechanisation concepts that failed miserably. Our authors show why and how the individual regions throughout the world have developed differently in terms of mechanisation and present examples of concepts that are really forward-looking, i.e. sustainable with a view to climate change and scarce natural resources, and that are above all also suitable for smallholders.
 

Articles:

• Rural mechanisation – where are we now, and where should we be going?
• A round tour of mechanisation
• Animal traction – potential and constraints
• Mechanisation – a catalyst for rural development in sub-Saharan Africa
• “Farmers have to get organised”
• Sustainable mechanisation – a hard row to hoe
• Solar pumps and drip irrigation help Indian farmers save water and energy
• Sorting out the cocoa maze with pole pruners
• Biodegradable mulch – a solution for small-scale horticulture?
• A food processing machine that makes a difference