Agricultural Technology in Developing Countries

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Questions and Answers

Which type of agricultural machinery is typically characterized by requiring a great deal of control but relatively little power?

Draught animal power

Mechanical rice transplanting (correct)

Stationary motorized power sources

Tractors

What is the main factor that determines how mechanization develops in a farming system?

Availability of land

Cost of labor (correct)

Weather conditions

Type of crop being grown

Which operation was often mechanized first when motorized sources of power became available?

Pumping and threshing (correct)

Soil tillage

Harvesting

Seeding

What is a key difference in the evolution of power-intensive operations depending on the source of energy?

Stationary sources of power are utilized first for pumping and threshing operations Signup and view all the answers

What is a common pattern observed in the mechanization of agricultural operations?

Operations that directly increase production are mechanized first Signup and view all the answers

What is a challenge faced by developing countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, in terms of agricultural mechanization?

Agricultural mechanization has not made much progress and in some instances even the achievements obtained in earlier years are being lost Signup and view all the answers

Why do higher capital costs of more sophisticated machines become justifiable?

When labor becomes scarce Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of control-intensive operations?

They require a great deal of control Signup and view all the answers

What technology has led to the development of precision farming techniques?

Electronic and information technologies Signup and view all the answers

What has contributed to the widening of the agricultural technology gap between industrialized and developing countries?

The rapid development of agricultural machinery in industrialized countries Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of sprinkler irrigation systems?

Automatic application of water and fertilizer based on soil moisture levels Signup and view all the answers

What is a common feature of farm machinery manufactured in emerging economies?

Less sophisticated technology reflecting the 1970's and 80's Signup and view all the answers

What is essential to understanding patterns of agricultural mechanization?

Examining the historical perspective Signup and view all the answers

What type of farming operation is made possible by the use of electronic and information technologies in tractors and combines?

Precision farming Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of an automatic farming operation?

Automatic feeding of dairy cows Signup and view all the answers

What has been the result of the rapid development of agricultural machinery in industrialized countries?

A widening of the agricultural technology gap between industrialized and developing countries Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary determinant of the level of agricultural mechanization?

Profitability of the farming system Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason for the ongoing demand for spare parts and repair services in agricultural mechanization?

The requirement for replacement of existing machines and equipment Signup and view all the answers

What is the main challenge facing sub-Saharan African countries in terms of agricultural mechanization?

The need to adapt mechanized farming methods to local conditions Signup and view all the answers

What is the scope of agricultural mechanization?

Manufacturing, distribution, supply of spare parts, and institutional support Signup and view all the answers

What drives the demand for new machines and equipment in agricultural mechanization?

The expansion and diversification of the farming sector Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of agricultural mechanization on the farming system?

It increases the profitability of the farming system Signup and view all the answers

What is the main factor that influences the farming system's profitability in agricultural mechanization?

Domestic and international markets for farm products Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between the components of agricultural mechanization?

They are interdependent and interconnected Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Agricultural Mechanization in Developing Countries

In sub-Saharan Africa, the adoption of advanced technologies has been problematic.
Over the last two decades, industrialized countries have made rapid advances in agricultural machinery development, largely due to electronic and information technologies.
Precision farming techniques and automation of farming operations have been developed in industrialized countries.
In contrast, developing countries have not made much progress in agricultural mechanization.

Patterns of Agricultural Mechanization

Agricultural mechanization cannot be isolated from other aspects of land and labor.
Mechanization patterns have evolved over time, with power-intensive operations being mechanized first.
The evolution of power-intensive operations differs depending on the source of energy (stationary or mobile).
Mechanization has evolved according to the specific requirements of the farming system in developed countries.

Challenges in Developing Countries

Many sub-Saharan African countries are still looking for mechanized methods of farming that can be adapted to their conditions.
The transition to sustainable development and increased production has not yet begun in these countries.
There is a large potential for improvement in productivity in these countries.

Scope of Agricultural Mechanization

Agricultural mechanization encompasses manufacturing, distribution, supply of spare parts, service, and institutional support.
All components must function efficiently for the mechanization sector to work well.
The level of agricultural mechanization is determined by the profitability of the farming system, which is influenced by domestic and international markets for farm products.

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Description

Quiz on the challenges of adopting advanced agricultural technologies in developing countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, and the role of electronic and information technologies in industrialized countries.