Assessment on the impact of agricultural mechanisation on paddy production and productivity in Tanzania: a case of Mbarali district

Rice cultivation is the principal activity and source of income for millions of people around the globe. In Tanzania, rice is a major food crop coming second in importance after maize. The level of mechanisation in paddy farming in the country has remained low especially for small scale farmers who manage 0.2 – 2 hectares annually and dominate the farming systems. The research aimed at assessing the impact of agricultural mechanisation techniques in paddy production and productivity in Mbarali district and come up with the results which will be used by paddy farmers’ country wide. The study was of more quantitative approach with 200 farmers selected by systematic sampling technique as the respondents. The results show that 62% of paddy farmers who are 36 to 40 years of age are dominated by men. 77% of farmers use draught animals and power tillers on hiring basis. The use of agricultural machinery in paddy production is convincing except in crop establishment, harvesting, drying and threshing where nearly 95% are semi mechanised. For the mechanized activities, farmers are motivated by availability, affordability, accessibility and user friendly factors. The use of mechanisation techniques in paddy production has proved to be of more positive effect. Farm activities have been easily done on time with reduction of drudgery. Farmers’ standard of living and food security have been enhanced, nearly 94% are food secured and 93% have improved their standard of living and purchasing power. Even though 99% of the farmers agreed that paddy farming is considered as a project, but in a real sense project management principles are not adhered to.