IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/wly/jintdv/v36y2024i2p1079-1109.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Made in Africa – How to make local agricultural machinery manufacturing thrive

Author

Listed:
  • Thomas Daum
  • Ygué Patrice Adegbola
  • Geoffrey Kamau
  • Alpha Oumar Kergna
  • Christogonus Daudu
  • Wahab Akeem Adebowale
  • Carine Adegbola
  • Charles Bett
  • Wellington Mulinge
  • Roch Cedrique Zossou
  • Abdoulaye Nientao
  • Oliver Kirui
  • Fatunbi Abiodun Oluwole

Abstract

Manufacturing has the potential to drive economic growth, job creation and poverty reduction, but African manufacturers face challenges in competing with global markets. Agricultural machinery manufacturing may be one niche where African manufacturers can succeed. This paper examines the challenges and opportunities facing local agricultural manufacturers in Africa based on a survey of 386 manufacturers in four countries and qualitative methods. Results show that small, dedicated entrepreneurs have created vibrant local machinery markets. These manufacturers have several comparative advantages, in particular, the ability to develop machinery adapted to local agroecological conditions but face challenges related to financing, human resources, utilities, raw materials, production equipment and the regulatory environment. The paper offers recommendations on how to support local manufacturers to make “Made in Africa” the first choice for African farmers and agro‐food processors.

Suggested Citation

  • Thomas Daum & Ygué Patrice Adegbola & Geoffrey Kamau & Alpha Oumar Kergna & Christogonus Daudu & Wahab Akeem Adebowale & Carine Adegbola & Charles Bett & Wellington Mulinge & Roch Cedrique Zossou & Ab, 2024. "Made in Africa – How to make local agricultural machinery manufacturing thrive," Journal of International Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 36(2), pages 1079-1109, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:jintdv:v:36:y:2024:i:2:p:1079-1109
    DOI: 10.1002/jid.3845
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://doi.org/10.1002/jid.3845
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://libkey.io/10.1002/jid.3845?utm_source=ideas
    LibKey link: if access is restricted and if your library uses this service, LibKey will redirect you to where you can use your library subscription to access this item
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. De Groote, Hugo & Marangu, Cliff & Gitonga, Zachary M., 2020. "Evolution of agricultural mechanization in Kenya," IFPRI book chapters, in: An evolving paradigm of agricultural mechanization development: How much can Africa learn from Asia?, chapter 12, pages 401-422, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
    2. Diao, Xinshen & Ellis, Mia & McMillan, Margaret S. & Rodrik, Dani, 2021. "Africa’s manufacturing puzzle: Evidence from Tanzanian and Ethiopian firms," IFPRI discussion papers 2020, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
    3. Newman, Carol & Page, John & Rand, John & Shimeles, Abebe & Soderbom, Mans & Tarp, Finn (ed.), 2016. "Manufacturing Transformation: Comparative Studies of Industrial Development in Africa and Emerging Asia," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780198776987.
    4. Bitsch, Vera, 2005. "Qualitative Research: A Grounded Theory Example and Evaluation Criteria," Journal of Agribusiness, Agricultural Economics Association of Georgia, vol. 23(1), pages 1-17.
    5. Binswanger, Hans, 1986. "Agricultural Mechanization: A Comparative Historical Perspective," The World Bank Research Observer, World Bank, vol. 1(1), pages 27-56, January.
    6. Lamessa T. Abdisa & Alemu L. Hawitibo, 2021. "Firm performance under financial constraints: evidence from sub-Saharan African countries," Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Springer, vol. 10(1), pages 1-17, December.
    7. Xinshen Diao & Mia Ellis & Margaret S. McMillan & Dani Rodrik, 2021. "Africa's Manufacturing Puzzle: Evidence from Tanzanian and Ethiopian Firms," NBER Working Papers 28344, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    8. Adu-Baffour, Ferdinand & Daum, Thomas & Birner, Regina, 2019. "Can small farms benefit from big companies’ initiatives to promote mechanization in Africa? A case study from Zambia," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 84(C), pages 133-145.
    9. Szirmai, Adam & Naude, Wim & Alcorta, Ludovico (ed.), 2013. "Pathways to Industrialization in the Twenty-First Century: New Challenges and Emerging Paradigms," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780199667857.
    10. Dani Rodrik, 2016. "Premature deindustrialization," Journal of Economic Growth, Springer, vol. 21(1), pages 1-33, March.
    11. Thomas Daum & Regina Birner, 2017. "The neglected governance challenges of agricultural mechanisation in Africa – insights from Ghana," Food Security: The Science, Sociology and Economics of Food Production and Access to Food, Springer;The International Society for Plant Pathology, vol. 9(5), pages 959-979, October.
    12. Diao, Xinshen, ed. & Takeshima, Hiroyuki. ed. & Zhang, Xiaobo, ed., 2020. "An evolving paradigm of agricultural mechanization development: How much can Africa learn from Asia? Synopsis," IFPRI synopses 1224277378, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
    13. Hiroyuki Takeshima, 2017. "Custom-hired tractor services and returns to scale in smallholder agriculture: a production function approach," Agricultural Economics, International Association of Agricultural Economists, vol. 48(3), pages 363-372, May.
    14. Kirui, Oliver K. & Kozicka, Marta, 2018. "Vocational Education and Training for Farmers and Other Actors in the Agri-Food Value Chain in Africa," Working Papers 274536, University of Bonn, Center for Development Research (ZEF).
    15. Hiroyuki Takeshima & Alejandro Nin—Pratt & Xinshen Diao, 2013. "Mechanization and Agricultural Technology Evolution, Agricultural Intensification in Sub-Saharan Africa: Typology of Agricultural Mechanization in Nigeria," American Journal of Agricultural Economics, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, vol. 95(5), pages 1230-1236.
    16. Hiroyuki Takeshima & Hyacinth O. Edeh & Akeem O. Lawal & Moshudi A. Isiaka, 2015. "Characteristics of Private-Sector Tractor Service Provisions: Insights from Nigeria," The Developing Economies, Institute of Developing Economies, vol. 53(3), pages 188-217, September.
    17. John Bosco Nnyanzi & Susan Kavuma & John Sseruyange & Aisha Nanyiti, 2022. "The manufacturing output effects of infrastructure development, liberalization and governance: evidence from Sub-Saharan Africa," Economia e Politica Industriale: Journal of Industrial and Business Economics, Springer;Associazione Amici di Economia e Politica Industriale, vol. 49(2), pages 369-400, June.
    18. Geginat, Carolin & Ramalho, Rita, 2018. "Electricity connections and firm performance in 183 countries," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 76(C), pages 344-366.
    19. Michael Nippa & Jeffrey J Reuer, 2019. "On the future of international joint venture research," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 50(4), pages 555-597, June.
    20. Hinh T. Dinh & Vincent Palmade & Vandana Chandra & Frances Cossar, 2012. "Light Manufacturing in Africa : Targeted Policies to Enhance Private Investment and Create Jobs [L’industrie légère en Afrique : Politiques ciblées pour susciter l’investissement privé et créer des," World Bank Publications - Books, The World Bank Group, number 2245, December.
    21. Haraguchi, Nobuya & Cheng, Charles Fang Chin & Smeets, Eveline, 2017. "The Importance of Manufacturing in Economic Development: Has This Changed?," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 93(C), pages 293-315.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Daum, Thomas & Villalba, Roberto & Anidi, Oluwakayode & Mayienga, Sharon Masakhwe & Gupta, Saurabh & Birner, Regina, 2021. "Uber for tractors? Opportunities and challenges of digital tools for tractor hire in India and Nigeria," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 144(C).
    2. Yukichi Mano & Kazushi Takahashi & Keijiro Otsuka, 2020. "Mechanization in land preparation and agricultural intensification: The case of rice farming in the Cote d'Ivoire," Agricultural Economics, International Association of Agricultural Economists, vol. 51(6), pages 899-908, November.
    3. Otaviano Canuto & Hinh T. Dinh & Karim El Aynaoui, 2024. "The Middle-Income Trap and Resource-Based Growth: the Case of Brazil," Research papers & Policy papers 1977, Policy Center for the New South.
    4. Hagen Kruse & Emmanuel Mensah & Kunal Sen & Gaaitzen Vries, 2023. "A Manufacturing (Re)Naissance? Industrialization in the Developing World," IMF Economic Review, Palgrave Macmillan;International Monetary Fund, vol. 71(2), pages 439-473, June.
    5. Belton, Ben & Win, Myat Thida & Zhang, Xiaobo & Filipski, Mateusz, 2021. "The rapid rise of agricultural mechanization in Myanmar," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 101(C).
    6. Thomas Daum & Filippo Capezzone & Regina Birner, 2021. "Using smartphone app collected data to explore the link between mechanization and intra-household allocation of time in Zambia," Agriculture and Human Values, Springer;The Agriculture, Food, & Human Values Society (AFHVS), vol. 38(2), pages 411-429, June.
    7. Jörg Mayer, 2021. "Development strategies for middle‐income countries in a digital world—Insights from modern trade economics," The World Economy, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 44(9), pages 2515-2546, September.
    8. Naudé, Wim & Tregenna, Fiona, 2023. "Africa's Industrialization Prospects: A Fresh Look," IZA Discussion Papers 16043, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    9. Kouakou Jean Fidele SIÉ, 2023. "Industrial policy and labour productivity growth in Africa: does the technology choice matter?," Journal of Economic Structures, Springer;Pan-Pacific Association of Input-Output Studies (PAPAIOS), vol. 12(1), pages 1-24, December.
    10. Takeshima, Hiroyuki & Hatzenbuehler, Patrick L. & Edeh, Hyacinth O., 2020. "Effects of agricultural mechanization on economies of scope in crop production in Nigeria," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 177(C).
    11. Aryal, Jeetendra Prakash & Rahut, Dil Bahadur & Thapa, Ganesh & Simtowe, Franklin, 2021. "Mechanisation of small-scale farms in South Asia: Empirical evidence derived from farm households survey," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 65(C).
    12. Takeshima, Hiroyuki, 2015. "Identifying the effects of market imperfections for a scale biased agricultural technology: Tractors in Nigeria," 2015 Conference, August 9-14, 2015, Milan, Italy 211937, International Association of Agricultural Economists.
    13. Yukichi Y. & Mano Yukichi Y. & Takahashi Kazushi & Otsuka Keijiro, 2017. "Contract Farming, Farm Mechanization, and Agricultural Intensification: The Case of Rice Farming in Cote d’Ivoire," Working Papers 157, JICA Research Institute.
    14. Hiroyuki Takeshima, 2024. "Agricultural mechanisation and gendered labour activities across sectors: Micro‐evidence from multi‐country farm household data," Journal of Agricultural Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 75(1), pages 425-456, February.
    15. Calì, Massimiliano & Presidente, Giorgio, 2021. "Robots For Economic Development," GLO Discussion Paper Series 942, Global Labor Organization (GLO).
    16. Meng Meng & Leng Yu & Xiaohua Yu, 2024. "Machinery structure, machinery subsidies, and agricultural productivity: Evidence from China," Agricultural Economics, International Association of Agricultural Economists, vol. 55(2), pages 223-246, March.
    17. Thomas Daum & Regina Birner, 2022. "The forgotten agriculture-nutrition link: farm technologies and human energy requirements," Food Security: The Science, Sociology and Economics of Food Production and Access to Food, Springer;The International Society for Plant Pathology, vol. 14(2), pages 395-409, April.
    18. Rekha Ravindran & Suresh Babu Manalaya, 2023. "Does Premature Deindustrialisation Stall Growth? Evidence from Sub-Saharan Africa," Progress in Development Studies, , vol. 23(1), pages 65-81, January.
    19. Takeshima, Hiroyuki & Houssou, Nazaire & Diao, Xinshen, 2018. "Effects of tractor ownership on returns-to-scale in agriculture: Evidence from maize in Ghana," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 77(C), pages 33-49.
    20. Çakır, Muhammet Sait & Aydemir, Resul, 2022. "A Dutch disease approach into the premature deindustrialization," Economic Systems, Elsevier, vol. 46(4).

    More about this item

    Statistics

    Access and download statistics

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:wly:jintdv:v:36:y:2024:i:2:p:1079-1109. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Wiley Content Delivery (email available below). General contact details of provider: http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/5102/home .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.