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