Farmer typology and drivers of agricultural mechanization use in Haiti – Scientific Reports

Abstract

Agricultural mechanization is a crucial technology to enhance productivity, address labor shortages, and minimize post-harvest losses. However, the diversity among farms necessitates a tailored approach to mechanization programs. This study focused on Haiti, seeking to categorize smallholder farmers based on mechanization usage and socio-economic traits, understand the types of mechanization employed, and identify the factors influencing its adoption. A sample of 637 farmers was analyzed using principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), revealing four distinct farmer clusters: “Little rain-fed farms,” “Little lowlands farms,” “Medium-sized farms in irrigated plains,” and “Large fragmented mountain farms.” The study found that location, credit access, and food security status significantly influenced mechanization use. These insights can inform strategies to enhance productivity and tackle labor challenges, emphasizing the need for farm-specific agricultural equipment and improved credit access.

Introduction

Agricultural mechanization is vital for reversing the cycle of labor shortage, low production, food insecurity, and emigration. It’s defined as enhancing farm labor productivity through tools and machinery. Mechanization is key to food security in developing countries but is often limited by farm constraints such as size and credit access. Targeted technologies are needed to boost local food production and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG1) of zero hunger.

Methodology

Study area, questionnaire, and data collection

Data was collected from 637 farms across five regions in Haiti, focusing on various crops and mechanization services. A stratified sampling strategy was used based on demographics, farm size, production systems, and agro-ecological diversification.

Data analysis

PCA and HCA were used to create a typology of farms based on mechanization use. Multinomial logistic regression (MNLR) models were employed to identify significant drivers of mechanization use.

Results

Haitian farmers’ use of mechanization

60.9% of farmers used mechanization, mainly through paid services. Four clusters of farmers were identified based on their mechanization use and farm characteristics.

Farmers’ typology

The study identified four distinct clusters of farmers with varying degrees of mechanization use. The most mechanized were those with medium-sized farms in irrigated plains.

Farms’ use of mechanization

Factors like location, credit access, saving behavior, and food security status significantly influenced mechanization use across different clusters.

Discussion

The study highlights an emerging market for agricultural mechanization in Haiti. Access to credit was the most influential driver across all farm types. The findings suggest that policies should focus on small-scale, sustainable mechanization tailored to specific farm types and strengthen credit access.

Conclusion

The study provides a typology of Haitian farmers based on mechanization use and identifies key drivers influencing its adoption. It suggests that targeted mechanization strategies considering farm-specific needs and improved credit access are essential for increasing productivity and addressing labor challenges.

Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) addressed in the article are:

• SDG 1: No Poverty
• SDG 2: Zero Hunger
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
• SDG 15: Life on Land

What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Specific targets under the SDGs based on the article’s content include:

• Target 1.4: Ensure that all men and women have equal rights to economic resources
• Target 2.3: Double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers
• Target 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification and technological upgrading
• Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research and upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors
• Target 12.2: Achieve sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources
• Target 15.3: Combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil, and strive to achieve a land degradation-neutral world

Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets include:

• Indicator for Target 1.4: Access to credit for farmers
• Indicator for Target 2.3: Use of agricultural mechanization among smallholder farmers
• Indicator for Target 8.2: Adoption of improved technologies like animal and mechanical traction
• Indicator for Target 9.5: Implementation of mechanization programs for farmers
• Indicator for Target 12.2: Reduction in post-harvest loss due to mechanization
• Indicator for Target 15.3: Use of sustainable mechanization to prevent soil degradation

Create a table with three columns titled ‘SDGs, Targets and Indicators” to present the findings from analyzing the article.

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Fuente: nature.com

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