Mechanization and Agricultural Productivity Functions in Umuahia North LGA, Abia, Nigeria

Abstract

Index of mechanization and other productivity functions were used as indicators in assessing the impact of mechanization on agricultural production in Umuahia North LGA of Abia state, Nigeria. Analysis of research findings revealed that farmers in the area are predominantly small scale farmers with the major power source being human being. The level of agricultural mechanization was determined by a relationship between the various sources of farm power and the level of human involvement in each operation while the mechanization index was determined for the two identified sources of farm power; human and mechanical. Low level of mechanical power input, underutilization of available mechanical power and reliability on human power in most of these areas contributed to low production efficiency, low level of mechanization (37.12%) and high MI average of 96.59%.