Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Mechanical farming has been a significant driver of economic development in agricultural sectors around the world. This research project aims to explore the impact of mechanical farming on economic development, focusing on various aspects such as productivity, efficiency, sustainability, and socio-economic implications. The adoption of mechanical farming practices has led to significant improvements in productivity levels in the agricultural sector. Mechanized equipment such as tractors, harvesters, and plows have enabled farmers to increase their output, reduce labor requirements, and enhance overall efficiency in farm operations. As a result, the increased productivity has contributed to higher yields and improved profitability for farmers, thus boosting economic growth in rural communities. Furthermore, mechanical farming has also played a crucial role in improving the efficiency of agricultural practices. By automating various tasks such as planting, watering, and harvesting, mechanized farming techniques have helped farmers save time and resources, leading to cost reductions and increased profitability. The use of technology in farming has also enabled better monitoring and management of crops, resulting in higher quality produce and reduced wastage. In addition to productivity and efficiency gains, mechanical farming has also brought about sustainability benefits in the agricultural sector. Modern farming equipment and techniques have helped farmers reduce their environmental impact through practices such as precision farming, conservation tillage, and integrated pest management. These sustainable farming practices not only support long-term soil health and biodiversity but also contribute to a more resilient and environmentally friendly agricultural sector. Moreover, the adoption of mechanical farming methods has had significant socio-economic implications for rural communities. By increasing farm productivity and profitability, mechanized farming has created job opportunities, improved living standards, and reduced poverty levels in agricultural regions. The mechanization of agriculture has also led to skill development and innovation in rural areas, fostering economic diversification and growth beyond traditional farming practices. In conclusion, the impact of mechanical farming on economic development is multifaceted, encompassing improvements in productivity, efficiency, sustainability, and socio-economic outcomes. By embracing mechanized farming practices, countries can enhance their agricultural sector's competitiveness, drive economic growth, and promote sustainable development in rural communities.

Thesis Overview

INTRODUCTION

1.1      Background of the study

Oredo is one of the local government areas of Edo State. It is situated in the western part of Nigeria, and it lies on the rain forest belt of the vegetation. Naturally, it is endowed with fertile land for the cultivation of crops. Agriculture is not only concerned with the cultivation of the soil for the production of crops. The main comprehensive definition is that agriculture is concerned basically with the husbandry of crops and animals for food and for commercial purposes. Mechanized farming plays a vital role in Edo State especially in the development of the secondary and tertiary sectors. During the pre-civil war in Nigeria, the predominant occupation in Edo State was agriculture and it was the main stay of the Nigerian economy. Besides other types of occupation existed, these are teaching, printing, trading etc but agriculture outplays them all. Farming can be traced to the earliest traditional societies although yet primitive they often gather wild fruits and roots for food and throw off the seeds in their surroundings. Though this process of trial and error, cultivation of crops started in the dwelling food and shelter are basic necessities for human existences and both originated from farming activities, workers in the secondary and tertiary relies on farming for their final output. Also, mechanized farming provides empowerment into agricultural opportunity to the labour force through direct employment into agricultural and its interrelated industries and manufacturing sectors. For this sector contribute efficiently, there is the implementation of good management, marketing, adequate returns to farmers and the better utilization of land available and provision of storage facilities. The failure of the country to adopt these innovative practices is accountable for the current food shortages, high prices, mass unemployment, under utilization of industrial result of this failure. Even though the nation progressed, the proportion of agricultural contribution to the gross domestic product becomes thinner because of the predominant peasant system of cultivation. The system is also characterized by the use of simple system is also characterized by the use of simple tools like fertilizers, chemicals and improved seeds are not widely used by most farmers. The poor performances of the agricultural sector to provide adequate food for the growing population declining, productivity of most export crops which has contributed to substantial reduction in foreign exchange earnings and the declining condition of farming to gross domestic product in real terms. The report of the food strategy mission estimated that in 1982, the supply and demand for all food crops was about 2.5 million metric tones and the projected gap for 1985 was about 4.7 million metric tones. The study group on food production provided more detailed estimate of gaps between projected demand and supply for various commodities. These are presented in table 1.1 below projected food supply and demand compared 000 metric tones.

1.2      STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

In this study, the investigator is being guided by the following research questions.

1.   Do you carryout mechanization farming?

2.   Government intervention is needed in agricultural production in Oredo.

3.   Farmers have the modern method of farming?

4.   Financial institution give loan without collateral

5.   Purchase modern implement for farming.

1.3      OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

The major objective of this study is to;

1.   Examine the impact of mechanized farming in Oredo Local Government Area.

2.   Identify problems facing agriculture in the development of Oredo Local Government Area.

3.   Propose solutions to minimize such problem

1.4 RESEARCH HYPOTHESES

For the successful completion of the study, the following research hypotheses were formulated by the researcher;

H0:  there is no impact of mechanized farming in Oredo Local Government Area

H1: there is impact of mechanized farming in Oredo Local Government Area

H02: there are no problems facing agriculture in the development of Oredo Local Government Area.

H2: there are problems facing agriculture in the development of Oredo Local Government Area.

 1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The study will give a clear insight on the impact of mechanical farming in economic development. It will be beneficial to students, farmers and the general public. It will also serve as a reference to other researchers that will embark on this topic

1.  6 SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

The scope of the study covers the impact of mechanical farming in economic performance. The researcher encounters some constrain which limited the scope of the study;

 a) AVAILABILITY OF RESEARCH MATERIAL: The research material available to the researcher is insufficient, thereby limiting the study

b) TIME: The time frame allocated to the study does not enhance wider coverage as the researcher has to combine other academic activities and examinations with the study.

c) Organizational privacy: Limited Access to the selected auditing firm makes it difficult to get all the necessary and required information concerning the activities.