Project Abstract

Abstract
Mechanical farming has revolutionized the agricultural sector, impacting economic development significantly. This research project delves into the profound effects of mechanical farming on economic growth, focusing on both developed and developing countries. The adoption of machinery in farming practices has led to increased efficiency, productivity, and profitability in the agricultural industry. One of the key impacts of mechanical farming on economic development is the enhancement of agricultural output. By replacing traditional manual labor with machinery, farmers can cultivate larger areas of land in a shorter period. This increased productivity not only meets the growing demand for food but also generates surplus produce for export, thereby contributing to economic growth through increased export earnings. Moreover, the mechanization of farming processes has led to cost savings for farmers. Machinery such as tractors, harvesters, and irrigation systems enable farmers to reduce labor costs and optimize resource utilization. This efficiency translates into higher profit margins for farmers, thereby improving their standard of living and contributing to overall economic development in rural areas. In addition to boosting agricultural output and profitability, mechanical farming also plays a crucial role in enhancing food security. The use of modern agricultural machinery ensures a reliable and consistent food supply by reducing the risks associated with traditional farming methods, such as weather dependency and yield variability. This stability in food production not only ensures food security at the national level but also helps mitigate the impact of food price fluctuations on the economy. Furthermore, the adoption of mechanical farming practices stimulates technological innovation and industrial growth. The development and manufacturing of agricultural machinery create employment opportunities in the manufacturing sector, thereby contributing to job creation and income generation. Additionally, the ongoing advancements in agricultural technology drive research and development, leading to further innovations in the agricultural sector. Overall, the impact of mechanical farming on economic development is profound and multifaceted. By enhancing agricultural productivity, profitability, and food security, mechanical farming contributes significantly to economic growth and poverty reduction. As countries continue to embrace technological advancements in agriculture, the role of mechanical farming in driving economic development is expected to become even more critical in the future.

Project 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.