Analysis of the Level of Agricultural Mechanization in Eritrea Based on USDA Data Sources

Abstract

Mechanical power is one of the main drivers of agricultural production systems and a key parameter in assessing the level of agricultural mechanization (LAM). The LAM has so far been evaluated based on the amount of mechanical power available per unit area. However, as African nations have gained autonomy over the past several years, it is difficult to directly monitor and compare each country's progress in the existing LAM assessment. Thus, determining LAM progress in Eritrea and comparing it to that of other African countries is the main point of departure, on which this study places a prior emphasis. For this purpose, data is filtered from the datasheet made available online by the USDA. On a comparative basis, Eritrea is ahead of the other 33 African countries with an average annual LAM progress of 0.0013 hp/ha/year. Eritrea ranks 12th in the SSA and 3rd in the EA, indicating relatively good and promising progress. Based on the data analyzed, around 10% of the countries’ rates of advancement in the level of agricultural mechanization are less than their rates of decline; as a result, the rate (AAP (LAM)) is showing a negative value. It is clear, however, that the AAP (LAM) of Eritrea is ten times slower than that of the country ranked first (Zimbabwe).