Impact of tractorization on crop outcomes and farmers' welfare in southern Borno, Nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed the impact of agricultural mechanization, specifically tractorization, on the crop outcomes and farmers' welfare in southern Borno, Nigeria, using a quasi-experimental design and a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods. The study used household survey data from the Nigeria General Household Survey-Panel (NGHS-P), which is a nationally representative survey conducted by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in collaboration with the World Bank. The results indicated that a 20% increase in tractorization led to a 15% rise in crop yield, a 12% increase in output value, a 10% boost in net income, and an 8% improvement in food expenditure and dietary diversity scores. Conversely, it resulted in a 5% decrease in food aid dependency and a 7% reduction in food consumption scores. This study also provided policy implications and recommendations for promoting inclusive and sustainable tractorization and food security in Nigeria and other similar contexts.