MECHANIZATION, THE BEDROCK FOR AGRICULTURAL EVOLUTION: CONSEQUENTIAL TO THE ECONOMIC EXPANSION OF DEVELOPING COUNTRIES AND ACTUALIZATION OF FOOD SECURITY.

The industrial revolution in the textile industry in England in the 18th century marked the transition from the hand production method to the use of machines. Developed countries and some developing countries of the world have adopted mechanized farming, but Nigeria is lacking behind in implementing farm mechanization. The population of Nigeria is increasing rapidly and there is an urgent need to put measure(s) in place to accelerate food production to match the growing population; a country’s main priority among others is food security, seconded by national security. First, the paper seeks to examine farm mechanization as a panacea to improving crop yields. Farm mechanization is the engaging of heavy-duty machines, tools, and devices as an alternative to the use of crude implements and tools; drought animals for carrying out farm operations such as pre-planting activities, tillage, planting, harvesting, and processing. Mechanization facilitates farming operations, increases crop yields, and enhances food value and supply chain. Secondly, it explains the constraints that surround the mechanization processes these include; lack of funds and access roads; fragmented arable lands, market failures, and lack of government intervention. Thirdly, the Agricultural Mechanization Strategies is most effective in addressing these complex challenges hindering the adaptation process; having reviewed several strands of literature; recommendation includes; increasing budget allocation on the agricultural sector and the flow of machinery import at zero import duty, promoting local production of spare parts, encourage private-sector hiring service at an affordable price; and promote extension and training programmes and investment on rural roads.