Determinants of Mechanization in Rice Production in Tanzania：Evidence from Panel Data

Abstract

Despite the increasing trend of using four-wheeled tractors (TR) and power-tillers (PT) to prepare the land, studies on agricultural mechanization are relatively scant in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study examines the determinants of machinery use by rice-growing households in Tanzania, using a household-level panel data set. We find that farmers who grow rice in areas with high wage rates for hired labor are more likely to use TR. Furthermore, we find that the existence of TR and PT rental markets in the village is positively associated with using them. Improving access to affordable machinery rental services would enhance machinery adoption.