Indigenous Agricultural Technology in Nigeria: case study of National Centre for Agricultural Mechanisation

Abstract

Africa is seen as technologically lagging continent. There exists a consensus that Africa is a net technology consumer but it is equally incorrect to say that Africa does not possess her own indigenous technology. Efforts made by several countries in the continent provides an impetus for the technological catch-up with the North. It is the purpose of this paper to highlights one of Africa's indigenous technology efforts in Agriculture which naturally precedes industrial age as noted in Rostow stage theory of development. This paper evaluates the activities of the National Centre for Agricultural Mechanisation in Nigeria. The only agricultural mechanisation centre in sub-Sahara Africa. The centre is an evidence of how a country is showcasing indigenous technology for agricultural development. The paper used descriptive statistics: graphics, pictograms and interview of some staff of the organisation to elicit information that are asymmetry in nature. The results show that the organisation has fabricated home grown agricultural machines and equipment for small and medium scale farming using indigenous technology with local material contents. Although NCAM has performed well in some of its stated objectives, much is still left to be achieved as the organisation currently operates a bureaucratic style which affects its efficiency. The centre is facing gross under funding as R & D expenditure of the Nigeria is meagre compared to most middle income countries. The paper concludes that with better funding and support from international donors and development partners, the fabricated equipment and machines will be less costly for the farming users. Extension linkages that are currently being done will bear the desired outcomes. This is seen to improve market access and utilisation of the machines by small farm holders and commercial farmers towards food security.