Agricultural Mechanization in Niger: What Role do Animals Play?

The intensification of agriculture through the use of animal energy has been used since colonial times. This study aims to analyze the level of mechanization in Niger while relying on the role played by animals used for farming in the regions of Maradi and Zinder (Niger Republic). Data collection was carried out between June and August 2020, using a questionnaire addressed to agriculture and related regional technical services and farmers. The questionnaire helped to collect information on the evolution of mechanization, the different coupling tools, the areas worked with animal traction, the proportions of farmers using animal energy, and the species of animals used for farming. The analysis of data collected showed that the farm park equipment has been strengthened by the purchase of agricultural equipment, especially for harness cultivation and intermediate motorization. The cart, the hoe, the plow, and the seeder are the most harnessed tools to the draft animal. The percentage of use of these tools by producers is 87.5, 42.5, 41.67, and 11.67% respectively. The area that worked using animal energy is about 16 times higher than that worked with human energy. It appears that about 90% of farmers use animal energy in carrying out their cropping calendar. Cattle are the most used (98.15%) for animal energy users followed by donkeys (1.85%) and camels (0.93%). Young animals (2-3 years old) are the most used (56.04%) in farming and traction with a pair of oxen is the most developed and represents 55.02% of the coupling. The maintenance of the coupling tools and their repairs are generally carried out locally by the users and other service providers. This confirms that the draft animal largely contributes to the development of agricultural mechanization in Niger.