Your experience with smallholder mechanization and how you think you can add value to

transformational change in Africa

Mechanisation

Farm mechanisation is the application of engineering principles and

technology in agricultural production, storage and processing on the farm.

Farm mechanisation is applicable to land preparation, planting, fertilizer

application, weeding and crop harvesting, rearing, caring and feeding of
animals as well as processing and storage of farm produce, using appropriate
farm machinery.

PROBLEMS OF AGRICULTURAL MECHANISATION

Land tenure system: The type of land tenure system (communal) does not
allow for large farm holdings suitable for mechanisation.

Scattered farm holdings: Scattered farm holdings are also not conducive or
economical for mechanisation, especially in West Africa.

Poverty of farmers: Most farmers, especially in West Africa are very poor
and cannot afford the cost of tractors and farm implements.

Inadequate facilities (machinery): The facilities or machinery for fabricating

and repairing farm implements are grossly insufficient where they are
available.

Bad topography: The topography of most West African landscape is too

rough and unconducive for farm mechanisation.

Varied soil types: Soil types are extremely varied and the machines to use on
them have not been developed locally. West African countries, Nigeria for
instance, still depend on imported machinery which is not too suitable for our
soil.

Inadequate spare parts: Availability of spare parts is amaj or problem as

these parts are still being imported.

Inadequate technical manpower: Available technical manpower to operate or

service the implements and machines is not adequate.

Problems of stumps and logs: During clearing, heavy stumps and logs are
usually left behind, and they constitute additional problems in mechanisation.

ADVANTAGES OF AGRICULTURAL MECHANIZATION

Farm mechanisation has the following advantages:

(i) Timeliness of operation: Farm mechanisation ensures that all farm

Operations are done and completed within a short period of time.

(ii) It saves labour: In farm mechanisation, most human efforts are

substituted with machines. Hence, labour saved could be employed
elsewhere.

(iii) It reduces health hazards: Farm mechanisation reduces health hazards.

These include those posed by knives, hoe, stumps, pest, etc.

(iv) It reduces drudgery: Farm mechanisation makes it easy to avoid

unpleasant manual jobs.

(v) Increase in farm revenue: As a result of mechanisation, farmers become

richer due to high yield.

(vi) It encourages large scale farming: Farmers are capable of working on

large farms and, hence, reap heavy harvest.
(vii) Increase in output: Mechanisation makes it possible for farmers to have
increase in output (production, harvest or yield).

(viii) It promotes specialisation of labour: 211Farm mechanisation enables

people to become specialised in certain operations within the farm.

(ix) Co-operation among farmers: Mechanisation enables many farmers to

come together and pool their resources together, thereby promoting or
encouraging coODeration among farmers.

(x) It saves time: Mechanization translates quickly the products of man's

brain into reality.

(xi) Reduction in cost of operation: Mechanisation leads to reduction in the

cost of agricultural operation per unit output.

DISADVANTAGES OF AGRICULTURAL MECHANISATION

Farm mechanisation has the following disadvantages:

(i) High cost: Farm mechanisation, due to the numerous machines involved
usually expensive to operate.

(ii) Displacement of workers: In farm mechanisation, very few workers are

required; hence, many people will be out of job when mechanisation is
introduced.

(iii) Compaction of soil: Mechanisation leads to compaction of soil due to the

movement of heavy machines.
image source

(iv) It causes environmental pollution: Mechanisation causes environ-mental

pollution due to smokes emanating from machines, chemicals and fertilizer
usage.

(v) Degradation of landscape: Mechani-sation ensures the degradation of

landscape as a result of continuous excarvation. .

(vi) Land tenure system: Land tenure system may hinder efficient use of
tractors due to small holdings of farmlands.

image source
(vii) Destruction of soil structure: The soil structure can easily be destroyed
due to continuous movements and usage of machines.

(viii) Redundancy of farm labour: With farm machines working on the farm,
the work can easily be completed and this situation can create redundancy in
farm labour.

(ix) Few crops can be mechanised: Very few crops like maize, rice, guinea
corn, millet, etc. can easily be mechanised.

(x) Inadequate technical know-how: There is always inadequate technical

know-how on the use and handling of the farm machines and equipment.

Mechanization covers all levels of farming and processing

technologies, from simple and basic hand tools to more sophisticated
and motorized equipment. It eases and reduces hard labour, relieves
labour shortages, improves productivity and timeliness of agricultural
operations, improves the efficient use of resources, enhances market
access and contributes to mitigating climate related hazards.
Sustainable mechanization considers technological, economic, social,
environmental and cultural aspects when contributing to the sustainable
development of the food and agricultural sector.

Agricultural mechanization has been defined in a number of ways by different people.

Perhaps the most appropriate definition is that it is the process of improving farm

labour productivity through the use of agricultural machinery, implements and tools. It

involves the provision and use of all forms of power sources and mechanical
assistance to agriculture, from simple hand tools, to animal draught power (DAP), and

to mechanical power technologies. The choice depends on local circumstances.

Human, animal and machine power can complement each other in the same

household, farm and village.

(FAO)

The Impact of Mechanization on Productivity

Agricultural mechanization, one of the great achievements of the 20th
century (NAE, 2000), was enabled by technologies that created value in
agricultural production practices through the more efficient use of labor,
the timeliness of operations, and more efficient input management
(Table 1) with a focus on sustainable, high-productivity
systems. Historically, affordable machinery, which increased capability
and standardization and measurably improved productivity, was a key
enabler of agricultural mechanization. Figure 2 shows some major
developments since the mid-1800s by John Deere, a major innovator
and developer of machinery technology.

Sustainable mechanisation
Access to farm machinery is key for agricultural productivity and rural
livelihoods
The opportunity must be guided in a way that meets smallholder farmers'
needs and that does not require a Green-Revolution type of approach
with high levels of agrochemical inputs and destructive ploughing
operations that threaten soil health and fertility, according to FAO's new
report.

Agricultural mechanization: A key input for sub-Saharan African smallholders underlines

that agricultural mechanization in the twenty-first century should be
environmentally compatible, economically viable, affordable, adapted to local
conditions and, in view of current developments in weather patterns, climate-
smart.
Mechanization covers all levels of farming and processing technologies, from
simple and basic hand tools to more sophisticated and motorized equipment.

It extends far beyond ploughing and can contribute to productivity gains and new
jobs in the post-harvest, processing and marketing stages of local and global food
systems.

As things stand, two-thirds of the power used to prepare sub-Saharan African land
for farming is provided by human muscle. Comparable rates are 30 percent for
South Asia and even lower for Latin America.

"There is no doubt that the application of farm power to appropriate tools,

implements and machines is an essential agricultural input in sub-Saharan Africa
with the potential to transform the lives and economies of millions of rural
families," says FAO Assistant Director-General Ren Wang, head of the Agriculture
and Consumer Protection Department.

"Agricultural mechanization in its broadest sense can contribute significantly to the

sustainable development of food systems globally, as it has the potential to render
post-harvest, processing and marketing activities and functions more efficient,
effective and environmentally friendly," he added.

FAO emphasizes that harvesting the fruit of productivity-boosting mechanization in

sub-Saharan Africa depends on making available and accessible appropriate
means of farm power supply. This ranges from draught animals to two-wheel and
four-wheel tractors. There is a wide variety of agricultural equipment for precision
seeding with minimum soil disturbance, efficient planting and transplanting of
seedlings, application of inputs, harvesting and transport, processing and value
addition that cover the mechanization spectrum. It is therefore important to assure
adequate land tenure and credit systems to encourage investments in
mechanization.

Sustainable crop production intensification includes soil protection, ample cover

crops and minimal tillage - all key principles of FAO's ecosystem-based "Save and
Grow" paradigm and directly supporting the 2030 Sustainable Development
Agenda, especially SDG2 to "End hunger, achieve food security and improved
nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture".

The benefits of mechanization in Africa

According to Josef Kienzle, FAO expert and key author of the report,
mechanization allows smallholders both to intensify and expand agricultural
production as well as enabling some family members to seek off-farm jobs and
incomes.

As rural African youths increasingly migrate to urban centres, the region may face
labour shortages along with increasing demand for food to be sent to the cities.
Mechanization can help the often elderly or female farmers who remain in rural
areas to keep up with higher output needs, thus contributing to increased food
security and climate change mitigation.

It can be achieved when well-managed private sector mechanization service

centres are installed and services are within reach. Interventions from the public
sector to help this process include providing specific incentives depending on the
mechanization power source and user type.

"It allows for new and often better jobs in the servicing sector, such as for skilled
machinery managers, repair service providers, mechanics, dealers and spare part
supply centres," says Kienzle.

Future prospects

The goal, says Kienzle, is to reverse a vicious cycle in which low farmer income
leads to low potential for investments in seed, fertilizers and appropriate
machinery, leading to low yields and even lower income.

Successfully inverting the trend can improve farm family welfare and also facilitate
a response to the paradox that low demand for tractors also hinders the availability
of spare parts and even fuel, reducing the value of investing in mechanization
anyway. That shift must be driven by the demand of farmers.

Many past initiatives have failed, with subsidized or donated machinery ending up
as "orphans" due to the absence of spare parts or repair services. Many countries
today have graveyards full of tractors and their associated equipment that seemed
cheap at the outset but ended up being very expensive.

Funding sustainable mechanization is a challenge. While much modern

agricultural technology today is too sophisticated to be suitable for African
smallholders, options are proliferating.

The report notes that major international suppliers of farm machinery now produce
cheaper and more suitable equipment in developing countries, while there are also
a number of evolving agricultural machinery companies from Argentina, Brazil,
China, India, Turkey and elsewhere - none yet from Africa - focusing on
technology transfer in the interests of smallholder farmers.

Cooperatives in several countries - notably Benin and Nigeria - have been

successful in furnishing members with mechanization services with positive
economic and social returns as well as broad and active participation. Elsewhere,
individuals have created enterprises buying and leasing equipment to other
smallholders.

Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya and Nigeria are all actively studying Bangladesh's
experience in agricultural mechanization, which relies heavily on two-wheel single-
cylinder diesel tractors that can be adapted to power well pumps, river boats,
threshers, mills as well as producing crops. Farmers with access to appropriate
use of such smaller-horsepower tractors can operate them with planters that
deposit seeds directly into the soil with minimal disturbance, in line with zero
tillage or conservation agriculture regimes.
Sustainable intensification

Sustainable Agricultural Intensification seeks, by definition, to

achieve more food produced from the same land, reducing negative
environmental impacts and providing positive societal, economic
and environmental benefits. This module evaluates, through
examples, the need to secure ‘more from less’ in an increasingly
sustainable manner.

Examples are taken from large and small-scale farming enterprises

in the tropics and temperate regions, including protected agriculture
systems. The challenges of sustainable intensification are
examined through field scale production; greenhouse systems; tree
and bush plantation systems; and intensive indoor and outdoor
animal farming. The importance of innovation will be highlighted
through new science and technology development, including
breeding and biotechnology adoption, and protected agricultural
systems.

Appropriate technology in Agriculture

EXAMPLES
CHAPTER 1: OF
APPROPRIATE
TECHNOLOGY IN
AGRICULTURE

SN

Published with reusable license by shawnjericko ngo

November 5, 2016
 1,085views

Play

1.1.1 Outline
6 frames

1
Save to library

Save to library

2
Save to library

Save to library

3
Save to library

Save to library
1.1.2 Reader view
1.2EXAMPLES OF APPROPRIATE TECHNOLOGY IN
AGRICULTURE

1.2.1 natural preditor

Opportunities remains in agricultural researchers to extend the number and range of
higher yielding hybrids for use in asia, such as new seeds for rain-fed rather than
irrigated rice feilds.

For farmers in Africa, who have benifited much less from the GREEN REVOLUTION
than those in latin america and Asia, there are opportunities for reasearch into a
wider range of crops such as millet, legumes, and roots.

Other than harmful pesticide the other thing that destroyed or damaging the crops
are the natural predators like birds and small animal and insects that eats and
damage the crops

1.2.2 mixed cropping

1.2.3 organic fertilizer
monoculture is often practiced on large farms, especially on plantations in the tropics
where any one crop is grown for export.

On small farms,growing a mixture of cash crops and subsistence crops is healthier

for both environmental and economic reasons.

Chemical fertilizers are expensive as well as being bad for the environment.Organic
fertilizer from animal is much better

1.2.4 IRRIGATION
pros and cons of organic

fertilizer

pros and cons of chemical

fertilizer
pros

In addition to releasing nutrients, as organic fertilizers break down, they improve the
structure of the soil and increase its ability to hold water and nutrients.

Instead of large dams and irrigation schemes, more wells should be dug to give a
local supply of water that is reliable.

One of the more water

well-sufficient ways to irrigate crops is to use trickle drip irrigation.

CONS

Nutrient ratios are often unknown, and the overall percentage is lower than chemical
fertilizers. However, some organic products are actually higher in certain nutrient

-Chemical fertilizers are primarily made from nonrenewable sources, including fossil
fuels.

-Because the nutrients are readily available, there is a danger of over fertilization.
This not only can kill plants but upset the entire ecosystem.

1.2.5 new seeds and plant varieties

PROS

-Since nutrients are available to the plants immediately, improvement occurs in days.

-They are highly analyzed to produce the exact ratio of nutrients desired.

-Standardized labeling makes ratios and chemical sources easy to understand.

What is appropriate technology? Appropriate Technology is developing and

using technology that is appropriate to countries or communities resources,
climate, and needs. It is primarily used as a way to help the progress of
developing countries in an economically feasible manner. It is a very broad
subject that encompasses many fields. It is neither exclusively large nor small
solutions. It is finding ways to improve the quality of life using the available
resources at hand.
Appropriate technology is sometimes synonymously used with
sustainable resources. Sustainable resources are a very big part of it.
Appropriate technology uses sustainable resources in its development and
applications. Most appropriate technology projects can be divided into one
of three broad topics: Sustainable energy, sustainable agriculture, and
sustainable communities.

Appropriate technology has many advantages over current methods used in

the United States and other technologically advanced countries around the
world. It is an excellent step in the technological process to help those
countries that are not as educated or economically well off begin to make
some progress toward more modern amenities. Appropriate technology is
usually much cheaper for small village applications. The designs are built
relatively user friendly making it easier for the uneducated natives to use
them. They are tough, built to be able to handle very rough use and
conditions. They are built to, hopefully, last for a very long time.
They are sustainable and environmentally friendly. They use the
community’s natural resources to prevent the necessity of importing goods.
One example is in Papua New Guinea, they have a very large supply of
coconuts that are not useful for anything and are allowed to rot on the
ground. A professor of engineering from there decided to try to make diesel
fuel using coconut oil. Traditional diesel fuel had to be imported and was
very expensive. He was successful at creating fuel and also found ways of
using the rest of the coconut for building materials so none of it would be
wasted. Another important aspect of appropriate technology is designing the
tool or process so that it can be manufactured in the country by the people.
Therefore, appropriate Technology is able to help the community
economically as well.

Appropriate technology encompasses such a wide field that it is hard

to describe the exact points of weakness. One disadvantage of appropriate
technology is that sometimes a solution simply does not work as planned.
Some solutions tried have failed because some factor was not considered or
the design did not work as planned. Since it is a relatively new field of study,
there is still much work that needs to be done on the most effective way to
apply the resources available in the area of need. What might be very
practical and cheap in one area of the world would be ridiculously expensive
or not work at all in another region. Also there is the problem of the different
cultures within various countries.
One solution used for a village in Africa was found to be cultural
repulsive to another village in the same country. Therefore, appropriate
technology takes tremendous study of the region’s climate, resources,
location, and people. There are also many cases that the long term effects
are unknown. There are also the problems of a sustainable solution creating
other problems. For example, a micro-hydroelectric plant might be built in
a remote village to provide the village with power. Each hut would own its
own battery that could be charged at the micro-hydro then be taken home
to provide power. Batteries, however, don’t last for an extremely long time
and are filled with toxic materials. What will happen with the batteries when
they go bad? How will they be disposed of properly? These are issues that
designers have to deal with. [3]
Most appropriate technology applications are built for small scale use,
that work well for small, remote villages. But appropriate technological
solutions pose more problems for large scale applications. Some forms of
sustainable resources are very expensive and not practical for extensive use.
Therefore, the cost becomes much greater than current methods making it
not as economically feasible. This is especially true for countries that are
already technologically advanced.

There are numerous ways being implemented to help

people all over the world produce more quantity and quality
of food. Everything from low tech harvesting tools to ways to
better irrigate.
One example of sustainable agriculture that I
personally find fascinating is the practice of no-till farming.
Using specially designed equipment, farming is done without
traditional tilling. No-till farming takes less time and helps
with erosion by not turning up the topsoil. The soil also retains
more nutrients.
1.3Agriculture & Agricultural Practices

1.3.1 Soil preparation

Before raising a crop, the soil in which it is to be grown is prepared by ploughing, levelling,
and manuring. Ploughing is the process of loosening and digging of soil using a plough. This
helps in proper aeration of the soil. After ploughing, the soil is distributed evenly and levelled
in the process called levelling. The soil is then manured.

1.3.2 Sowing

Selection of seeds of good quality crop strains is the primary stage of sowing. After the
preparation of soil, these seeds are dispersed in the field and this is called sowing. Sowing can
be done manually, by hand or by using seed drilling machines. Some crops like paddy are first
grown into seedlings in a small area and then transplanted to the main field.
1.3.3 Manuring

Crops need nutrients to grow and produce yield. Thus, the supply of nutrients at regular
intervals is necessary. Manuring is the step where nutritional supplements are provided and
these supplements may be natural (manure) or chemical compounds (fertilizers). Manure is the
decomposition product of plant and animal wastes. Fertilizers are chemical compounds
consisting of plant nutrients and are produced commercially. Apart from providing nutrients to
crop, manure replenishes soil fertility as well. Other methods for soil replenishment are
vermicompost, crop rotation, planting of leguminous plants.

1.3.4 Irrigation

Irrigation is the supply of water. Sources of water can be wells, ponds, lakes, canals, dams etc.
Over irrigation may lead to waterlogging and damage the crop. This frequency and interval
between successive irrigation need to be controlled.
1.3.5 Weeding

Weeds are unwanted plants which grow among crops. They are removed by using weedicides,
by manually pulling them with hands and some are removed during soil preparation.

1.3.6 Harvesting

Once the crop is matured, it is cut and gathered, this process is called harvesting. Followed by
harvesting, grains are separated from the chaff either by threshing, or manually in small scale
(winnowing).

1.3.7 Storage
Grains yielded are stored in granaries or bins at godowns for later use or marketing. Therefore,
methods of crop protection need to be better. In order to protect grains from pest and rodents-
cleaning, drying, fumigation, etc., are done prior to storing.

For successful agriculture, proper methods and practices are to be followed.

To know more about agriculture and its practices download BYJU’S-The Learning app.

BIOLOGY Related Links

Earthworm Respiratory System Algae Definition

Microorganism Definition Autotroph Examples

Vermicompost Preparation Chordata Definition

Prokaryotic Cell Diagram Different Types of Plants

Exocrine Glands List Examples of Cross Pollination

Transformational change in Africa

 Across Africa, instances of widespread dissatisfaction with the existing rules of the
game have created opportunities for transformational change.
 In these instances, a type of leadership has emerged. ‘Leadership for transformational
change’ differs from traditional management or individualistic leadership in that it
seeks to fundamentally alter the rules of the game and set out a vision for making change
happen.
 Such leadership goes well beyond technical or managerial competence. It involves
mobilising collaboration and resources for a common developmental good. True
transformation requires leadership to exercise political savvy.
 Understanding leadership therefore involves examining the interests and incentives of
the actors driving the change, the coalitions they build to facilitate it and the followers
who support it.
  A number of intrinsic and external factors are required, including: a conducive
environment; actors who can seize opportunities; leaders with credibility; coalitions of
change agents who can work together; and a process that builds on small initial gains
to effect wider change.
 Potential disabling factors include drastic changes in the political system; the
emergence of a powerful group of spoilers; fragmentation of the leadership process and
loss of direction; lack of genuine buy-in; and unintended consequences of the change
process.
 Some factors can at particular times be enablers of leadership and at other times become
disablers. In the case of LUCHA (Lutte pour le Changement) in DRC, the factors that
enabled the leadership to build up a mass movement later became obstacles.
 In some cases, change took place as a result of authoritarian leadership styles, while
consultative or collaborative leadership processes prevented more widespread change.
 Complete transformation was rare; rather, pockets of transformational change emerged.

[1]
Transformational leadership seeks to create a positive change in those who follow.
The leader enhances the morale, performance, and motivation of employees, inspires change
driven by a strong purpose, and is able to create a culture of trust and innovation within the
organization.
The following are some of the characteristics of transformational leaders.

CHAPTER 2: 1. Keep their ego in check

It is easy to let ego take over when you are in a position of power. However, in transformational
leadership, it is important for the leader to keep their ego under control and not let it interfere
with the best interest of their team or the organization. By keeping their ego in check, the
transformational leader is able to put the organization before their own personal gain and also
elicit the best performance from others.
CHAPTER 3: 2. Self-management
Transformational leaders typically don’t need much direction from others, and are able to
manage themselves well. They are also highly internally motivated, and they use this
motivation to direct the organization to the right path. These leaders do what they love, and the
values are aligned with those of the organization that they lead.
CHAPTER 4: 3. Ability to take the right risks
The ability to take calculated risks is a key characteristic of a transformational leader. They
trust their instinct, and use the intelligence gathered by team members to make informed
decisions. A transformational leader’s team is right behind them and is ever willing to do the
research that is necessary to evaluate the situation appropriately. The leader seeks inputs from
the team to make risky decisions that facilitate growth.
CHAPTER 5: 4. Make difficult decisions
Being a leader is not always smooth sailing, you often have to make tough decisions.
Transformational leaders do not shy away from difficult decisions. They make their decisions
with a clear focus on the values, vision, objectives, and goals of the organization.
CHAPTER 6: 5. Share collective organizational consciousness
A transformational leader shares and understands the collective consciousness of the entire
organization. This makes them particularly attuned to the feelings of their team members, and
gives them a clear idea of what actions to take to elicit desired actions from the employees.
Since they’re tapped into the organizational consciousness, they are able to make decisions that
spur growth, and also create a shared vision for the organization that all employees feel a part
of.
CHAPTER 7: 6. Inspirational
People seek to be inspired and transformational leaders are perhaps the most inspiring of all.
They have the ability to motivate others to rise to the occasion. Their style of inspiration is not
just limited to formal acknowledgement of a job well done, rather they treat each employee as
a valued individual and take the time to understand what motivates them.
CHAPTER 8: 7. Entertain new ideas
Transformation can rarely be achieved if the leader is not open or receptive to new ideas.
Transformational leaders understand the truth that success is dependent on the effort of the
entire team, and growth happens only in an organization with a culture of openness to new
ideas from all levels. A transformational leader makes deliberate efforts to solicit new ideas
from team members, and also use their insights in making decisions.
CHAPTER 9: 8. Adaptability
The leader knows that it is important to constantly adapt to changing market conditions to keep
moving forward. They are ever willing to adapt to new situations, and seek creative ways to
respond to the dynamic business environment.
CHAPTER 10: 9. Proactive
These leaders are proactive in their approach. These leaders take risks, and take an active role
in growing the organization.
CHAPTER 11: 10. Lead with vision
Transformational leaders set a realistic and achievable vision for the organization. They then
communicate the vision effectively to their followers, and also inspire a sense of commitment
and purpose. By getting every person to buy into the common vision, transformational leaders
are able to strongly guide the organization in the direction that they want.

11.1 Transformation is a Process

Transformation is a process through which who we are, individually and organizationally, is changed
so deeply that the following are altered:

 Our identity as an individual as well as a part of the organization. Our very way of perceiving,
thinking, reflecting, and making-meaning about ourselves and the organization shifts.

 Our emotions become more alive and expressive. The range of feelings and our reactions to
the organization shifts.

 Our place within the organization becomes clearer. Our relationship and connectedness to
and within the organization and how we show up shifts.

 Our actions become more consistent and congruent with who we are and how we fit in the
organization. Our behaviors become more conscious thereby eliminating patterned responses
that no longer serve us.

 Our creativity appears as we increase our capacity for responsiveness and ability to access
resources within ourselves as well as within the organization.

 Our paradigms shift such that our overall perspective and mode of operating enable more
connectivity and congruence between individuals and the organization.

Transformation is about "Being the Change"

Transformative change embraces Gandhi's prophetic words that "we must be the change we want
to see happen in the world." The process of transformative change always mirrors what it seeks to
create. While honoring the lessons of the past and planning for the future, transformational change
has a strong focus on what's happening right now, in the present...the point of infinite possibilities.
For example, in individual change processes, while appreciating the impact of our past and
establishing goals for the future, the power of transformative change is in actually becoming the
fullness of who we are right here, right now. Or if we intend to create an organization culture to
meet the changing economy more effectively, we must "be the change" right now by initiating an
inclusive process of change.

11.2 Outcomes Sought

The transformative change process leads to a capacity to more skillfully practice presence,
authenticity and interdependence throughout the organization. This is directly related to having
greater awareness, clarity, and comfort with what is happening within the organization.
Breakthroughs in ways of knowing, thinking, and accessing creativity increase as judgmental
constructs dissolve. Our character is impacted in a way that is observable, felt and experienced by
others. There is an increased ability to respond from a place of vision and compassion rather than
ego or self-interest.

11.3 Not for the faint-hearted.

Transformative change requires vision and a commitment to implementation that will be tested
through the crisis creating forces from the past to prevent the change. Once initiated, it is difficult
to erase the awareness of what could be. Yet, the results can be astounding as exemplified by the
transformative change of IBM led by Louis Gerstner in the 90's.

Agric 4.0
Agriculture 4.0 is a term for the next big trends facing the industry, including a greater
focus on precision agriculture, the internet of things (IoT) and the use of big data to
drive greater business efficiencies in the face of rising populations and climate change.

11.4 Why do farmers prefer drip irrigation?

The reason is simple. Drip Irrigation not only delivers greater ROI compared to other of
irrigation methods, it also gives farmers an efficient and simple way to operate their farms.
  Higher consistent quality yields
 Huge water savings: no evaporation, no run off, no waste
 100% land utilization - drip irrigates uniformly in any topography and soil type
 Energy savings: drip irrigation works on low pressure
 Efficient use of fertilizer and crop protection, with no leaching
 Less dependency on weather, greater stability and lower risks

11.5 Why do plants prefer drip irrigation?

Just like people, plants like to get their water and nutrients in a balanced way. Nobody
wants to eat a month's worth of food in one day, and the same goes for plants. Which is
why drip irrigation applies water and nutrients frequently and in small doses, ensuring
optimal growing conditions that helps produce the highest yields possible.

Here’s why plants are more productive with drip irrigation:

 High availability of water and nutrients

 Doses of water and nutrients tailored to plant’s development needs
 No saturation and good soil aeration
 Avoids high salinity caused by excessive fertilizer application
 No wetting of foliage that can result in fungal diseases

11.6 Why the world needs drip irrigation

By 2050, there’ll be 10 billion people living on our planet, and 20% less arable land per
person to grow enough calories. Include increasing water scarcity, and it’s clear why we
need a way to increase agricultural productivity and resource efficiency. That’s where drip
irrigation fits in, changing the economics of global agriculture by allowing farmers to
produce more calories per hectare and cubic meter of water.

 Reduce impact of drought and climate change on food production

 Avoid contamination of ground water and rivers caused by fertilizer leaching
 Support rural communities, reduce poverty, reduce migration to cities
Smallholder farmers are disproportionately vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Millions of subsistence
farmers struggle to feed their families after persistent crop failures caused by enduring droughts, changing
rainfall patterns, and rising temperatures. Globally, more than 2.5 billion people depend on smallholder
agriculture for a livelihood. With the increasing frequency, duration, and severity of drought conditions across
many regions of the world, smallholder farmers are looking for new ways to ensure that their harvests are
secured against unpredictable rains. Despite the dire need for climate-adaptation solutions, only about 5% of
cultivated land in Africa is irrigated, and globally, almost all poor farmers are dependent on rainfed agriculture.

Given that irrigated plots can more than double crop yields as compared to rainfed plots, the potential to achieve
food, water, and income security through small-scale irrigation remains untapped in many rural
communities. Drip irrigation in particular, which efficiently supplies a small amount of water directly to the
roots of plants, can play a key role in increasing crop yields and creating a sustainable source of income for
smallholder farmers.