TracTrac to boost mechanisation for smallholder farmers

TracTrac, a Nigerian agricultural mechanisation service provider, has introduced special packages aimed at improving smallholder farmers’ access to mechanisation in Nigeria. These packages, driven by innovative technology, financial solutions, and strategic collaborations, aim to bridge the gap between traditional small-scale farming and modern mechanisation.

At a press conference, the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Godson Ohuruogu, highlighted Nigeria’s dependence on agriculture, with 133 million people, primarily rural dwellers, engaged in subsistence farming but lacking access to mechanisation. He noted that only 16% of smallholder farmers currently have access to mechanised equipment due to financial constraints, high costs, and weak supply chains.

To address this, TracTrac is rolling out a community cluster-led model designed to benefit 135,000 smallholder farmers, including women, youth, and persons with disabilities. Additionally, the initiative will build the capacity of 6,054 Mechanization Service Providers (MSPs) across Nasarawa and Kaduna states over the next two years.

In collaboration with the National Centre for Farm Mechanisation (NCAM) and other industry partners, TracTrac will provide locally assembled and manufactured tractors tailored to smallholder farmers’ needs. The initiative prioritizes two key mechanisation solutions:

Power Tillers (two-wheel tractors): Available through a commercial lease-to-own package.

Three-wheeled Tractors: Fully assembled in Nigeria and serving as a central mechanisation tool around which additional implements can be attached.

According to Ohuruogu, TracTrac is not just offering mechanisation services but is committed to building a sustainable agricultural ecosystem that empowers farmers through access to mechanisation, financial support, and technology-driven solutions. The company is also engaging in policy advocacy to further enable an enabling environment for mechanisation in Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.
Source- Daily Trust

Expert Review for Agri-Food Stakeholders
TracTrac’s initiative is a significant step toward addressing Nigeria’s mechanisation deficit, particularly for smallholder farmers who form the backbone of the country’s food production system. This development has key implications:

1. Enhanced Productivity & Efficiency: Mechanisation reduces the drudgery associated with manual farming, increases efficiency, and ultimately leads to higher yields. This initiative can improve food security by boosting agricultural output.

2. Financial Inclusion & Accessibility: By integrating lease-to-own models, smallholder farmers who traditionally struggle with capital-intensive investments can now access mechanisation services affordably. However, ensuring fair and transparent financing will be critical to success.

3. Local Manufacturing & Job Creation: The emphasis on locally assembled tractors supports Nigeria’s industrialization goals, creating jobs and reducing reliance on expensive imported equipment. However, the sustainability of this model depends on strong after-sales service, spare parts availability, and training programs.

4. Scaling & Regional Expansion: While the pilot focuses on Nasarawa and Kaduna, expansion across other agrarian states is necessary to maximize impact. The government, private sector, and financial institutions must collaborate to scale up investment in mechanisation.

5. Integration with Climate-Smart Agriculture: Mechanisation alone is not enough; TracTrac and other stakeholders should explore integrating these services with climate-smart agricultural practices, ensuring sustainability and resilience against climate change.

Key Considerations for Policymakers & Investors

1. Government Support: Policies that support mechanisation-friendly incentives, such as tax reliefs, subsidies, and financing models, will be crucial.

2. Private Sector Partnerships: More private players should engage in similar mechanisation services to ensure competition and innovation in the sector.

3. Farmer Awareness & Training: Smallholder farmers must be educated on the proper use and maintenance of mechanised tools to maximize their benefits.

TracTrac’s model presents a promising solution to Nigeria’s mechanisation challenges and, if well implemented, can transform smallholder agriculture by increasing efficiency, improving incomes, and boosting food production. However, sustained investment, strategic policy alignment, and effective implementation will determine its long-term success.