ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to estimate empirically the parameters associated with the benefits of mechanization. It examines the claims of the Agency for International Development and World Bank appraisal reports in order to outline specific empirical hypotheses. The chapter focuses on existing technological alternatives in Egyptian agriculture. Because of the importance of the agricultural output effects of mechanization, it explores carefully the potential for yield increases and cropping pattern changes that might be undertaken given adequate mechanization. Following the look at the agricultural outputs, the chapter describes the input side through the cost savings in human labor and animal labor resulting from farm mechanization. Yield increases for most crops are an important source of mechanization benefits. Proponents of mechanization argue that the timeliness of operations provided by new technologies not only increases yields, but also affects the cropping pattern. Mechanization normally reduces labor needs by performing tasks more rapidly. The extent of this reduction is a critical factor in appraisal reports.
