Agriculture is one of the most critical sectors in the world. As the world’s population continues to grow, farms remain one of the most significant food sources. Developing the agricultural sector is one of the highest priorities in nations like Africa.
Many worldwide organizations are committed to helping African agriculture reach a sustainable and self-sufficient level. One of the most prominent challenges to these goals is providing modern farming equipment to their farms.
Farming in Africa and the Role of Technology
Most economic experts agree the African agricultural industry has much potential. Africa is home to various climates and arable land, making much of it ideal for growing crops. In addition, studies show African countries are becoming increasingly important in trading in the global market.
Despite a growing agricultural trend, Africa still struggles to feed many of its people. This is because there are also many challenges African farmers face. Some of these result from global events, while others are unique to the region. A big problem for African farmers is the need for suitable farming equipment.
It is a sad reality that farmers in Africa have limited access to the latest technology. Reports state less than 30% of adults can access wireless and Wi-Fi networks. Many can only use mobile broadband with 2G speeds — too slow to power many modern applications.
A lack of farming technology can cause the efficiency of farms to suffer massively. One of the ways organizations are helping African farmers overcome this challenge is by salvaging farming equipment for use on their farms.
How Farm Equipment Salvage Can Help African Farmers
Salvaging electronics is the most effective way to recycle heavy-duty machines. Large farm equipment no longer in use — such as tractors or industrial digging vehicles — are either sent to a facility to be destroyed or stay on the farm collecting dust. Many farms don’t let go of their old equipment and use it for parts or hold on to them as a backup in case their primary tool breaks down.
While getting rid of or finding uses for old farming equipment might be second nature for farmers in the U.S., complex farming equipment that is no longer the standard can be used by other countries whose farming tools need an upgrade. Agriculture in many sub-Saharan African nations is very underdeveloped — farmers in these regions continue to farm their fields by hand. Many farms lack vital farming equipment such as trucks, tractors and combines. This causes serious problems for these farmers.
Being able to salvage old farming equipment in Africa can significantly boost farms, greatly increasing their efficiency and productivity. Many programs worldwide aim to provide farmers with the tools they need.
Using modern equipment can also decrease the potential for accidents on farms. Due to the climate in the region, farmers in Africa are especially prone to exhaustion which can lead to carelessness and health complications from working in the fields for too long.
Even salvaging parts instead of entire machines can be very helpful to farmers. Because they have limited access to technology, farmers might need help finding and acquiring parts if their equipment breaks down. High-quality refurbished machine parts can allow farmers in Africa to repair their equipment, keeping it running for much longer.
Farm Equipment Salvage Can Save Farms in Africa
While the agricultural sector of Africa has much potential, it still faces many challenges. Solving the problem of under-equipped farms can go a long way to helping the country become self-sufficient. Providing farmers with modern tools can increase their productivity, allowing Africa to make major contributions to the world’s food supply.
Jane is an agriculture and environmental journalist and the founder and editor-in-chief of Environment.co, where she covers sustainability and eco-friendly living.
