Of the estimated 2.7 million farming households across Kano, Kaduna and Jigawa, only 2,200 tractors are available, leaving 80% of estimated annual demand unmet.
To increase smallholder farmers’ access to mechanised services, LINKS is piloting the Mechanisation Service Provider (MSP) model in partnership with the Tractor Owners and Hiring Facilities Association of Nigeria (TOFHAN). The model encourages individuals to invest in mechanisation equipment and provide services to smallholder farmers as a business.
We aim to resolve problems around inadequate access to mechanised services in Northern Nigeria by strengthening the network of MSP agents, improving their access to finance, and increasing awareness about agents among farmers. By also creating decentralised tractor service hubs, we will make it easier for farmers to access mechanised equipment and increase their production. Over 13,000 farmers are expected to increase their incomes by at least 25%, with 400 new jobs also being created.