The aim of the Farm Mechanization and Conservation Agriculture for Sustainable Intensification (FACASI) project was to identify appropriate small-scale machines (e.g. 2-wheel tractors) to improve farming practices (such as planting, harvesting, milling and transporting), and the commercial mechanisms needed to deliver these to smallholder farmers. The project identified opportunities to create new markets for equipment and services, and supporting policies and networks.
FACASI was implemented in two phases, starting in March 2013 and ending on December 2019.
The objectives of the project were:
- To evaluate and demonstrate two wheel tractor-based technologies in the four selected sites of Eastern and Southern Africa, using expertise/knowledge/skills/implements from Africa, South Asia and Australia
- To test site-specific market systems to deliver two wheel tractor-based mechanization in the four countries
- To identify improvements in national markets and policies for wide delivery of two wheel tractor-based mechanization
- To create awareness on two wheel tractor-based technologies in the sub-region and share knowledge and information with other regions