Paper
Assessment of Tractorization Levels and Survey of Different Turning Patterns Utilization among Tractor Operators in Mubi Region, N.E. Nigeria
- Authors:
- A. Isa; M. A. Barka; M. S. Abubakar
- Abstract
- A survey to assess the turning patterns utilization among tractor operators was conducted in five (5) study locations namely, Madagali, Maiha, Michika, Mubi-North and Mubi-South local government areas, all within Mubi Region between May and September, 2008. Other related parameters measured were; gross arable land, tractor distribution and functionality status in the region. Two hundred and fifty (250) tractor operators and mates’ perceptions were purposively sampled using administered questionnaires primarily designed to generate data on the subject. The data generated during study were statistically analyzed and compared using simple percentage and Likert scaling test. The result indicated that a region has only one hundred and thirty (130) functional tractors and gross arable land of 697052.7 hectares. The tractorization intensity of the region was 9.7W/ha, with one tractor of 70Hp chasing 5502.88ha of land as against FAO recommended ratio of one tractor of 70Hp to 28ha of land. The result further indicated that the turning patterns that were always employed by the operators in the region are: 1800 loop less semi-circular and 1800 open loop pear-shape turns. It was recommended that the stake holders should unify efforts in providing sufficient tractors and foster farm power skill acquisition among the illiterate tractor operators in the region.
- Keywords
- Field Efficiency; Gross Arable Land; Tractorization Intensity; Tractor Operators; Turning Patterns
- StartPage
- 29
- EndPage
- 35
- Doi
- 10.18005/JAEB0203001