Analyzing the Effectiveness of Agricultural Mechanization Policy in Enhancing Crop Production on Medium-Scale Farmers: A Case Study of Chipata District

This study analyzed the effectiveness of Zambia’s agricultural mechanization policy in enhancing crop production among medium-scale farmers in Chipata District using a quantitative approach. Data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to 97 farmers selected via convenience sampling, with 94 valid responses obtained (96.9% response rate). Findings revealed that mechanization significantly improved crop yields and productivity, particularly for maize (79.8%), soybeans (58.5%), and groundnuts (51.1%). Farmers reported notable gains in land preparation (74.5%), harvesting (70.2%), and planting (61.7%), alongside enhanced productivity (mean = 4.02), expansion of cultivated areas (mean = 3.89), and increased market-oriented production (mean = 3.95). Despite these benefits, adoption rates remained low (48.9% non-users), and advanced machinery such as combine harvesters was rarely used (7.4%). Key barriers included high equipment costs (85.1%), limited access to credit facilities (69.1%), poor road infrastructure (63.8%), and inadequate training (mean = 4.21). Policy effectiveness was further constrained by low awareness, with 53.2% of respondents unsure of its existence and 19.1% unaware, coupled with no utilization of programs such as tractor loans or training. Dissatisfaction with government support was widespread (42.6% rated ineffective). The study concludes that while mechanization positively impacts crop production where adopted, its potential remains underutilized due to financial, logistical, and technical constraints. It recommends enhanced subsidies (83.0%), affordable hire schemes (74.5%), targeted loans (72.3%), and comprehensive training to strengthen policy implementation and maximize crop production benefits for medium-scale farmers in Chipata District.