Mechanization is the use of various levels of power sources and equipment in the production, processing and marketing of agricultural produce. Tools, implements, equipment and powered machinery which are engineering related interventions are essential and major inputs in agriculture. Such inputs contribute in saving labor, doing a better work, improving postharvest handling, facilitate irrigation and provide variety of instruments to monitor and control modern agricultural processes. In Rwanda, Mechanization programme started in 2009-2010 with the objectives of promoting mechanization options for rural farmers, develop local skills and strengthen capacity in agricultural mechanization and promote mechanization in post-harvest activities. Referring to PSTA IV, farm operations should be mechanized at 50% in 2024. To achieve this target, Mechanization programme works hand in hand with private entities involved in mechanization (tractor dealers such as Lonagro, Meta Plant, Evergreen, Blue Gear and mechanization service providers such as MUVUMBA P8, Bungabunga ubutaka, NAGRICO, KNU Agri-Mechanized Services, CNA Smart Services (CNASS), RMF, AGRESSOL, OUSAC, REMED, MUKUNGURI, etc…The main activities of this programme are:

• Conduct intensive mobilization through farm machinery demonstrations in collaboration with service providers,
• Linking; where necessary; farmers with mechanization service providers,
• Monitoring and inspection of mechanization services provided by private companies,
• Mobilizing private companies (including youth organizations) to invest in mechanization through conducting study tours and Illustration of mechanization potential,
• Conduct scheduled repair and maintenance of RAB farm machineries by ensuring the availability of spare parts, lubricants and other workshop consumables.

Currently, this programme is emphasizing on the following activities:

• Increasing awareness of small scale farmers on agricultural mechanization by using small mechanization equipment,
• Involvement of youth organizations in small agricultural machinery service provision,
• Supporting farmers by subsiding agricultural mechanization equipment in order to increase the level of mechanization in our country.