Evaluation of Agricultural Mechanisation Service Centres and Their Utilisation by Smallholder Farmers in Nasarawa State, North Central Nigeria

Agricultural mechanisation service centres have been established across several Nigerian states to bridge the gap between high private tractor ownership costs and smallholder demand for mechanised land preparation and harvesting services. In Nasarawa State, government-supported mechanisation service centres have been operational for several years, but utilisation rates and management effectiveness have not been rigorously assessed. This study evaluated agricultural mechanisation service centres and their utilisation by smallholder farmers in Nasarawa State. A structured assessment was conducted at eight service centre sites, supplemented by surveys of 65 smallholder farmer clients across three local government areas. Data on equipment availability, service fees, scheduling efficiency, maintenance practices, and farmer utilisation frequency were collected. A service centre performance index was constructed and regression analysis applied to identify utilisation predictors. Results revealed significant variation in centre performance, with well-managed centres achieving equipment availability rates of 78 percent compared to 41 percent at poorly managed sites. Farmer utilisation was positively associated with proximity to service centres, affordable fee structures, and reliable scheduling. Equipment maintenance funding gaps and inadequate spare parts availability were the primary management constraints. The study recommends establishing dedicated maintenance funds for mechanisation service centres and introducing performance-based management contracts. Community-based advisory committees should be instituted to improve governance and farmer responsiveness. Keywords: mechanisation service centres, utilisation, smallholder farmers, Nasarawa State, management.