Qualitative Study of Two- and Four-Wheel Tractor Use in Timor-Leste’s Five Districts
Article Sidebar
Agricultural mechanization is increasingly promoted to address labor constraints and improve the timeliness of field operations in rice-based farming systems. This study qualitatively examines the use of two-wheel and four-wheel tractors in five districts of Timor-Leste (Manufahi, Covalima, Bobonaro, Manatuto, and Ainaro) and identifies key barriers and strategic implications for strengthening mechanization. Field data were collected through observation, questionnaires, and farmer interviews, and were synthesized using a SWOT (Strengths–Weaknesses–Opportunities–Threats) approach. Results indicate that tractor utilization remains limited across all districts, with most farmers reporting no tractor use (72.5–85.0%). A system-level assessment of four-wheel tractor (TR4) adequacy shows a substantial demand–availability gap: 124 units are available against an estimated requirement of 293 units (≈42.3% fulfillment), implying a shortfall of 169 units and potential bottlenecks during peak land preparation periods. District-level efficiency indications vary, suggesting different levels of operational pressure and the need for targeted interventions. The SWOT synthesis highlights productivity and efficiency gains as key strengths, while financial limitations, uneven distribution, and limited maintenance/spare-part access remain major weaknesses. Recommendations include strengthening operator and farmer training, improving maintenance and spare-part services (service centers and mobile repair), and enhancing access mechanisms such as managed hire services and context-appropriate financing to support reliable and timely tractor utilization
Darko, F. A., & Purnamasari, R. (2024). Making agriculture work for the poor in Timor-Leste (Policy Research Working Paper No. 10862). World Bank. (Open access working paper).
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. (2022). Promoting sustainable agricultural mechanization for smallholder farmers: Five steps to develop effective business models. FAO. (Open access technical guide).
Liao, W., Zeng, F., & Chanieabate, M. (2022). Mechanization of small-scale agriculture in China: Lessons for enhancing smallholder access to agricultural machinery. Sustainability, 14(13), 7964. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14137964
Tahir, M. Y., Iqbal, & Mursalim. (2024). Performance test and operational cost analysis of the Jajar Legowo RTP-2040 rice transplanter in Padaelo Village, Lamuru District. SALAGA Journal, 2(2), 73–79. https://doi.org/10.70124/salaga.v2i2.1777
Tesema, Y. M., Asrat, P., & Sisay, D. T. (2023). Factors affecting farmers’ hiring decisions on agricultural mechanization services: A case study in Ethiopia. Cogent Economics & Finance. https://doi.org/10.1080/23322039.2023.2225328
Van Loon, J., & Flores Rojas, M. (2024). Sustainable agricultural mechanization in Timor-Leste: Status, challenges and further action. Circular Agricultural Systems, 4, e008. https://doi.org/10.48130/cas-0024-0006
Van Loon, J., Woltering, L., Krupnik, T. J., Baudron, F., Boa, M., & Govaerts, B. (2020). Scaling agricultural mechanization services in smallholder farming systems: Case studies from sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Latin America. Agricultural Systems, 180, 102792. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2020.102792
Yahaya, R., Daum, T., Tadesse, E., Mupangwa, W., Barro, A., Matangi, D., Misiko, M., Baudron, F., Awoke, B. G., Odjo, S., Sanogo, D., Assefa, R., & Kassa, A. (2024). Towards inclusive mechanization? Two-wheel tractor-based service markets in Ethiopia, Burkina Faso, and Zimbabwe. Journal of Agribusiness in Developing and Emerging Economies. https://doi.org/10.1108/JADEE-04-2023-0084
Iqbal Iqbal
Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia
Indonesia
Abdul Azis
Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia
Indonesia
Copyright (c) 2025 Arcanjo De Jesus, Iqbal Iqbal, Abdul Azis
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.