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Abstract
This study aims to assess the status of agriculture mechanization in the Hauts Bassins Region (HBR) of Burkina Faso and elicit demand levels for machine services via a survey of 946 farm households. Overall, animal traction remains the primary means of land preparation while small engines are widely used for threshing and winnowing. Labor saving from engine power is greatest for harvest activities. Willingness to pay (WTP) elicitation suggests that access to machines remains a key concern. The mean WTP for custom hire tractor plowing, 28,409 CFA ($48), was 36% higher than reported rental costs, and approximately 30% of the sample not using custom hire plowing services were willing to pay the prevailing price. Further, farmers in households with high proportions of women and children were least likely to use and demand tractor services, while irrigators had the highest stated demand.