When Machines Take the Beans: Ex-Ante Socioeconomic Impact Evaluation of Mechanized Harvesting of Mungbean in Bangladesh and Myanmar

Agricultural mechanization has spread across much of Asia since the 1960s. It increased agricultural productivity and reduced arduous farm work. However, differing impacts for smallholders hired laborers, men women, require careful consideration. This study analyzed, ex-ante, likely social economic tradeoffs mechanizing mungbean harvest in Bangladesh Myanmar. We used a mixed methods approach combining survey data from 852 households with in-depth interviews four villages. Partial budget analysis shows that mechanical harvesting is not yet profitable most farms. There nevertheless an incentive to mechanize as associated timeliness reduces risk losses weather shocks. Men women farmers expect time savings drudgery. The results confirm workers depend on manual income status both countries. Most are landless married limited access other sources income. In short term, combine harvests final mechanized indeterminate crop. could mediate impact workers. long it will be necessary facilitate income-generating opportunities rural families maintain their well-being