Energy analysis of some sugarcane farms in Fiji: Considering labour and machine use

A major problem facing developing countries is the optimum mix of labour and machines in agriculture. We consider this problem for one component (the farms) of the Fiji sugarcane industry, but suggest that our methods and analysis may be applicable generally. There are three aspects of our work: 1.(a) a careful systems specification of the components and energy flows of Fiji sugarcane farm areas2.(b) analysis in terms of output/input energy ratio, net energy gain, and labour ratio (a new suggestion), and3.(c) implications for the Fiji sugarcane industry. The study follows field work undertaken in Fiji.