Mechanization in a developing country--Swaziland
1990
Grenoble, D.W. | Daum, D.R. | Gama, D.M.
In Swaziland, a small country in southern Africa, a high percentage of rural homestead members are seeking employment in the private sector as opposed to farming. Women and children do much of the farming operations and labor shortages exist at times when school and other activities compete. Some degree of mechanization is desirable to promote more timely completion of certain cropping activities (e.g., weeding) and to make farming more profitable and appealing. Studies with the Penn State Cropping Systems Research and Extension Training Project were conducted to identify appropriate ways for mechanizing small farm operations. Herbicide applicators, a hand-carried electrostatic sprayer for cotton, and modifications to an oxen-drawn maize planter for improving crop establishment were among innovations tested at the local research station and with farmers. Crop responses and farmer acceptance were assessed. Farmers were quick to adopt new innovations provided the equipment was affordable and the involved risks were not great.
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