Development of a small-scale power tiller for farmers in developing countries: A case study of Benin

Abstract

This study examines the labour of small-scale farmers during ploughing and develops a power tiller with the view of reducing the hardness of work and increasing the field operation capacity. The machine is designed and fabricated based on standard engineering principles for part-sizing and selection of materials. It is tested and the performance results obtained are compared to manual ploughing. Performance parameters were determined from fieldwork and laboratory experiments. The average depth, width of cut and operation speed were 14.84 cm, 24.56 cm and 3.48 km/h, respectively for power tiller compared with 10.62 cm, 18.97 cm and 0.49 km/h, respectively for manual ploughing. Average field efficiency and theoretical field capacity were 88.23%, and 0.096 ha/h, respectively for the power tiller compared with 96%, and 0.0136 ha/h for manual ploughing. Fuel consumption revealed for power tiller is 1.99 l/h. The field capacity of the machine was 0.075 ha/h which was higher than 0.013 ha/h for manual ploughing. The results show that the machine is suitable for small-scale farmers. Economic assessment of the power tiller is work to be done. • Few farm households in Benin as a country in development can invest in agricultural machines due to their high initial cost. • Few power tiller machines have been developed to enhance agricultural production in developing countries like in Benin. • The power tiller is very efficient and effective compared to manual ploughing, despite its fuel consumption, and can increase field capacity. • To promote mechanization policymakers should emphasise on small-scale power tiller machines can be favorable to small farmers.