Improvement of Sickle Quality through Ergonomic Participatory Approach at Batunya Village Tabanan Regency

Abstract

Improvement of Sickle Quality Through Ergonomic Participatory Approach at Batunya Village Tabanan Regency: SUTJANA D.P., et al. Dept, of Physiology, Udayana University, School of Medicine—Sickles are the most common hand tools used by farmers, but nowadays farmers are complaining that the sickles being used are of low quality in term of sharpness, comfort and durability. In view of this problem, a participatory ergonomics study has been carried out at Batunya village for one year (from April 1995 to March 1996). A sample of 119 farmers participated in this study. Through interviews and seminars at the local meeting hall and at the University of Udayana, opinions were gathered from the farmers regarding the sickles used concerning their sharpness, shape, weight and handle design. During the seminar the ergonomic application was also discussed with the farmers. All information was given to the blacksmiths to improve the quality of the sickle. The new sickles with a JBS mark are being sold to the farmers through the local KUD as a trial, and the farmers have been asked to comment on the new design. There is no significant difference (p>0.05) between the old and the new sickles from the point of view of productivity, but according to the farmers the new design JBS sickles perform better than the old ones. KUD officials reported that the sale of JBS sickles was better than that of the old design. By continuing this procedure a sickle can be designed ergonomically.