African Journal of
Agricultural Research

  • Abbreviation: Afr. J. Agric. Res.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 1991-637X
  • DOI: 10.5897/AJAR
  • Start Year: 2006
  • Published Articles: 6860

Full Length Research Paper

Can design improve the agricultural work conditions in the developing countries? A study based in the development of an animal traction seeder

Eduardo Romeiro Filho* and Aline Capanema Barros
Industrial Engineering Departament, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Integrated Laboratory of Design and Product Engineering, Escola de Engenharia, bloco 1, sala 3104, Av. Presidente Antônio Carlos, 6627 - Campus Pampulha, 31270-901 - Belo Horizonte – MG, Brazil.
Email: [email protected], [email protected]

  •  Accepted: 04 December 2013
  •  Published: 19 December 2013

Abstract

This paper presents a study conducted as a part of development of an animal traction seeder machine, using principles related to disciplines such as usability, Ergonomics Work Assessment (EWA) and Antropotechnology, in a perspective of Design for Sustainability (DfS) and product development suitable for the Base of the Pyramid (BoP). The study provided information for a series of design changes to be introduced in the equipment, in order to improvement of working conditions in small family farming properties. From this approach analysis on an existing implement, are suggested ways to adaquate the product and presented a proposal for a new animal traction seeder machine.

 

Key words: Design for sustainability, base of the pyramid, ergonomics work assessment.