Sudanese farmers take to donkey power
In Darfur Province, west Sudan, donkeys are gradually becoming the main draught animal. This has been made possible because a chisel plough based on the ancient ard plough, has been developed especially for use with donteys. Although camels have been used as draught animals in the area most of the cultivation work has been done by hand because although most families have donkeys, they have been used only as beasts of burden. Three years ago the Intermediate Technology Development Group began the Kebkabiya Smallholders Project to encourage the use of donkeys as draught animals. Various designs of plough were tried including a mouldboard plough. But with low rainfall and soils that are prone to capping, it was felt that a chisel plough would do a better job. The chisel comprises a winged tine which can cultivate to a depth of about 150mm, which is enough for millet. Also, it opens up the soil for good water penetration. A suitable harness for the donkey has also been developed. It is made of nylon webbing which is available in the area. Local blacksmiths are being encouraged to make the plough. Costs are being kept to a minimum, about 30% of the cost of a bag of millet. ITDG Myson House Railway Terrace Rugby CV21 3HT UK
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| Format: | News Item biblioteca |
| Language: | English |
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Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation
1991
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| Online Access: | https://hdl.handle.net/10568/45446 http://collections.infocollections.org/ukedu/en/d/Jcta31e/ |
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