This is one of 280 summaries describing key outputs from the projects run by DFID’s 10-year Renewable Natural Resources Research Strategy (RNRRS) programmes.
Summary for Project title: R7401: Improving production in the Teso farming system through the development of sustainable draught animal technologies.
New locally-produced equipment means that oxen are now more productive. In Uganda, hiring oxen is cheaper than hiring labour. But, although oxen always plough the fields, they are rarely put to other work such as sowing, ridging or lifting root crops because farmers don’t have the right tackle. Over 2000 households now put oxen to work using inexpensive new tools. This reduces their costs and improves returns. Putting oxen to work also frees women from the drudgery of tasks such as weeding, and releases children so they can go to school. Small companies already manufacture the equipment locally and it has major potential in other areas of sub-Saharan Africa where draught animals are traditionally used to prepare land.
The CD has the following information for this output: Description, Validation, Current Situation, Current Promotion, Impacts On Poverty, Environmental
Impact. Attached PDF (12 pp.) taken from the CD.