Land Clearing and Seedbed Preparation Ethno – Machinery In Nigeria Agriculture: A Study Of The Igalas

Abstract

This work is a survey of land clearing and seedbed preparation ethno-machinery of the Igala ethnic group. The survey studied the design and performance of land clearing and seedbed preparation ethno-machinery with a view to recommending areas of improvement if need be. A catalogue of farm tools for land clearing and seedbed preparation activities as available and used in the study area are presented. The theoretical and actual mechanical advantages and efficiency as applicable were computed and determined for these machinery. Structured questionnaires were the instruments used to determine the demographic characteristics of the farmers. The physical and technical specifications of the ethno-machinery were determined by measurement. Strength of the soil was determined by the use of a cone penetrometer and the weight of the soil samples obtained by weighing with a scale. The result showed that the cutlass and axe had an efficiency of 77% and 32% respectively. The cultivation hoes types 1_A & 1_B, 2 and 3 have an efficiency of 39%, 45%, 25% and 60% respectively. Generally the efficiency of these implements can be classified as low, this indicates that thare is a need for a gradual shift to modern simple machines which will enhance the output of farmers.

Keywords:Land Clearing, Seedbed Preparation, Efficiency,Ethno-Machinery.