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Published
2024-02-01
Section
Agriculture & Life Sciences
How to Cite
Feasibility study of a tricycle mounted draft implement for dry soils: a case of the Motor king tricycle in Northern Ghana
Hamadou H. Abdoul-Aziz
University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana
Felix Kofi Abagale
University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana
Shaibu Abdul-Ganiyu
University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana
Keywords: Farm power, agriculture, Africa, tricycle, tillage, smallholders
Abstract
The debate on African agriculture mechanization has never grown as big as in recent years. Solutions are sought to achieve Sustainable Development Goals. In West Africa, farmers have already adopted tricycles as a means of transport. It is the modern horse, bull, and donkey used by farmers. Their spare parts are available; and their maintenance is mastered in rural areas. This paper highlights the realistic possibilities and the technical limits of using this tricycle for plowing by using the reverse engineering method and data collection in a sandy loam field. Since the tricycle was not initially created for fieldwork, data were collected from its application. As a result, this study found that the tricycle is powerful for tillage, and the power transmission system can support fieldwork. The chassis of the tricycle is strong enough for farm work. Light implements are recommended in medium and light soil conditions. Maximum working width of 40 cm is recommended. A quick analysis of the depreciation rate gave a positive appreciation. An experiment with a single furrow moldboard plow in sandy loam soil indicated a working depth of 15 cm, an Effective Field Capacity of 0.15 ha/ hr., and a fuel consumption of 0.9 L/hr.
Author Biographies
Hamadou H. Abdoul-Aziz, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana
Department of Agricultural Engineering
Felix Kofi Abagale, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana
Department of Agricultural Engineering
Shaibu Abdul-Ganiyu, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana
Department of Agricultural Engineering
