Research Project 5: Improving the productivity of draught animals in sub-Saharan Africa (1994-7)

Purpose
The purpose of this project was to provide basic information and practical techniques for use by researchers and extension workers to alleviate constraints limiting the use of draught animals in semi-arid areas where a shortage of power already constrains crop production.

Activities
Work was carried out by a multi-disciplinary team, including socio-economists, animal scientists and agricultural engineers, together with farmers and manufacturers.  Information was gathered on the identification and characterisation of specific target groups of farmers relating to the management and output of draught animals in Zimbabwe, to help in targeting recommendations.  Basic information on nutrition and performance of donkeys was obtained to assist in improving the management of donkeys on smallholder mixed farms.  The development and modification of tillage implement designs and practices for small, light cattle and donkeys was undertaken.  Capacity for DAP research in Zimbabwe was increased.

Collaboration
The project was funded mainly by the ODA (now DFID), with additional support from the Government of Zimbabwe, mainly through the Department of Research and Specialist Services.  The following provided collaborators:  CTVM, the Silsoe Research Institute (Bedford, UK), University of Zimbabwe (Dept. of Agricultural, Technical & Extension Services -- AGRITEX), Dept. of Research & Specialist Services (DRSS) and Institute of Agricultural Engineering (IAE), Ministry of Agriculture, Zimbabwe.

Outputs
As well as the scientific publications, there were several reports, workshop proceedings and theses produced.  The project also played an important part in the development of a lightweight plough, which is now on sale commercially in Southern Africa.

Workshop proceedings and other reports:

• J. Ellis-Jones, F. Muvirimi, E. M. Nengomasha and P Masara (1994), A rapid rural appraisal of Semukwe, Chikwanda and Sebungwe communal farming areas: with emphasis on the use of draught animals.  Silsoe Research Institute, Wrest Park, Bedford, MK45 4HS, UK, OD/94/20

• J. Ellis-Jones (ed.) (1994), Proceedings of a workshop: Improving draught animal power in sub-Saharan Africa held at Matopos Research Station, Zimbabwe, 17-19 October 1994.  Silsoe Research Institute, Wrest Park, Bedford, MK45 4HS, UK, OD/94/23

• J. Ellis-Jones, L.R. Ndlovu, R.A. Pearson and D.H. O’Neill (eds.) (1995),  Proceedings of a planning workshop, held at Matopos Research Station, Zimbabwe, 24-26 September 1995. Silsoe Research Institute, Wrest Park, Bedford, MK45 4HS, UK, OD/95/20

• J. Ellis-Jones,  R.A. Pearson, D.H. O’Neill and L.R. Ndlovu (eds.) (1997), Proceedings of a technical workshop: Improving the productivity of draught animals in sub-Saharan Africa, held at the Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Harare, Zimbabwe, 25-27 February 1997.  Silsoe Research Institute, Wrest Park, Bedford, MK45 4HS, UK, IDG/97/7  

Other reports on the work can be found in the Proceedings of Workshops held by the Animal Traction Network for Eastern and Southern Africa (ATNESA):  

	Meeting the Challenges of Animal Traction, 4-8 December 1995, Karen, Ngong Hills, Kenya
	Improving Donkey Utilisation and Management, 5-9 May 1997, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia
	Empowering Farmers with Animal Traction into the 21 Century, 20-24 September 1999, Loskop Dam, South Africa

One PhD and three MSc degrees were obtained by collaborators on the project:

PhD

E.M. Nengomasha, 1997 (CTVM, University of Edinburgh), The donkey (Equus asinus) as a draught animal in smallholder farming areas of the semi-arid regions of Zimbabwe

MSc

	T. Bwakura, 1994 (Dept. of Animal Science, University of Zimbabwe), Characterisation of the Zimbabwean donkey (Equus asinus):  its management, foraging behaviour and body characteristics
	Z. Dube, 1996 (Dept. of Animal Science, University of Zimbabwe), The use of single working donkeys (Equus asinus) in light tillage operations in Zimbabwe
	C.J. Morris, 1995 (CTVM, University of Edinburgh), A baseline study of donkey management, health, reproduction and uses in Mashonaland Central, North Zimbabwe

Back to Top