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Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Collaborative Research on Sustainable Intensification

Author: trendall

The Appropriate Scale Mechanization Consortium Kicks Off Field Hub Training with Workshop in Burkina Faso

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Dr. Millogo, Director of Appropriate Scale Mechanization Innovation Hub Burkina Faso and workshop participants with their new and improved yokes. Pictured Left to Right: Fankani Tchitchi, Millogo Vinsoun, Bognini Solange, Bonkian Thérese, Bognini Mark, Sanou Mariatou, Sanou Mazouma

Members of the Appropriate Scale Mechanization Consortium (ASMC) led the first hands-on training at their field training hub in Burkina Faso from September 5-16, 2016. It brought together smallholder farmers, local artisans and university students. The workshop was conducted by team members from Michigan State University in cooperation with Tillers International and was funded by the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Collaborative Research on Sustainable Intensification.

In Burkina Faso, traditional yokes are still being used to team pairs of oxen. “These yokes are narrow, concentrating the pulling forces on a small area on the neck of the oxen, making long work days difficult and painful,” Elsa Kanner, Tillers International employee, said. Another problem facing farmers in this area is training. The animals are most receptive to training at a young age, but farmers are waiting until they are mature to begin the process. These factors combined make for uncooperative oxen, which require 2-3 workers to handle. The practice is, therefore, more labor intensive and expensive than it could be with improved training techniques and modern yokes. Continue reading “The Appropriate Scale Mechanization Consortium Kicks Off Field Hub Training with Workshop in Burkina Faso”

The Appropriate Scale Mechanization Consortium Launches in Burkina Faso

Local Farmer from Koumbia, Burkina Faso shares his experiences with the ASMC Team.
Local Farmer from Koumbia, Burkina Faso shares his experiences with the ASMC team

The Appropriate Scale Mechanization Consortium (ASMC) traveled to Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso to launch the Appropriate Scale Mechanization Innovation Hub at the Polytechnic University of Bobo-Dioulasso.

Farmers, manufacturers, researchers, students and government officials joined the ASMC for a two-day workshop on mechanization on May 30-31, 2016. The workshop and field visits to local farms allowed the ASMC team to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities of mechanization in Burkina Faso and helped to identify specific interventions to improve the livelihoods of Burkinabe farmers. Continue reading “The Appropriate Scale Mechanization Consortium Launches in Burkina Faso”