AKSUM UNIVERSITY INSTITUTE OF

TECHNOLOGY

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL AND INDUSTRIAL

ENGINEERING DESIGN STREAM
NAME: EFREM ATSBAHA AKU1200681

SUBMITED TO MSC KIBROM

SUBMITED DATE 04\02\2017

1.What are the importance and draw backs of Ethiopian traditional cultivation
system?
IMPORTANCE
Employment: agriculture is a major source of employment for the majority
of Ethiopian. it provides livelihoods for millions of smallholder farmers and
contributes significantly to the national economy
Food Security: Traditional systems can contribute to food security by
producing a variety of crops that meet local dietary needs and preferences.
Cultural Heritage: These practices are integral to the cultural identity of
many communities, preserving traditional knowledge and farming
techniques passed down through generations.

Sustainability: Many traditional methods are sustainable, relying on

organic practices and local resources, which can help maintain soil health
and reduce environmental impact.

. Adaptation to Local Conditions: Farmers often select crop varieties that

are well-suited to local climates and soil conditions, making them more
resilient to environmental changes.
Biodiversity Conservation: Traditional farming practices often involve the
cultivation of a wide variety of crops, which helps preserve genetic diversity
and maintain ecosystem balance.

▎ Drawbacks

Low Productivity: Traditional methods may not utilize modern agricultural

techniques or technologies, leading to lower yields compared to more
intensive farming systems.

Labor-Intensive: These systems often rely heavily on manual labor, which

can be a disadvantage in terms of efficiency and productivity.
 Climate Adaptation: Many local farming practices are adapted to the
specific climatic conditions of different regions, helping communities cope
with climate variability.

Vulnerability to Climate Change: While traditional practices can be

resilient, they may also be less adaptable to rapid changes in climate,
leading to potential crop failures.

Limited Access to Markets: Farmers using traditional systems may struggle

to access larger markets, limiting their income potential and economic
growth.

Resource Constraints: Traditional systems may lack access to modern inputs

like fertilizers and irrigation, which can hinder productivity.

Gender inequality: Women in rural areas often have limited access to

resources, education, and decision-making power in agricultural practices,
which can hinder overall productivity and development.
Overall
The Ethiopian cultivation system has both strengths and weaknesses. While
it plays a vital role in the country’s economy and cultural identity, challenges
such as low productivity, land degradation, and vulnerability to climate
change need to be addressed to ensure sustainable agricultural
development and food security in the future. Efforts to modernize
agriculture while respecting traditional practices could help improve
outcomes for Ethiopian farmers.
2.What are the limitations of agricultural mechanization in Ethiopia?
Agricultural mechanization in Ethiopia faces several limitations that hinder its
widespread adoption and effectiveness. Some of the key challenges include:
High Costs: The initial investment for purchasing machinery can be prohibitively
high for many smallholder farmers, who make up a significant portion of the
agricultural sector.
Limited Access to Financing: There is often a lack of access to credit and financing
options for farmers, making it difficult for them to afford modern machinery.
Inadequate Infrastructure: Poor rural infrastructure, including roads and storage
facilities, can limit the ability to transport machinery and agricultural products
effectively.
Lack of Technical Skills: Many farmers may lack the technical skills needed to
operate and maintain modern agricultural machinery, leading to underutilization
or misuse of equipment.
Small Farm Sizes: The predominance of smallholder farms makes it challenging to
justify the investment in large-scale machinery, which is often more efficient for
larger landholdings.
Cultural Resistance: Traditional farming practices are deeply rooted in Ethiopian
culture, and there may be resistance to adopting mechanized methods among
some communities.
Supply Chain Issues: The availability of spare parts and maintenance services for
agricultural machinery can be limited, leading to prolonged downtimes when
equipment breaks down.
Climate Variability: Ethiopia is prone to climate-related challenges such as
droughts and floods, which can affect the viability of mechanized farming
practices.
Policy and Regulatory Challenges: Inconsistent policies and regulations regarding
land use, agricultural practices, and mechanization can create uncertainty for
farmers.
Market Access: Limited access to markets can discourage farmers from investing
in mechanization if they are unsure about their ability to sell their produce.
Dependency on Seasonal Labor: In many regions, agricultural activities are highly
seasonal, which can make it challenging to justify year-round investments in
machinery.
Addressing these limitations requires coordinated efforts from the government,
NGOs, and the private sector to improve access to finance, training, infrastructure,
and market opportunities for farmers in Ethiopia.
3.What is the hindering factors of agricultural mechanization in undeveloped
countries?
Agricultural mechanization in undeveloped countries is often hindered by a variety
of interrelated factors. Here are some of the key challenges:
Economic Constraints: High costs of machinery and equipment can be prohibitive
for smallholder farmers, who often operate on limited budgets.
Limited Access to Financing: Many farmers lack access to credit or financing
options that would allow them to invest in modern machinery. Financial
institutions may be hesitant to lend to farmers due to perceived risks.
Small Farm Sizes: The predominance of small-scale farming makes it difficult to
justify the investment in larger, more efficient machinery, which is often designed
for larger landholdings.
Inadequate Infrastructure: Poor rural infrastructure, including roads,
transportation systems, and storage facilities, can limit the ability to transport
machinery and agricultural products effectively.
Lack of Technical Knowledge and Skills: Farmers may lack the necessary training
and technical skills to operate and maintain modern machinery, leading to
underutilization or improper use.
Cultural Resistance: Traditional farming practices are often deeply ingrained in
rural communities, and there may be resistance to adopting mechanized methods
due to cultural beliefs or a lack of awareness about the benefits.
Supply Chain Challenges: Inadequate supply chains can limit access to spare
parts, maintenance services, and timely repairs, leading to prolonged downtimes
for machinery.
Policy and Regulatory Issues: Inconsistent policies regarding land tenure,
agricultural practices, and mechanization can create uncertainty for farmers and
discourage investment.
 Labor Market Dynamics: In many undeveloped countries, there is a reliance on
seasonal labor, which can make it difficult to justify investments in machinery that
requires consistent use throughout the year.
Market Access and Price Fluctuations: Limited access to markets can deter
farmers from investing in mechanization if they are uncertain about their ability to
sell their produce at profitable prices.
Climate Vulnerability: Many undeveloped countries face significant climate-
related challenges, such as droughts or floods, which can affect the viability of
mechanized farming practices.
Land Tenure Issues: Unclear or insecure land tenure can discourage farmers from
investing in long-term mechanization strategies since they may not have
guaranteed rights to the land they farm.

4.What are the methods of transmission system (direct drive pulleys & belts,
sprocket & chain gears; lubrication)
Transmission systems in agricultural machinery and other mechanical systems are
crucial for transferring power from one component to another. Here are some
common methods of transmission systems, including direct drive pulleys and
belts, sprocket and chain gears, and lubrication systems:
Direct Drive
• Definition: In a direct drive system, the motor or engine is directly connected to
the driven component (like a wheel or a blade) without any intermediary
components.
• Advantages:
• Higher efficiency due to fewer energy losses.
• Reduced maintenance since there are fewer moving parts.
• Simplicity in design and operation.
• Applications: Commonly found in smaller machinery or equipment where space
and weight are considerations.

▎ Pulleys and Belts

• Pulleys: Circular wheels with a groove around their circumference, which can
change the direction of force.
• Belts: Flexible loops that run over the pulleys to transmit power.
• Types of Belts:

• V-Belts: Used for high torque applications; they fit into the grooves of the
pulleys and provide good grip.
• Flat Belts: Used for lower torque applications; they are simpler but less efficient
than V-belts.
• Advantages:
• Can transmit power over longer distances.
• Allows for speed reduction or increase depending on pulley sizes.
• Easier to replace than gears.
• Disadvantages:
• Slippage can occur under heavy loads.
• Requires periodic tension adjustments and replacements.
3. Sprocket and Chain
• Sprockets: Wheels with teeth that engage with links of a chain to transmit
motion.
• Chains: A series of interconnected links that fit around the sprockets.
• Advantages:
• High efficiency and durability for transferring power.
• Can handle heavy loads and high torque applications effectively.
• Less slippage compared to belts.
• Disadvantages:
• Requires regular lubrication to prevent wear.
• Noise can be an issue in some applications.
Gears
• Definition: Gears are rotating machine parts with cut teeth that mesh with
another toothed part to transmit torque and motion.
• Types of Gears:
• Spur Gears: Straight teeth; used for parallel shafts.
• Helical Gears: Angled teeth; quieter operation and smoother engagement.
• Bevel Gears: Used to change the axis of rotation; typically at a right angle.
• Advantages:
• Can provide significant speed reduction or increase based on gear ratios.
• High efficiency in power transmission.
• Disadvantages:
• More complex and expensive than belt or chain systems.
• Requires precise alignment and lubrication.

▎5. Lubrication Systems

• Purpose: Lubrication reduces friction between moving parts, preventing wear

and overheating, thus extending the life of machinery components.

• Types of Lubrication:
• Manual Lubrication: Applying grease or oil manually at regular intervals.
• Automatic Lubrication Systems: Systems that deliver lubricant at predetermined
intervals or continuously during operation (e.g., centralized lubrication systems).
• Lubricants:
• Oils (mineral, synthetic) for fluid lubrication in gears and chains.
• Greases (thicker lubricants) for bearings and joints that require retention of
lubricant.

5.Describe all the traditional farm equipment’s used for production of crops in
Ethiopia from the beginning up the end?

Ethiopia has a rich agricultural heritage with various traditional farming practices
and equipment that have been used for crop production over centuries. The tools
and methods vary by region, influenced by local cultures, climate, and the types of
crops grown. Here’s an overview of traditional farm equipment used in Ethiopia
for crop production from the beginning to the end of the farming process:

▎1. Land Preparation

• Makar (Plow):
• A traditional wooden plow, often pulled by oxen or donkeys. It consists of a
wooden frame with a blade (often made from iron) that turns the soil.• Used to
prepare the land for planting by breaking up the soil and creating furrows.
•

• Simple hand tools with a flat blade used for tilling the soil, weeding, and making
planting holes.
 • Commonly used in smaller plots or for specific tasks where larger equipment
cannot be used.
2. Planting
• Seed Drills:
• Traditional seed drills are sometimes made from wood and are designed to plant
seeds at a consistent depth and spacing.
• Farmers may also use hand broadcasting methods, scattering seeds manually
across prepared fields.
• Transplanting Tools:
• In areas where crops like teff or other cereals are grown, seedlings may be
started in nurseries and then transplanted using simple hand tools.
3. Weeding
• Hand Hoes and Weeding Forks:
• Used for manual weeding to remove unwanted plants that compete with crops
for nutrients and water.

• Sickle:
• A curved blade used for cutting weeds or harvesting crops, particularly in the
case of small-scale farming.
4. Irrigation
• Traditional Irrigation Channels:
• Farmers often create channels to direct water from rivers or streams to their
fields.
• Water Lifting Devices:

• Simple devices like the shaduf (a hand-operated device for lifting water) or
animal-powered water wheels may be used in some regions.
5. Harvesting
• Sickles:
• Widely used for harvesting grains like barley, wheat, and teff. The sickle allows
farmers to cut stalks close to the ground efficiently.
• Reaping Hooks:
• Similar to sickles but often longer and used for larger harvests.
6. Post-Harvest Processing
• Threshing Tools:
• Threshing is typically done by beating harvested crops (like grains) against a hard
surface or using animals to trample them to separate the grain from the chaff.
• Winnowing Baskets:
• Used to separate the grain from the chaff after threshing by tossing the mixture
into the air so that the lighter chaff is blown away by the wind.
7. Storage
• Granaries:
• Traditional storage structures made from mud, straw, or bamboo to keep
harvested grains safe from pests and moisture.
• Clay Pots and Baskets:
• Used for storing smaller quantities of grains or seeds.
8. Fertilization
• Animal Manure:
• Traditionally, farmers use animal dung as fertilizer to enrich the soil.
• Composting:
• Organic materials are often composted to create nutrient-rich soil amendments.
9. Tools for Maintenance
• Hand Tools:
• Various hand tools such as spades, rakes, and trowels are commonly used
throughout the farming process for maintenance and care of crops.

▎Conclusion

Traditional farming practices in Ethiopia rely heavily on manual labor and simple
tools, which have been adapted over generations to suit local conditions. While
modern agricultural techniques and equipment are becoming more prevalent,
many farmers still use these traditional methods due to their accessibility, cultural
significance, and suitability for small-scale farming. The diversity of tools reflects
Ethiopia's varied agro-ecological zones and crop types, ensuring that farming
remains an integral part of Ethiopian life and culture.