Can design improve the agricultural work conditions in the developing countries? A study based in the development of an animal traction seeder

摘要

This paper presents a study conducted as a part of development of an animal traction seeder machine, using principles related to disciplines such as usability, Ergonomics Work Assessment (EWA) and Antropotechnology, in a perspective of Design for Sustainability (DfS) and product development suitable for the Base of the Pyramid (BoP). The study provided information for a series of design changes to be introduced in the equipment, in order to improvement of working conditions in small family farming properties. From this approach analysis on an existing implement, are suggested ways to adaquate the product and presented a proposal for a new animal traction seeder machine.