Using Oxen for Farming

Country:
Uganda
Why to choose this solution?
Savings per day or production:
The solution contributes to saving money that would have been spent on labour. Two oxen, operated by two people, on average can plough an acre per day which would take at least 25 people to perform the same task. There is also saving on time which enables timely sowing.
Cost in money and in own time to construct:
One has to buy or breed two animals (usually bulls) and will require an ox-plough set. The animals need to be acquired when still young so the cost is comparatively low at the time of acquiring e.g. about USD 120, depending on area, then the ox-plough costs about USD 15. One may need to consider the costs involved in caring and training the animals until they are ready to start farming.
Lifetime:
Depending on the care provided by the owner (this includes avoiding overworking the animals), the pair may remain productive for over 5 years.
Maintenance needed:
The animals need to be well fed, treated well in case of any ailments and not overworked. The ox-plough itself requires minor maintenance and replacements of parts that may break.
Resources needed in use:
Problems and limits:
Both the animals and operators need to be trained. Also being living things the animals may be prone to disease, accidents etc.
Where and how can you get it or make it?
The animals can be bred by the farmer himself or bought from other farmers. The ox-plough are readily available in local markets and shops in areas where ox-ploughing is practiced.
Skills needed to produce, install. maintenance, use:
Both the animals and operators need to be trained.
How to use it:
How to maintain it:
Climate effect (if any):
No outstanding climate effect attributable, but is safer to the environment compared to the tractor because of lesser emissions.
Where it is used and how many users are there?
It is common in northern and eastern parts of Uganda, due to the fairly flat terrain, light soils and hardened breeds of animals that can handle the heavy workload of ploughing. In these areas it is practiced by a majority of households. (While not all households have ox-ploughs, there are those who do it as a business so most households hire the services of ox-plough owners).
Why is it successful?
It is woven in the cultural fibre of the people where it is practiced. It saves a lot on man-power and time used for ploughing and sowing.
If you can make it, a short description, typical problems, materials needed.:
How to make it (if possible):
How is it delivered and by whom?
Successful financial model
Two main models exist: Farmers who own oxen and ploughing set. They use the oxen to plough their gardens, then they are also hired to plough their neighbours gardens. The second model is where the person operates the oxen purely for business being hired to plough other peoples gardens and farms.
What policies and strategies helped the success?
More info:
Sources:
Name of the association uploading the case:
UCSD, Uganda
When was the case uploaded? (YYYY-MM-DD):
2022-12-30