Problem that technology is supposed to solve :

Weeds are posing huge challenge for farmers especially those engaged in rice production, which is the country’s staple food. This technology will ease the burden of weed control on farmer especially women farmers who are normally responsible for weed control on the farm.

Technical characteristics of the technology :

Economic characteristics of the technology

- Acquisition cost :

The rotary weeder will cost approximately Le 1,500,000 (one million five hundred thousand Leones -$150 ).

- Economic profitability :

The technology is still at it testing and adaptation stage, however, when the technology would have been out scaled, our data shows that farmers are willing to pay up to 200,000 ( $200).

- Comparative advantage :

The technology has advantage over motorized weeders because it is both economically and environmentally friendly, as it does not use fuel, and it is more efficient than hand weeding.

Limits of the technology :

The crops should be row planted with at least 25cm apart which local farmers find it difficult to do. The rotary weeder is 100% mental, which made it prone to rust and corrosion when it meets with water. Also movement in clay soils is difficult because the weeder easily get stuck in the soil.

Technical sheet