Improve the safety and health of women farmers by adapting farm tools and equipment

View the project final report

Commodities

Practices

• Animal Production: animal protection and health
• Crop Production: varieties and cultivars
• Education and Training: focus group, on-farm/ranch research
• Sustainable Communities: analysis of personal/family life

This project addressed a critical gap in ergonomic design for farming tools and small-sized farming equipment that are not ergonomically designed for diverse users, particularly women farmers, leading to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), fatigue, and reduced productivity. The project pursued two solutions: (1) development of ergonomic auxiliary handles for hand tools, and (2) evaluation and redesign of electric walk-behind tillers to improve safety, usability, and efficiency.

The research used a holistic and interdisciplinary approach with a repeated-measures design. We started the research by collecting intensive inputs from farmers, extension specialists, industry representatives and professionals in farming sector through surveys, focus group meetings, on-farm demonstrations and workshops/meetings. Computer designs and prototypes were tested by women users and producers through scientific experimental designs. Digital sensors and artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled algorithms were used to assess the ergonomic features of each developed tool and equipment. Research outcomes including physiological load (heart rate, energy expenditure), posture (video-based motion analysis), vibration, noise, and soil performance were analyzed and used to develop next-generation tools. Peer-reviewed research papers were published and available to broad audience.

An educational approach complemented the research through farmer demonstrations, hands-on trials, and simplified training materials on posture, tool fit, and safe equipment use. Farmers reported improved understanding of how ergonomics affects comfort, injury risk, and efficiency.

Results showed that ergonomic-designed tools can improve usability and reduces strain. Auxiliary handle attachments significantly reduced trunk flexion during stall-cleaning tasks among female agricultural workers, though this improvement was accompanied by increased elbow flexion. Physiological differences were directionally favorable but statistically inconclusive. Ergonomic modifications redistributed musculoskeletal demand rather than uniformly reducing joint risk. The rear-tine tiller provided the best balance of soil performance and low workload, while the electric auger tiller minimized vibration and noise. Front-tine tillers imposed the highest ergonomic burden. Adjustable and user-centered designs consistently improved posture and reduced wrist and hip strain.

Farmers began adopting improved practices, including selecting tools based on body fit, adjusting handle positions, and showing strong interest in low-vibration and adjustable equipment. Prototype auxiliary handles were positively received during demonstrations.

Beneficiary Outcome Story

During a field demonstration, one woman farmer shared that she often experienced wrist and lower-back pain after prolonged shoveling. After testing the ergonomic auxiliary handle, she immediately noticed improved grip comfort and reduced bending. She reported that the tool felt “lighter and easier to control,” and she was able to work longer without discomfort. This experience increased her confidence in using modified tools and influenced her decision to adopt ergonomic practices on her farm.

This project aimed to address the challenges in safety, health, and usability associated with farm tools and small-scale equipment used by women farmers. The supporting objectives were pursued and refined based on project implementation:

1. Identify key ergonomic challenges in farm tools and equipment
   This objective was addressed through farmer surveys, observational studies, and technical evaluations of commonly used tools (hand tools and walk-behind tillers as models). The goal was to understand sources of discomfort, injury risk, and inefficiencies in current designs.
2. Design and evaluate ergonomic and user-centered solutions
   The project developed and tested ergonomic auxiliary handle prototypes and evaluated different tiller designs (rear-tine, front-tine, and electric auger). Engineering approaches included ergonomic design principles, adjustable features, and integration of vibration and performance assessments to improve usability and safety.
3. Improve farmer awareness and knowledge of ergonomic practices
   Educational activities, including demonstrations, hands-on trials, and simplified training materials, were used to teach proper tool use, posture, and equipment selection. These efforts aimed to help farmers reduce strain and adopt safer work practices.