Agricultural equipment and innovation in southern Sudan

This chapter provides a concise description of the current situation with respect to the use of farm implements in southern Sudan, of the local manufacture of some items by blacksmiths, and the supply of equipment imported into the region. Attention is given to livestock production within the extant farm systems. Factors that have limited the diffusion of innovations are briefly described, including an appropriate emphasis on the lack of market opportunities and the limited farm cash income that restricts demands for purchased inputs. There is apparent need for innovative investigation into hand tools and oxen-powered equipment which should be regarded as concomitants to obtaining information about the supportive infrastructure and improving agronomic inputs. Bibliogr., notes.