At the Burkina Faso National Forum in February, delegates were eager to try out a new tool for small-scale zai hole mechanization.
The ‘Zainer’ is being developed by Netherlands-based nonprofit, Practica, who sought out ECHO to test their prototype among small-scale farmers and those who serve them.
The Zainer can potentially dig zai holes faster
and more accurately than an individual farmer,
meaning that more fields could be prepared in
less time. These innovations often have exciting
potential but also have to overcome many hurdles.
One major challenge is the price of the units being
out of reach of many small-scale farming families
while new technologies take time and funds to
adjust and improve.
At present, the Zainer needs more exploration, but
we are hopeful that the identification of innovations
like this from our network can inspire other
appropriate options that will improve the productivity
and efficiency of those who need them most.
