Theses and Dissertations Collection

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Browsing Theses and Dissertations Collection by Subject "Agricultural mechanization"

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    Development of a computer-based decision support tool for selection of optimum tractor-plough system for upland farming in Tanzania:
    (Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2015) Mwasandube, Amon Cornel
    This thesis is the result of a study carried out in Mvomcro District in Morogoro region, Tanzania. The success of this work was made possible by moral and material support of different persons and institutions. First, and foremost, I thank the almighty God for providing me with the courage, strength, guidance, patience and passion throughout my study period, for I understand without him I could not have been able to accomplish this study. I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the Management of the National Institute of Transport (NIT) for enabling and financing my studies in the Department of Agricultural Engineering and Land Planning of Sokoine University of Agriculture. Special thanks are directed to the then top management members: Dr. A. M. Rashid (Principal), Mr. E. Mgonja (Deputy Principal-Academics, Research and Consultancy) and Mr. E Msonge (Deputy Principal- Finance and Administration), for their moral and financial support. Special thanks are directed to my Supervisors Prof. Z. M. Mganilwa, Prof. S. M. Mpanduji and Prof. D. N. Kimaro, for their tireless guidance, wise advice and constructive criticism. Without them my academic dreams and aspirations would have not become a reality. I am indebted to Prof. A. K. P. R. Tarimo for his guidance and moral support during my study. I am extending my sincere thanks to all academic members of staff of the Department of Agricultural Engineering and Land Planning, for their material and moral support, advice and for creating a harmonious environment during my stay at the University. I am also extending my sincere thanks to the Centre for Agriculturalvii Mechanization and Rural Technology (CAMARTEC) for providing test equipment and support staff. 1 am also grateful to the farmers (respondents), extension engineer Mr. Felix Temu and other Mvomero District Council staff including District Agricultural and Livestock Development Officer (DALDO) and extension officers for their support during data collection. I am also extending my sincere thanks to Mr. Issaya M. Mwansasu (National Institute of Transport) and King George Magaga (INFOSYS LTD) for their support during computer programming work. I express my sincere appreciation to my lovely wife Juster Kemilembe Mwasandube and my children Lisa, Merina and Richard for their moral and material support, patience and encouragement which in one way or another made my study successful. Also, I am very grateful to my brothers: Mr. Alley C. Mwakibolwa, P. Mwasandube, Asukenye Mwasandube, my son in-law Daudi Mbugulu, my in-laws T. Kalinjuna and G. A. Kalinjuna for their moral support and encouragement. It is not easy to mention all who contributed in one way or another in making this work done but I say to you all thank you very much. Let the Almighty God grant you all with his glory, peace and blessings.
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    Development of a computer-based decision support tool for selection of optimum tractor-plough system for upland farming in Tanzania: a case of Mvomero District
    (Sokoine University Of Agriculture, 2015) Mwasandube, Amon Cornel
    In Tanzania, fanners like others elsewhere, have to make informed choices of optimum and cost effective farm machinery. The level, appropriate choice and subsequent proper use of farm machinery has a direct and significant effect on productivity. Tanzanian farmers use traditional intuitive farm machinery selection methods which, in most cases, results in uneconomical investment. The overall objective of this study was to develop a computer-based decision support system tool for selecting optimum tractor-plough systems in Mvomcro District. This objective was achieved by initial assessment of the status of agricultural mechanization in the study area. Soil and terrain physical properties including soil bulk density, texture, moisture content, cone index, and slope gradients were determined to form a baseline data for selecting suitable farm machinery. Under the determined soil and terrain characteristics, tractor-plough system’s field performance parameters were subsequently determined. Theoretical mathematical models were developed for the simulation of tractor-plough system’s static overturning stability limit on slopes. Using SPSS software, regression models were developed to predict the tractor­ plough system’s field performance and static overturning stability. Employing mathematical models developed in this study and from the literature, a computer-based Tractor-Plough System Selection Tool (TPSST) was developed. The TPSST used procedures and functions from the database to process data entered by users and displayed the least-cost set of tractor-plough system along with other alternative sets. A sample of TPSST output identified a least-cost set of two tractor-plough systems which are capable of completing a 100 ha farm within allotted time. The set comprised of a 74kW tractor/1.25 m plough system and a 31 kW tractor/0.99 m plough system. The simulation output for the 74 kW tractor-plough systems included: 32 kNO drawbar pull, 26 kN draught force, 16.51/11 fuel consumption and TZS 3 665 720 total annual cost. The simulation output for the 31 kW tractor-plough systems was: 12 kN drawbar pull 4 kN, draught force, 6.9 L/h fuel consumption and TZS 1 665 193 total annual cost. It is expected that the TPSST will assist in performing tasks of different agricultural mechanization stakeholders including designers, manufacturers, researchers, trainers, farm machinery managers, extension staff and consultants.