Development of a portable mechanized maize sheller for sustainable improvement of farm women’s workload efficiency in maize production

This study introduces and evaluates the work performance of a portable mechanized maize sheller as a solution to address challenges such as labor scarcity, high labor wages, and drudgery in maize production. Through multi-location testing and comparative analyses, the mechanized sheller demonstrates superior performance in terms of output capacity, reduced man-days, cost-effectiveness, and decreased drudgery experienced by farm women. Feedback from farmers confirms the practicality and acceptance of the technology, making it a viable option for enhancing maize production efficiency, particularly for small and marginal farmers. However, the study faced challenges related to variability in maize varieties, moisture content, and differing field conditions across locations, which influenced shelling efficiency and operational performance. Limited access to consistent power sources and initial resistance to mechanization among some farmers also posed constraints during evaluation. Despite these challenges, the study significantly contributes by providing empirical evidence on the technical and economic advantages of portable mechanized maize shellers, highlighting their potential to reduce labor drudgery, improve productivity, and promote mechanization among resource-poor farmers