Applying Design and Technology Education in Addressing Farmers’ Problems in the Makonde Rural District, Zimbabwe

Abstract

This paper reports on the results of a developmental and participatory research study that is coupled with a significant, ongoing and long-term community development project in the Makonde Rural District, Northwestern Zimbabwe. From the beginning, this project has involved the application of Design and Technology Education in problem-solving with the intention to help farmers develop a sustainable localised model of technology for the processing and production of maizemeal, peanut butter and cooking oil. Following design principles adopted from literature, various machines were designed and developed for the purpose. The results and findings reported here include those drawn from the scientific/technical observations made during the development of these machines, followed by the interviews conducted with participants/end users.