Multi Criteria Approach to Determine the Suitability of Application of Motorcycle Drawn Potato Harvesters

Agricultural mechanisation is vital because it raises labour efficiency and enhances farm production per worker. However, not all fields are suitable for mechanisation. This study sought to determine the viability of introducing potato harvesting equipment drawn by motorcycles in Nyandarua County, Kenya. Soil analysis was done on samples from different parts of the county to understand the properties of soils that affect agricultural tool interaction and to study the movement of the digging part of the machines in the soil. With the help of various physical and mechanical soil tests, this study spatially determined suitable areas for potato mechanisation using Multi-Criteria Evaluation and Geographic Information System analysis. The criteria used in this analysis were soil, climate, and topography. The criteria were selected based on information available about potato mechanisation. The data from the criteria was analysed in the Quantum Geographic Information System environment. A map was generated in which the area was classified into four suitability levels for the operation of a potato harvester: Highly Suitable (S1), Moderately Suitable (S2), Marginally Suitable (S3), and Not Suitable (N) based on Food and Agriculture Organization guidelines. The Analytic Hierarchy Process decision-making tool was used to determine each criterion's deduced weights and associated influence. The weights were used as inputs in the weighted overlay analysis and final maps generated. This research aids in informed decision-making for agricultural mechanization in Nyandarua County, helping farmers and policymakers identify the most suitable regions for adopting this technology. By enhancing labour efficiency and farm productivity, the findings contribute to the overall improvement of the agricultural sector in the region, emphasizing the importance of considering multiple criteria when assessing the feasibility of introducing new farming equipment.