Supporting Local Farmers with Data-Driven Design: MinSU’s Survey to Improve Agricultural Machinery Ergonomics

Mindoro State University (MinSU) completed an extensive anthropometric survey aimed at optimizing agricultural machinery for farmers in Oriental Mindoro. This initiative, titled Anthropometric Survey of Farmers in Oriental Mindoro proposed by Engr. Mark Keylord S. Onal, Dean/Project Leader and Engr. Randy A. Joco, Instructor I of Institute of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, gathered critical body measurements from both male and female farmers, addressing a lack of anthropometric data tailored to Filipino agricultural operators. The project reflects MinSU’s commitment to promoting ergonomic, gender-sensitive machinery design, enhancing safety and usability, and supporting the empowerment of women in agriculture.

Agricultural machinery must be ergonomically designed to fit the user's dimensions—taking into account reach, strength, and body size—to prevent discomfort and reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders. MinSU's survey collected a comprehensive range of data on farmers’ body dimensions through a sample of 203 participants, including 112 male and 91 female farmers. This information, paired with socio-demographic profiles, was collected via stratified random sampling to ensure an accurate representation of Oriental Mindoro's farming population.

"Ergonomically designed machinery is not only safer but also promotes productivity and comfort among farmers, who are at the forefront of our local agricultural economy," according to Engr. Onal. With Oriental Mindoro producing 35% of MIMAROPA’s rice, enhancing the design of agricultural machinery could significantly impact the region’s productivity and farmers’ well-being.

The project was carried out from July to December 2023, with a dedicated team that included two (2) faculty researchers, four (4) research assistants, and 10 BS ABE students. MinSU’s collaboration with two (2) technical consultants strengthened the technical accuracy of the project, which also contributed to five (5) undergraduate theses.

Additionally, MinSU presented three (3) technical posters derived from the survey’s findings at an international conference.. The survey's data has since been compiled into a comprehensive database, providing a resource for evaluating and adapting agricultural equipment to better suit Filipino farmers.

This project highlights MinSU's proactive role in advancing gender equality and promoting safer working conditions in agriculture, setting a strong foundation for future innovations in the field.