In industrially developing countries (IDCs), the majority of the population are engaged in farming

activities, some in small-scale enterprises and relatively few in factory or industrial work. Much of
the power required for farming activities, such as ploughing, harvesting, weeding and sowing, is
derived from human energy, some from animal power and little from engine power. Most of these
farming activities can cause fatigue and work-related illnesses, which in turn reduce productive
capacity. The multi-disciplinary nature of ergonomics can play a unique role in the protection of
people's health and in the prevention of work-related health hazards. Ergonomics can do this by
integrating concepts from the social sciences with technological advances to enhance productive
capacity and improve people's health. This paper illustrates the importance of ergonomics to rural
development and demonstrates how appropriate attention to ergonomics has brought, and can still
bring, bene"ts.