This generously illustrated book contains the most comprehensive study of harnessing techniques and animal traction implements to have been produced for many years. Harnessing options for oxen, horses, donkeys, camels and buffaloes are reviewed, together with a wide spectrum of tillage implements, seeders, animal-drawn carts and other draft animal technologies. For each of these topics, the reader is guided through definitions and terminology, recent developments, technological choices, design options and assessments of practical advantages and disadvantages in actual farming systems. The author also tackles the vital issues of the selection or design of implements, research strategies and the supply and manufacture of equipment.

The author's fresh, thorough and pragmatic approach leaves few preconceptions unturned. The reader is encouraged and stimulated to see animal traction technology through farmers' eyes, and to reappraise future priorities for development projects, research institutions and extension programmes in the light of the past experiences in this field.

Several hundred carefully selected photographs and line drawings ensure that each subject is clearly illustrated, and make the publication attractive to a wide range of readers.

Despite the wealth of information contained within this volume, the book constantly encourages readers to delve yet deeper into the subjects that interest them. Thus for every topic covered there are specific suggestions for further reading, together with the names and addresses of organisations with special interests in that field. This makes the book not only an authoritative reference work but also an invaluable resource book.