25. Manual carrying, wheelbarrows, hand carts and bicycles
Human porterage (either on the head, shoulders or back) is common in many rural areas,
particularly
where
access
roads
are
in
a
poor
condition.
Features of carrying aids for head, shoulder and back
Shoulder pole: Loads such as fodder are suspended directly from a bamboo pole or
placed in two baskets at either end of the pole. Alternatively one laden pole is carried
between the shoulders of two people.
Back frame: Simple frame made from woven grass and wood and similar to open
rucksack.
Features of wheelbarrows and handcarts
Wheelbarrows: Mainly used for transport of small loads (up to 100 kg) over short
distances (up to 1 km). A reasonably large diameter wheel (over 30 cm) reduces rolling
resistance compared to a smaller diameter. Sturdy axles and bush assemblies that are
well connected to the frame are important, as these components are a frequent cause of
breakdowns.
Handcarts: Mainly used for transport of larger loads (up to 200 kg) over longer
distances (up to 10 km). Use 2, 3 or 4 wheels to support the load. When using 2-wheel
carts, the cart design should ensure the centre of gravity of the load is nearly over the
axle of the wheels to minimise the load on the arms. Large diameter wheels with ball
bearings minimise rolling resistance (bicycle wheels are commonly used).
Handcarts for use with water pots or jerry cans: They usually have a large diameter
single wheel with ball bearings or two wheels fairly close together, so that they can be
used on footpaths. Low slung cages hang on either side of the centre of the cart in which
jerry cans or water pots are placed; they have a low centre of gravity for stability.
Features of bicycles and trailers
Bicycles are a very important means of transport in rural Africa, both for personal
transport and for the transport of light goods. The speed of travel is much higher than
walking and they can be used on fairly poor surfaces, such as access roads, tracks and
footpaths.
Carrier racks above the rear wheel are used for people and goods. Heavy loads can be
transported (such as sacks of grain or bananas) in which case the bicycles are often
pushed over the more difficult terrain. Bicycle taxis, such as the "Boda Bodas" of
Uganda, play a very important role in transport in and around villages.
Trailers: they similar to 2-wheeled hand carts and are towed behind the bicycle. They
are usually made using bicycle wheels and are mainly suitable for fairly flat terrain.
Advantages
Disadvantages

Labour saving: significant labour
savings compared with carrying items
unaided.
 Livelihood strengthening: transport
bottlenecks reduced and so delays
reduced.

Livelihood
diversification:
opportunities to earn income by providing
rural transport to others.
 Equipment: easy to fabricate, maintain
and repair.

Skills: low skill level required.
Maintenance skills likely to be available
in community.
 Cost and risk: low investment and
operating costs; hence minimal financial
risks.
 Infrastructure: only slight improvement
to road infrastructure required for their
use.
 Labour: Limited impact on labour
saving, low carrying capacity and low
speed compared to animal and motorised
power sources.

Infrastructure: paths need to be
reasonably smooth and flat for the use of
wide carts.