Sub-Saharan Africa Transport Policy Program

	SSATP > Local transport solutions for rural development > Understanding the many uses of transport devices


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	Adoption patterns
	'Old fashioned' image
	Transport devices costly
	Women and children have poor access
	Multiple uses
	Complementarity
	Critical mass
	Markets stimulate transport
	Inadequate investment
	Non-transport solutions

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Understanding the many uses of transport devices

Transport devices often benefit several families through formal or informal hiring systems.

Rural women and men develop many different uses for intermediate means of transport. As transport devices increase, there is more mobility of people and goods, with increasing economic activity and social benefits.

Simple cart acting as an ambulance in Ethiopia

A motorcycle, fitted with donkey panniers, carrying sheep in the Dominican Republic.

When rural people own intermediate means of transport, they develop many different uses for them. Bicycles are used for load carrying as well as personal transport. Farm carts may carry domestic water and fuel wood. Simple, adaptable designs are often best for household use. Flatbed carts are more versatile than water carts. Professional transporters may prefer efficient specialised designs.