Ox cart in North West Zambia carrying an old man. Ox carts were promoted for maize transport, but soon a variety of transport needs were met.

Changing technologies proved successful
The North-Western Integrated Rural Development Programme in Zambia aimed to introduce ox carts, so farmers could transport maize to depots. Wood was plentiful and the project started with carts with wooden wheels and bearings. From the programme's monitoring activities, it was clear that the carts were not successful. Programme staff worked with farmers to assess alternative designs. They eventually chose steel axles, roller bearings and pneumatic tyres fitted to locally-made wooden cart bodies. Although the axles/wheel combinations accounted for 90% of the cart cost, they proved appropriate. The ox carts were popular and their adoption, assisted by extension and credit, was rapid. When the adoption target of one cart per ten households was reached, promotion and credit were stopped. Monitoring and evaluation then revealed that cart numbers were insufficient to meet the new transport needs and the aspirations of the people. The ox cart programme had been a greater success than planned, and it recommenced with higher targets.