Bamboo longtail extension - leverage local resources to empower farmers in rural Ghana.
Project Description: Masters Group Project (Group of 3) in cooperation with Ghana Bamboo Bikes Initiative (Client)
Time: 2012/13
Role: Research Lead, Designer
What is it?The Bamboo Long-Tail Extension is a transportation solution designed to enhance the carrying capacity of farmers in rural Ghana.
Collaborating with Ghana Bamboo Bikes Initiatives (GBBI), we aimed to expand their portfolio of bamboo bicycles by creating a design tailored specifically for local farmers. Our research phase involved direct engagement with farmers to understand their unique contexts, needs, and preferences.
The result is a long-tail extension that can be added to existing bicycles, transforming them into configurable, more robust cargo carriers. This design leverages existing infrastructure and addresses the farmers' current dependency on head-carriage transportation and middlemen, providing a more efficient and independent means of transporting goods.
Research Phase- "HEAR"
Initial Design ChallengeHow might we improve human-powered transportation in rural Ghana?
As a team of three, we immersed ourselves in the daily lives of Ghanaian farmers and collaborated closely with our client, Ghana Bamboo Bikes Initiatives (GBBI). We learned about the craftsmanship involved in making bamboo bicycles and the challenges farmers face in their daily routines.
Leading the context-exploration research, I focused on understanding the farmers' needs and wishes. We used images as a primary communication tool to overcome language barriers and ensure a clear understanding of their requirements.
Concept Phase - "CREATE"
Most farms in Northern Ghana are only accessible via small dirt paths, suitable for foot traffic or two-wheeled vehicles. Bicycles are the most efficient means of navigating these paths, as motorcycles are often unaffordable for many farmers.
Our research revealed that while most farmers own bicycles, they do not consider them suitable for carrying heavy loads.
Bicycles are primarily used for light loads, such as empty water jugs. This insight guided our design goal to enhance the load-carrying capacity of bicycles, making them more versatile and practical for farmers' daily needs.
Updated Design FocusBased on our research results, we focused on increasing the load capacity of bicycles.
The team iterated on many design alternatives, include adding a front load cargo fork, long tail extension, and modular packing solutions. Based on weighted scaling to assess the different options we chose the final design.
The final design is a customizable extension kit known as the Bamboo Long-tail Extension.
This extension kit integrates seamlessly with the existing bicycles commonly used in Ghana. Constructed from locally sourced materials like bamboo and sisal, it leverages the expertise and infrastructure of the Ghana Bamboo Bikes Initiative (GBBI). The use of these materials not only ensures sustainability but also supports local craftsmanship and economies. The design enhances the load-carrying capacity of bicycles, making them more versatile and practical for the everyday needs of farmers.
The final design:
Prototyping - "DELIVER"
We constructed the final prototype using materials that would be readily available and practical for local production at GBBI.
Due to time and budget constraints typical of student projects, we were unable to return to Ghana for final testing. The bamboo frame was hand-cut and assembled with sisal fiber and epoxy, staying true to local methods and resources.
The top rack features a modular design, allowing users to easily customize it for various transportation needs. The rack joints are secured with traditional, reliable hand-made knots, ensuring durability and ease of repair.
Our testing included static loads of up to 130 kg and dynamic loads simulating a rider with the weight of two passengers, demonstrating the extension's robust load-bearing capacity and versatility in real-world conditions.
