Photo from KoruCarts Facebook Page
Some 40 million people (mostly women and children) frequently carry heavy loads, often to the detriment of their health, security, education and development (UNDP). 37% of Africa's population is at least 30 minutes away from a water source (WEDO).
Many organisations are drilling for water, and providing pumps closer to communities, though this can produce mechanical and social problems of its own. The water must still be contained and carried, often more frequently than before.
What can we do to reduce the load-carrying drudgery that is impeding progress for so many?
Supermarkets provide us with shopping carts so we can easily gather and carry our goods. Would it not be reasonable and appropriate, if the load-carriers were provided with their own form of shopping cart, a durable handcart?
Unfortunately, such handcarts are rarely available in areas where they are most needed, and wheelbarrows make a poor substitute.
Non-profit KoruCarts were created to -
- Design and test a range of suitable and acceptable handcarts.
- Provide handcart-related advise and technical services.
- Promote the concept of handcart distribution for developmental purposes.
- Establish partnerships with governments and humanitarian organisations.
We now offer a range of handcart designs that you can import or have made locally.
This is the steel KoruCart Alpha model, which can be made in four capacities and wheel sizes -
Other styles and materials are available, including sheet-metal and wickerwork.
Please consider how EarthAction and KoruCarts could defeat drudgery, using handcarts.
You can contact KoruCarts at korucarts@gmail.
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