[rts] More success stories, tricycles , motor bikes,- credit

[Joaquín Caraballo]

Other success stories:

1. Lorica, Colombia,
Personal service on motor bykes for some 5 kms between the paved road and the town of Los Monos. Bykes are independent, owned by locals, not regulated by government. NO special credit, beyond any relationship between the byke owner and the bank. They seldom use credit, since it is very cumbersome and costly. NO special credit lines.

2. Santa Marta Colombia.

IMTs motorized and non motorized for tourism, owned by individuals. NO credit lines. Just mere entrepeneurship

3. Diriamba, Nicaragua

Tricycles for up to 3 people and some 200 kgs of cargo, for personal needs and for taxis. There is a credit line at some banks with really high interest rates. MOst people pay out the loan before the expected date. Numebr of Triclycles increasing... We, LAVIAL, have 4 to show other people in the country. While some people are intersted in other rural areas, generally the ethnic/cultural differences make a significant factor for going into this business.


4. Santa María of Darien, Panamá. A bus donated by a local congressperson, is operated by a committee.

5. There are many examples of local initiatives. I have found that the difference between the palces where these initiatives takes place, is more related to the culture /ethnics of local people. I know this is a touchy subject, but in some cases people ould rather walk before trying to do something about changing it.

Of course, any inititives or "crops" may prosper and some other may not proper depending on the "soil" where the seeds are planted.

The best example is CUBA, where most people make below US$150 a month, and they get around fine....

============================================================
From: "Paul Starkey" <paulstarkey at animaltraction.com>
Date: Fri, 27 Oct 2000 13:09:52 +0100
To: <>
Subject: [rts] Success -  tricycles - credit

Three quick points arising from Dieter's and Ranjith's postings

Success stories.
I still find the example of ox carts in Northwest Zambia very good.
The programme:
 * evaluated the technology with end users (rejecting some)
 * ensuring a supply of the technology
 * provided credit
 * ensured an available income through marketing centres.

They reached critical mass and the technology spread
beyond expectations and projections contributing to
increased production and economic activitiy.
This is summarised in the 'Local transport solutions' paper
(box 10 page 27) together with all the references.

Tricycles in Tanzania
Yes, very interesting. Tell us more, please.
Tricycles have recently been expanding in several countries
including Peru, Bolivia and Cuba.

Credit Schemes
Ranjith, you said the cycle trailer credit schemes were
working well but could not expand for lack of additional capital.
Are they still working well?
If they are, why has not IT Sri Lanka or other organisation
been able to obtain funding from a donor or a
local development bank to expand a programme
if it has a successful track record over time?

Best wishes to all, Paul Starkey



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