How the ‘tshukudu’ is lifting people out of poverty in DR Congo

As workable on a bumpy path as on a smooth asphalt road, the "tshukudu" is found all over the province of North Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Our Observer there tells us that this novel form of transportation, inexpensive and able to manage all kinds of cargo, has already lifted many young people out of poverty.

The tshukudu is a type of hybrid between a bicycle and a wheelbarrow. Two metres in length, its characteristic feature is its large, high handlebar. Considering its often heavy burdens, drivers usually favor pushing the vehicle rather than riding it like a bike. Many drivers begin their day's work in agricultural regions, transporting crops from the mountains north of Goma into the city's markets.

The first tshukudus were entirely made out of wood in the early 20th century, but have since improved. Today, they now have tyres and back-wheel brakes, and can carry up to a half ton of weight.

All photographs taken by Observers Dieudonné Mango Dieuman and Pascal Mulegwa.

A tshukudu driver transports bags of merchandise in Goma, North Kivu.

Goma, its motorbikes, and its tshukudus.

"Some say it is best to marry your daughter to a tshukudu driver, because you know she won't die of hunger"

The first tshukudus made their appearance in the 1910s in neighbouring Rwanda. Even at this time, these vehicles were a real work tool and a symbol of the struggle against poverty. Directly inspired by the bicycle, tshukudus ended up replacing wheelbarrows, which were much less effective.

Today, a tshukudu costs 50 dollars [37 euros] for a basic model, and up to 100 dollars [74 euros] for a higher-end model. This is a large sum in DR Congo [where civil servants, for example, earn 50 to 80 euros per month] but many don't hesitate to spend the money, knowing that their investment will quickly pay off. On a good day, a tshukudu driver can earn 15 to 20 dollars [11 to 15 euros]. With this money, the driver can afford to hire two or three 'pushers,' who will help him unload heavy cargo. And what's more, the tshukudu is the most economic means of transport available on the market: it obviously doesn't consume any fuel, and apart from an occasional greasing of the wheels and upkeep of the breaks, it needs almost no maintenance.

Here, some say it is best to marry your daughter to a tshukudu driver, because you know she won't die of hunger. This profession is synonymous with social prosperity. After several years of activity, some drivers are able to buy a piece of land and build a house. Others become owners of moto-taxis... but even then, they won’t abandon their tshukudus, because it remains an extremely profitable possession.

A tshukudu driver helped by "pushers" in the region of Goma, in North Kivu

Post written with France 24 journalist Grégoire Remund (@gregoireremund).