Chukudu

The chukudu (or chikudu, chokoudou, tshukudu)^[1] is a two-wheeled handmade vehicle used in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is made of wood, and is used for transporting cargo.

Young man pushing a chukudu in North Kivu.

Transporting bananas by and riding a chukudu in North Kivu.

Transporting fresh produce at a military checkpoint in Goma.

The chukudu generally has an angular frame, two small wheels (often of wood, sometimes wrapped with rubber), handlebars, and a pad for the operator to place their knee on while propelling the vehicle with their leg.^[2] On a descent, the rider stands on the deck like a kick scooter. On flat ground, the rider can put one knee on the deck and push the ground by the other foot like a knee scooter.

Rubber mud flaps and shock absorber springs may be added.^[3][4]

History

Chukudus first appeared in the 1970s in North Kivu, during the difficult economic times under Mobutu Sese Seko.^[3][5][6]

In 2008, chukudus were selling for US$100 with a cost of materials of nearly US$60.^[7] Similarly, in 2014 they cost $50 to $100 and were used to earn up to $10 per day, in an area where most people live on less than $2 per day.^[1] A 2014 article estimated a cost of about US$150, which a driver could pay off in about six months, earning $10–20 per day.^[8]

Construction

In Goma, where chukudus form the "backbone of the local transportation system", chukudus are made of hard mumba wood and eucalyptus wood, with scrap tires for wheel treads.^[9][10] These chukudus take one to three days to build, and last two to three years. The most commonly used size is about six and a half feet long, and carries a load of 1,000 pounds (450 kg). However, "the largest chukudus can carry up to 800 kilograms (1,800 lb)."^[9] Some chukudus are equipped with suspension to the front wheel, either in the form of a metal spring or of tensioned rubber bands.

A small chukudu can be built in about three hours, using dimensional lumber and materials available in a hardware store.^[11]

The chukudu is customizable to carry different types of cargo. To haul firewood some chukudus have a hole drilled in the middle of the sitting deck, and the operator can insert a stick to hold firewood in place. Others have a large basket to carry various loads.^[12]

See also

• Cart
• Cargo bike
• Hand truck
• Wooden bicycle