Basic Utility Vehicle

The inhabitants of small villages in developing countries, specifically focused on Western Africa (Cameroon) for this grant, have a basic need for a design of an agricultural type utility vehicle. The project goal is to design a vehicle that can be manufactured, sold, and serviced locally within the local region. This will lead to sustainable employment opportunities for the region and an improved standard of living enabled by access to affordable transportation. To accomplish this goal the design must utilize components and materials readily accessible to that region. The design needs to be flexible enough to allow for alternative components to be exchanged with minimal impact on the vehicle’s overall design and function. The vehicle needs to be reliable, low cost, versatile and user friendly. This vehicle will provide services and duties such as:

• Cargo transport (water, food, supplies, etc…)
• Human transportation
• Electrical generation
• Water pumping option
• Basic day to day village requirements

Purdue students returned to Banang, Cameroon for the second year in 2010 as part of the on-going partnership with the African Centre for Renewable Energy and Sustainable Technology (ACREST) of Bangang, Cameroon. An interdisciplinary team of 20 students (from Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Agricultural Systems Management, and Mechanical Engineering Technology) worked with ACREST and the Institute for Affordable Transportation (IAT) to continue the development of a simple, low-cost vehicle to serve rural Cameroon. What began as a domestic competition between local schools, sponsored by the Institute for Affordable Transportation (IAT), a not-for-profit organization in Indianapolis, Indiana, became a mission provide solutions for communities in need.

In 2009, ACREST and IAT partnered with the Global Engineering Program (GEP) at Purdue to enhance technologies currently employed by both organizations. BUVs are increasing productivity, agricultural capacity and efficiency, trade, education and health care. Purdue University College of Engineering, College of Agriculture, GEP shared with the costs of student travel and production expenses for the project. IAT and ACREST provided technical assistance and logistical support on minimizing per capita cost to team members and enabling them to travel to Cameroon for construction and delivery of this year’s BUV.

About ACREST

ACREST’s vision is to develop a host of micro-industries in Bangang that will provide the citizens with training, entrepreneurial opportunities and community ownership. Improved electrification will provide irrigation for increased agricultural production that will lead to increased income, higher quality of life, greater educational opportunities, and stronger local clinics.

More on ACREST Web Page