Bikes Supporting Farmers in Ghana

In February 2026, Village Bicycle Project (VBP), with support from Re-Cycle, distributed 100 bicycles across two rural communities in Ghana’s Upper West Region.

The aim was to help address long-standing transport challenges and improve everyday access to essential services.

The project focused on the Passe–Kong and Dapuaha–Loggupore zones, located around 10km from the municipal town of Wa. Each community has an average population of around 400 people, with livelihoods centred on subsistence farming — including maize, millet, groundnuts, yam, cassava and cowpea — alongside livestock rearing.

Before this intervention, residents faced significant mobility challenges. Farm plots are often far from homes, accessible only via narrow footpaths, and farmers regularly walked up to 10 km to reach market to sell produce or buy supplies. For farmers and artisans, even basic daily tasks were exhausting and time-consuming.

Project Impact
A total of 100 beneficiaries were selected across key groups, including students, teachers, nurses, farmers, artisans and market women. There was a strong focus on gender equity, with 56% of recipients being female.

The programme combined bicycle access with practical training to create lasting impact. A full-day workshop equipped all 100 participants with cycling skills and road safety knowledge. Women and girls were offered ‘Learn-to-Ride’ training, building confidence and independence, while all participants received basic maintenance training to extend the lifespan of their bikes.

Additionally, two local mechanics were trained to establish a repair network within the community.

Roserlia – Farmer, Zania, Upper West Region

Roserlia is a dedicated farmer in Zania who walked nearly three hours each day to reach her farm and transport produce to the market. The demanding journey drained her energy before the work day was halfway through.

A mountain bike from Village Bicycle Project transformed her daily routine. Roserlia now travels to her farm with less effort, conserves energy for harvesting, and moves between the farm and market more efficiently.

“The bicycle has made my work easier and reduced my stress,” she says. The time and energy saved have allowed her to increase her productivity and income.

This project shows that providing bicycles is only part of the solution—by combining distribution with practical training in riding, road safety, and maintenance, VBP ensures people can use them confidently and keep them in good condition for years to come.