The Department of Indigenous Art and Technology at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has unveiled an innovative, modified wheelbarrow designed to support mobile vendors, artisans, and small-scale entrepreneurs.
The project is a creative blend of indigenous craftsmanship and functional design, addressing the practical needs of local traders.
The redesigned wheelbarrow features an elevated platform specifically engineered for showcasing goods, as well as a built-in compartment for secure storage of items and tools.
Unlike the traditional single-purpose wheelbarrow, this upgraded version enhances visibility for displayed products and supports better organization and mobility.
“Our goal was to rethink a common everyday tool in a way that serves more than one purpose,” said Dr. Kafui Kwesi Agyeman, Senior Lecturer and lead designer of the project. “By infusing indigenous design principles and sustainable materials, we’ve created something that not only aids economic activity but also reflects the ingenuity of local craftsmanship.”
Constructed using a combination of lightweight metal and locally sourced wood, the equipment is built for durability, ease of movement, and aesthetic appeal.
The team’s design emphasizes balance and ergonomic comfort, allowing users to manoeuvre it with minimal strain even when fully loaded.
The innovation has drawn praise from faculty and students, as well as from street vendors who were invited to test the prototype. Many cited the convenience of having both a display platform and a lockable storage space as a game-changer for their daily operations.
The project is part of the department’s ongoing efforts to integrate indigenous knowledge systems into modern solutions that promote social impact, sustainability, and local enterprise development.
Dr. Agyeman and his team plan to refine the prototype further based on user feedback and are exploring partnerships with local manufacturers to produce the design at scale.
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