World Bicycle Relief Empowers Zambian Dairy Farmers Through Bicycle Mobility

CHICAGO - March 15, 2016 - PRLog -- A research study by World Bicycle Relief (WBR), a nonprofit organization that mobilizes people through "The Power of Bicycles," found that dairy farmers in Zambia who purchased Buffalo Bicycles were able to increase their incomes by 23 percent as a result of higher volumes of milk deliveries, compared to farmers without the bicycles.

Between 2011 and 2014, farmers bought 281 bicycles through an employee purchase program at the Palabana Dairy Cooperative in Palabana, a rural community of 7,500 people located 32 kilometers east of Lusaka, Zambia's capital. The loan payments were subtracted over a three-month period out of the farmers' earnings from milk deliveries to the cooperative. Farmers were thus able to buy a high-quality bicycle without an upfront payment. To date, 100% of the farmers have paid in full. On average, members own two Buffalo bicycles.

The research study reports that dairy farmers with Buffalo Bicycles:

* Made up to 25 percent more milk deliveries per month than farmers without the bicycles

*Delivered 23 percent more milk compared to farmers without the bicycles

* Increased their incomes by 23 percent per month, 195 USD (180 Euros or 130 British pounds) on average, compared to farmers without the bicycles

* Reduced their travel time to the cooperative by 45 percent

* 95 percent used their bikes to better their lives, accessing education and healthcare, as well as connecting with social networks such as friends, community centers and church

Produced by WBR's wholly owned subsidiary, Buffalo Bicycles Ltd., the bicycles are built to withstand the rigors of rural terrain and heavy loads. Unlike most bikes in developing countries, the Buffalo Bicycle's design is based on field observations of how people use this mode of transportation, and the need for bicycles that are strong, durable, reliable, easy-to-repair, and affordable. The rear rack of this rugged bike can carry more than 200 pounds.

"With a Buffalo Bicycle, individuals are able to access economic opportunity, raise the family's standard of living, and contribute to his or her community," said F.K. Day, Founder and President of World Bicycle Relief.

The results are based on quantitative data, as well as qualitative data from semi-structured interviews with 43 cooperative members, in-depth interviews with 2 managers, and a focus group discussion with 10 dairy farmers, between April and June 2015.

The Palabana Dairy Cooperative, which started with 10 members in 2000, currently has 84 active members, the majority of whom are smallholder farmers. Of these, 74 percent own fewer than 20 cows and 70 percent sell 30,000 liters or less milk per year to the cooperative.

To reach the milk collection facility, the dairy farmers travel distances of between 2 and 17 kilometers on unpaved roads. More than 40 percent live 6 kilometers or more from the facility. Before owning a Buffalo Bicycle, farmers were often late in making deliveries and the milk quality suffered as a result.

A manager at the cooperative said the bicycle has had a positive impact on famers and their families. "There has been an increase in the volume of milk delivered every day, and it is good quality milk because it is delivered on time," he said. "This has increased the income levels of the farmers."

During his interview, one farmer said, "Before we had the bicycle, we used to deliver 60 liters of milk every day by three workers on foot, but now, only one worker is able to deliver 80 liters of milk every day using the bicycle."

The Buffalo Bicycle and PDC employee purchase program has helped attract up to 60 new members to the cooperative. The average monthly milk supply has tripled since 2009, which means more income for the cooperative and its members. To accommodate this growth, the cooperative is building a new cold store with a 15,000-liter capacity-three times the current size.

Buffalo Bicycles were first distributed in the Palabana area through philanthropic programs, including the RAPIDS healthcare program in 2007 and WBR's Bicycles for Educational Empowerment Program (BEEP) in 2009. In keeping with WBR's innovative blended model, social enterprise sales followed, beginning with a microloan program through Vision Fund Chongwe and the employee purchase program (EPP) with the Palabana Dairy Cooperative in 2011.

After seeing the impact of a bicycle on their neighbors' lives, more people in this rural community are purchasing Buffalo Bicycles. "For many people, a simple bike can change everything," says Day. "Palabana is truly a community on the move."

To access the Palabana Dairy Cooperative Research Study Full Report and Executive Summary, please visit: http://lp.worldbicyclerelief.org/palabana-study-2016

About World Bicycle Relief

Founded in 2005, World Bicycle Relief mobilizes people through The Power of Bicycles®. World Bicycle Relief accomplishes its mission by designing and distributing high quality bicycles that withstand the challenging terrain and conditions in rural, developing areas. Entrepreneurs use the bike to increase productivity and profits. Students attend class more regularly and their academic performances improve. And, health care workers visit more patients in less time, providing better, more consistent care. World Bicycle Relief also promotes local economies and long-term sustainability by assembling bicycles locally and training field mechanics.  To date, World Bicycle Relief has delivered over 285,000 bicycles and trained over 1,000 field mechanics in Africa, Southeast Asia and South America.

For more information, please visit: www.worldbicyclerelief.org/Follow us @PowerOfBicycles and Like us at facebook.com/worldbicyclerelief

World Bicycle Relief Media Contact:

Brooke Slezak

brooke@brookeslezak.com

press@worldbicyclerelief.org

  Mobile: 917.689.6024