The Norwegian tractor "Getting There" will shortly assist rural people in developing countries with access to markets and small-scale agricultural production. The World Bank has awarded the Norwegian developers USD 150 000 to test the vehicle as a tool for long-term development.
17/07/2006 :: In a few months, five vehicles will be tested in Senegal through the World Bank's PROGEDE-project, which comprises approximately 90 villages with no road infrastructure. The tractor "GT" will use locally produced fuel-cold-pressed plant oil, reports the paper Bistandsaktuelt.
The World Bank's Development Marketplace is a competitive grant program that funds innovative, small-scale development projects that deliver results and show potential for expansion and replication. This year's grant program received 2500 entries, and "Getting There" was one of 30 that received funding.
"The GT project is an example of how one can link emergency aid and long-term development," said engineer and developer Svein Olaf Lie from the company Green Trac to the paper.
To make GT, the developers went 50-60 years back in time in Norway to find inspiration. Lie emphasised that the keyword is simplicity as the vehicle needs to be sturdy and low-maintenance. He envisions the tractor being used in rural areas as a transportation vehicle for both people and products. The people can be transported back and forth to the markets, and the tractor can also be used in the fields, for electricity, corn grinding and for pumping water.
GT is also suitable for rough terrains. Whereas a regular tractor would tilt over at 32 degrees, the GT can handle a 45 degree gradient. However, it will not suffice for future race car drivers—30 kilometres an hour is the maximum speed, but as Lie points out, the most important thing is that it gets around to where it needs to be.
Bistandsaktuelt/ Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs