|
|
What
is Appropriate Technology?
Appropriate technology is being mindful of what we're doing and aware
of the consequences. Appropriate technology works from the bottom up; it
is not an overlay to the situation; it is a genuine grassroots solution
to economic needs. In the Industrial World small businesses account for
more technological advances in their areas of expertise than government
supported researchers or research departments in massive corporations. Third
World craftspeople, farmers and other villagers invent, create, and contribute
to the technological process of their area much more than outside "experts"
do.
The idea of appropriate technology is that local people, struggling on
a daily basis with their needs, understand those needs better than anyone
and can therefore suggest or in fact, invent the technological innovations
necessary to meet those needs. Not only that, local people can prioritize
solutions to save precious funding and labor. Planners and those who want
to help others grapple with food and energy problems are wise to include
local people in the early stages of project vision. The result is consistency
in the carry-through of the work by locals and continued maintenance and
interest in the well-being of the project over the long haul.
While grassroots activity is vital in developing appropriate technology,
a larger view is definitely called for in understanding how organizations
can combine funds and human resources to develop and market technologies.
Communication among international aid agencies can greatly enhance efficient
use of funds for appropriate technology and a reduction of the "reinventing
the wheel" syndrome.
The definition of "Appropriate Technology" changes with each situation.
It's not appropriate to install solar modules in a place with very little
sun, a wind generator in a place with little or no wind. What's appropriate
in a large urban location is very different from what's appropriate in
a remote, isolated environment. One quality that remains the same, however,
is taking care of things. In each situation, the essence of AT remains
appreciating, helping, caring. Planned obsolescence, throwaway products,
poor quality all go against intelligent decision-making and the true spirit
of appropriate technology.
The Sustainable Village offers our catalogs, newsletters, consulting,
mail service, and products in an effort to enhance networking activity
vital to the appropriate technology movement. We can help connect people
interested in networking on appropriate technology by publishing questions
you may have on your project. If you're interested in communicating directly
with someone in a similar situation who may have solved the problem or
has suggestions, we may be able to help. We're working on a list of frequently
asked AT questions ô please send yours!
Steve Troy
|
