Opportunities for cost savings without reduction of performance standards

Abstract

One of the major tasks facing development countries is to create and nurture their capacity to invent and innovate technologies and forms of organization to make them better suited to local conditions. This is especially applicable to the late starters, which, in the push for development, can and should benefit from past mistakes and proven technologies of the developed countries. This does not mean copying but rather adapting for local use. The technologies which meet these requirements are variously described as appropriate, low cost, etc

Much has been written and said since Schumacher first expounded the small is beautiful concept. With a few exceptions relatively little has been done beyond the theoretical and prototype stage, and consequently, few decision makers are convinced.

This paper attempts to illustrate, through actual examples, what appropriate technology is, and how it can be disseminated and implemented practically, as well as giving some indication of the cost savings and benefits that can be achieved.

Notes

Transkel Appropriate Technology Unit