Appropriate Technology

 

Storm water collection system in Port-au-Prince, Haiti - FAILED  (1999)

 

Technical, social and economic factors are crucial in the planning of successful sustainable projects. Also, water projects must be suitable for users with easy and comfortable access.  Drinking water sources should be of acceptable quantity and quality. Below are discussions and papers that address appropriate technology application in rural communities.

 

 

*          Web Links

 

ü      Center for Appropriate Technology – England:  Keep it simple site

ü      Ceramic Water Filters:  Project uses local materials (clay pots) for a water purification system – practical and inexpensive.

ü      Eco-solutions: household water supply systems in India

ü      Global Village Engineers (GVE): A volunteer corps of professional engineers advising communities in developing nations impacted by public infrastructure projects.

ü      Global Village The Institute for Appropriate Technology:  The philosophy of the Institute is that emerging technologies that link the world together are not ethically neutral, but often have long-term implications for viability of natural systems, human rights and our common future.

ü      Intermediate Technology Development Group:  ITDG's mission is: "To build the technical skills of poor people in developing countries, enabling them to improve the quality of their lives and that of future generations."

ü      International Water Management Institute:  Water resources, climate maps, river basin management, irrigation, groundwater,

ü      Mvula Trust:  sustainable water projects in Africa

ü      North American Membrane Technology: Information library for membrane technology

ü      SANDEC (Water and Sanitation in Developing Countries):  Website includes many innovative projects including roughing filters and solar water disinfections. 

ü      Solstice:  An Internet information service of the Renewable Energy Policy Project and the Center for Renewable Energy and Sustainable Technology (REPP-CREST), and provides sustainable energy and development information.

ü      The National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT):  Sustainable technologies and community-based approaches that protect natural resources and assist people, especially the economically disadvantaged, in becoming more self-reliant.

ü      The Water Page: sustainable water resources in Africa 

ü      watermark (WEDC):  A website dedicated to the development of water supply surveillance and monitoring in low-income and transitional countries

 

*          Books

  1. Cairncross S, Feachem RG.  Environmental Health Engineering in the Tropics:  An Introductory Text, 2nd edition.  John & Wiley Sons, Chichester:  1983.  (50)
  2. Gunston, Henry.  Field Hydrology in Tropical Countries:  A practical introduction.  Intermediate Technologies.  London:  1998. (9-12)
  3. Jordon, TD Jnr.   A Handbook on Gravity Flow Systems.  Intermediate Technologies.  London: 2000.
  4. Utton AE, Teclaff L (eds).  Water in a Developing World:  The Management of a Critical Resource.  Westview Press, Colorado:  1978.
  5. Watt, SB.  Ferrocement Water Tanks and their construction.  Intermediate Technologies.  London:  1978.

 

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