What is Appropriate Technology?

Appropriate technology is a term used to describe technology which is appropriate for the technological, environmental, economic and cultural climate that it was designed for. In short, it fits its intended people and situation well.

The term is often used to describe technology or inventions used in developing countries. The technology is commonly made of local materials with a simple design allowing for local maintenance though this is not always the case.

Appropriate technology can be used for any number of applications. Much of the time the technology is used for day to day things that many parts of the world take for granted. Things such as cooking, refrigeration and gardening can be very easy with the advantages of power equipment and electricity. These simple things, however, can become huge challenges for other parts of the world.

Often, due to a lack of appropriate technology, tools and methods must be used which make the work very difficult. These methods also often bring with them numerous other challenges. Heavy lifting and coarse tools result in muscular and skeletal problems. Another example is how cooking in many of the traditional ways with indoor fires can lead to numerous lung conditions and infections.

An important element of appropriate technology is that it must be culturally sensitive. The ideas and inventions must fit into the local society and way of life. Rather than adapting people to a technology it strives to adapt the technology to the people.

We are in the process of developing an appropriate technology program which will benefit women, children, staff and community in the areas of health and environmental impact. Please click on a technology below for more information.

High efficiency wood-burning stoves:

Wood is a fuel commonly used around the world for heat, water purification and cooking. These high efficiency stoves cook faster, have less potential for burns, eliminate smoke and its illnesses and have a very positive environmental impact since they use significantly less wood.

Solar ovens:

Using the power of the sun for cooking allows for a completely green source of renewable energy. No wood to burn… no wood to carry… no smoke to breathe. What a tremendous technology.

The Zeer Pot For Food Preservation:

The zeer pot uses clay pots and the principles of evaporative heat loss to make a cooling system for fruits and vegetables. Using this simple and inexpensive technology up to 12 kg of fruits and vegetables can last 5-10 times longer before spoiling leading to less waste and better nutrition.