Towards Global Action for Appropriate Technology evaluates the feasibility of establishing and implementing an international mechanism for the promotion of appropriate technology. A strategy of reorienting research and development towards the rural and small-scale urban sectors is proposed, with emphasis on ultimately building national technological capacity in developing countries. This book is comprised of six chapters and begins with an overview of concepts, definitions, and strategies, followed by a discussion on some relatively unfamiliar criteria that should be taken into account in guiding the selection of appropriate technologies, including cost and risk involved. The following chapters focus on the links between the concepts of appropriate technology and the basic needs approach to development; institutional capacity at the national and international levels; and the activities of the United Nations with regard to appropriate technology. The final chapter presents a blueprint for global action for the promotion of appropriate technology, with particular reference to small-scale capital-saving technologies that are accessible to the poor and are essential for the creation of productive employment on a sufficient scale. This monograph will be of interest to social and economic policymakers.

Between 4-7 September 1979, an international workshop on Appropriate Technology (AT) was organized in Delft, Netherlands, by the Center for Appropriate Technology of the Delft University of Technology. Representatives of 24 AT organisations from allover the world held discussions on the role of AT as a factor in development. There were two main objectives of the workshop - to enlarge the understanding of, and knowledge about the processes and conditions essential for the introduction of AT in regional deve lopment programs. This was formally referred to as 'the implementation of the results of AT research'. -secondly, an evaluation of the theories and models which have been applied for the establishment of these regional development programs. This was formally referred to as 'an inventory of AT concepts.' The workshop discussions focussed essentially on three issue areas: technology and development, organisational framework, and education and research. A summary of the conclusions and recommendatjons made by the workshop can be found in Chapter One of this report of the proceedings. All participants were invited, prior to the workshop, to outline their ideas on the subjects listed above, in position papers. Condensed versions of these papers are presented in Chapter Three.

Field Guide to Appropriate Technology is an all-in-one "hands-on guide" for nontechnical and technical people working in less developed communities. It has been developed and designed with a prestigious team of authors, each of whom has worked extensively in developing societies throughout the world. This field guide includes: - Step-by-step instructions and illustrations showing how to build and maintain a vast array of appropriate technology systems and devices - Unique coverage on healthcare, basic business and project management, principles of design, promotion, scheduling, training, microlending, and more - Teachers, doctors, construction workers, forest and agricultural specialists, scientists and healthcare workers, and religious and government representatives will find this book a first source for advice - Step-by-step instructions and illustrations showing how to build and maintain a vast array of appropriate technology systems and devices - Unique coverage on healthcare, basic business and project management, principles of design, promotion, scheduling, training, microlending, and more - Teachers, doctors, construction workers, forest and agricultural specialists, scientists and healthcare workers, and religious and government representatives will find this book a first source for advice

Role of USA. Report on an a.i.d. Proposal for a technical cooperation programme focused on appropriate labour intensive choice of technology in developing countries - includes references.