PROPOSAL FOR A REPRESENTATIVE SERIES OF APPROPRIATE TECHNOLOGY STUDIES AND ANALYSES

Light-capital technologies are defined as those which are economic of capital and are labor-intensive in nature. In order to permit valid generalizations, DRI will gather a sufficient number of case histories of successful light-capital technologies. These case histories will be obtained by field visits to LDC institutions, such as the National Research Center in Cairo, Egypt, which have broad experience in developing and applying appropriate technologies. These research institutions will also lend indirect assistance to the project through their familiarity with local languages and customs. USAID"s in survey countries will be potential sites for field visits. A uniform questionnaire will be devised to collect information on descriptions of successful light-capital technologies, as well as on important circumstances, such as the initial problem, the research approach devised, the indirect economic and social effects of the technology developed, and the means used to gain user acceptance of this technology. To this end, indepth interviews will be conducted with users and others associated with the technology. With adequate advance preparation, it is expected that seven days will be spent at each field site. One useful, in-depth case history is expected per country visited, although two or even three case histories may result. Subsequent analyses of field study results will be performed by an analyst with cogent experience, who will work closely with the surveyors to ensure that the data are used uniformly and accurately. A final report on research results will be prepared and presented to A.I.D. for use in connection with the UN Conference on Science and Technology for Development.