I+-+Sustainable+development

In most LEDCs, not only are high-tech industries too expensive to develop, they are usually inappropriate to the needs of local people and to the environment in which they live. An appropriate technology is exactly what it says - a technology appropriate or suitable to the place in which it is used. An appropriate technology can contribute to a more sustainble way of life for people who are rich or poor, living in places which may be developed and industrialised and its inhabitants are well-of, then the appropriate technology is likely to be high-tech. If the place is underdeveloped and its inhabitants are porr, then alternative forms of technology should be adopted. These alternative form s may include:
 * labour-intensive projects -- with so many people likely to be unemployed or underemlpoyed, it is of little value replacing existing workers by machines
 * encouraging technology that is sustainable and fully utilises the existing skills and techniques of local people
 * using tools designed to take advantage of local knowledge and resources
 * developing local crafts and industries by using local natural resources and, where possible, recycling materials
 * low-cost schemes using technologies that people can afford and manage
 * developing projects that are in harmony with environment