Chris wrote:
I am interested to know.... provision of "basic"
technologies of development (like wells and electricity).
... I know nothings about what it takes to, say, get some solar panels or a water purifier up and running.
What does it take to get "basic" technologies up and running?
In my experience with CawdNet there are certain essential elements that
need to be combined:
1 - A local need for the "basic" technology.
2 - Outside expertise - about the "basic" technology - that will ensure
technical efficiency. I'll call that kind of knowledge the "GoodIdea"
expertise.
3 - Local expertise - about local culture and conditions - that will
enable successful adaptation and implementation of the GoodIdea. I'll
call people providing that knowledge "community consultants" - they
should be locals.
4 - A communication system that will enable the GoodIdea experts and the
community consultants to "rub minds" effectively (this of course is
where ICTs can have an exciting part to play, and is where CAWD's
network called CawdNet comes in).
5 - Enormous good will, patience and stubborn determination on both
sides to make things *really work properly*. (Its not too difficult to
create a good photo opportunity; or an impressive press release or web
page, if you have the time and resources. It is quite different to work
out long term successful implementations of solutions to real problems.
Long term success can require a huge learning curve. It can be messy, it
is slow and may include false starts and wrong assumptions - at least
that is our experience - if you can help us to do it better come and
join in!)
6 - Technology transfer - skill development, acquisition of equipment,
arrangements for sustainability.
7 - Sufficient funds to make it happen.
8 - Vision and determination to carry it through.
CawdNet associates in Nigeria are currently hammering out the
practicalities of a wide variety of GoodIdeas - from high tech to
domestic practicalities.
If any list members are interested in active involvement in implementing
"basic" technology, or any other kind of GoodIdeas for development - or
in exploring more about the process - please contact [EMAIL PROTECTED] (If
you previously tried to contact me by registering with www.cawd.net
around June/July please get in contact again - a "learning curve glitch"
meant some registrations failed to reach me.)
Come and "rub minds" with us.
Pam
Pamela McLean
CawdNet convenor
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
CAWD is the UK registered Charity for African Welfare and Development
www.cawd.info
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