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appropriate/intermediate technology
Appropriate technology is needed to replace the many, often well intentioned schemes which involved importing capital and technology from the more developed countries. Appropriate technology seeks to develop small-scale, sustainable low-tech ideas which are appropriate to the local climate and environment and the wealth, skills and needs of the local population. Such schemes could include the following elements:
> water supply - efficient water is supplied using methods such as drip irrigation instead of dams and complex irrigation schemes. Such schemes can increase crop yields by more than half.
> fertilisers - farmers rely on cheap organic fertilisers such as animal dung instead of chemical fertilisers.
> mechanisation - tools are built and maintained locally instead of importing expensive machinery.
> produce - farmers are encouraged to produce a balance of cash and subsistence crops
> water supply - efficient water is supplied using methods such as drip irrigation instead of dams and complex irrigation schemes. Such schemes can increase crop yields by more than half.
> fertilisers - farmers rely on cheap organic fertilisers such as animal dung instead of chemical fertilisers.
> mechanisation - tools are built and maintained locally instead of importing expensive machinery.
> produce - farmers are encouraged to produce a balance of cash and subsistence crops
The Universal Nut Sheller in use in Uganda, an example of appropriate technology