Solution of the Month
 EWB-I explores each month a type
of sustainable and appropriate solution to problems
faced by communities worldwide. Unique tools
(technologies, software, books, etc.) or cutting edge
programs and initiatives are presented.
Appropriate technology
for developing communities
is usually characterized as being small
scale, energy efficient, environmentally
sound, labor-intensive, and controlled
by the local community. It must be
simple enough to be maintained by the
people using it. Furthermore, it must
match the user and the need in
complexity and scale and must be
designed to foster self-reliance,
cooperation and responsibility. Studies
by the World Bank and the United Nations
have shown, however, that appropriate
technology is critical to bringing more
than 3 billion people out of poverty.
January 2009
The Hippo
Water Roller Project aims to improve global
access to water by making it possible to collect 24
gallons (90 liters) of water- five times the amount
possible using traditional methods - in less time
and much more easily. The Hippo's innovative design
allows water to be placed inside its "wheel,"
transforming 200 pounds (90 kg) of water to an
effective weight of just 22 pounds (10 kg).
February 2009
Read about a
study
to assess the feasibility and investment opportunity
of implementing a bamboo bicycle production facility
in Kumasi, Ghana.
March 2009
Read about the use of fog as an alternative source
of water supply in a series of articles published in
Die Erde (139), January 2008. Check the article
of Molinar and Escobar on
fog collection in rural areas of Colombia.
April 2009
Find out about the advantages and disadvantages of a
range of latrine technologies by looking through the
low cost toilet technology
flipbook available through
WaterAid, UK.
May 2009
Read about
simple land and surveying instruments from M.M.M.
International in Australia.
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