Characteristics of appropriate technology

Appropriate technology is technology that fits the local economic, social, cultural and environmental conditions and which people can make, operate and maintain themselves.

Characteristics

• Low cost: affordable to poor households and communities, with low investment per unit.
• Small scale: can be built for a village or a household, not only for big cities.
• Local resources: uses local materials, labour and skills, so money stays in the community.
• Simple and easy to maintain: local technicians can operate and repair it without imported parts.
• Labour-intensive where needed: creates local jobs instead of replacing workers.
• Environment friendly: low pollution and low use of non-renewable resources.
• Culturally acceptable: fits local customs, climate and needs.
• Decentralised and community managed: local people own and control it.

How the characteristics help transform society

• Low cost and small scale let the poor access energy, water and tools, so the benefits of development reach everyone and reduce poverty.
• Local resources and skills keep income inside the community and create rural jobs and entrepreneurs (for example micro-hydro-run mills, biogas-based farming).
• Simple operation builds local skills and self-reliance rather than dependence on foreign experts.
• Community ownership improves participation, women's empowerment and social unity.
• Clean operation improves health (less indoor smoke with biogas and improved stoves) and protects forests and climate.
• Decentralisation reduces migration from villages to cities and balances regional development.

In this way AT leads to inclusive, sustainable social and economic change.