Appropriate, intermediate and labor-based technology for LDCs

Appropriate technology

Appropriate technology is technology that fits the local economic, social, cultural and environmental conditions. It is low-cost, small-scale, uses local materials and skills, is easy to operate and repair locally, creates employment and is environment friendly (concept popularised by E. F. Schumacher, Small Is Beautiful, 1973).

Examples: micro-hydro, biogas, improved cooking stoves, solar home systems, rainwater harvesting, improved water mills.

Intermediate technology

Intermediate technology is technology that lies between traditional (primitive) technology and modern (advanced, capital-intensive) technology. Schumacher described it as much more productive than the traditional tool but much cheaper than the sophisticated technology of rich countries (his "£1 tool vs £1000 tool" idea: an intermediate tool costs around £100).

For LDCs, intermediate technology is usually also the appropriate technology, but appropriate technology is a broader idea (a modern technology can also be appropriate in a rich country).

Labour-based / labour-intensive technology

• Labour-intensive technology uses a high proportion of human labour and little capital/machinery to produce output.
• Labour-based technology uses labour as the main resource, supported by light equipment only where labour cannot do the job efficiently or to the required quality (e.g. compaction by roller), without compromising quality and cost.

Why it is necessary for LDCs like Nepal

1. Abundant labour, scarce capital: Nepal has many unemployed and under-employed people but little capital and foreign currency. Using labour matches the country's resources.
2. Employment generation: Road, irrigation and trail projects using local labour give cash income to poor rural families and reduce forced foreign migration.
3. Poverty reduction and equity: Money spent on wages stays in the local economy instead of going abroad to buy machines and fuel.
4. Low import dependence: Fewer imported machines, spare parts and fuel save foreign exchange.
5. Suits difficult terrain: In hills and mountains, heavy machines are hard to transport; manual work is practical.
6. Environment friendly: Less cutting, less dumping of spoil, less fuel use; works like "green roads" in Nepal cause fewer landslides.
7. Local ownership and skill: People who build a structure learn skills and feel ownership, so maintenance is better.
8. Low operation and maintenance cost: Local people can maintain the asset without expensive equipment.

Nepal's Local Infrastructure Development Policy, 2061 (2004) promotes the labour-based, environment-friendly and participatory (LEP) approach for rural roads, trails, irrigation and water supply for these reasons.