Open Collections

Development and disempowerment : appropriate technology in development aid in the high Himalaya

University of British Columbia

Since the second World War, western nations have been involved in various forms of development, as their contribution to the social and economic well being of the world population. In spite of these efforts, inequities and injustices prevail. Throughout this period, question have been raised on the effectiveness of this aid to development. Although strides have been made in global economic growth, development aid appears to have failed in the context of the cultural and spiritual needs of those receiving it. This has lead to the conceptualization of Appropriate Technology. The tenant of Appropriate Technology is that it emphasizes self-reliance and equity over simply growth. This study examines a model of development in terms of the concepts of Appropriate Technology and explores the basic physical and spiritual needs of people, as well as the impact on the environment. This thesis addresses a case study of solar cookers as Appropriate Technology aid in Ladakh, India. The specific objectives are to: (i) examine the theoretical foundations of conventional development and of Appropriate Technology; (ii) describe the Ladakhi society in terms of its spiritual-traditionalism and of the impacts of recent, rapid change; (iii) use a case study involving the promotion of solar-box cookers, to examine the application of AT; (iv) analyze the relationship between components of solar box cooker programs on villager-perceived benefits and impacts of use; and (v) suggest possible improvements in the Appropriate Technology program’s frameworks. The thesis concludes that development must address a central problem within its theory, that of pluralistic world views, in order to meet a mandate of improving the lives of the impoverished. The findings of the case study concluded that there is no one appropriate technology, that societies are in flux and that local people must be involved in the identification and implementation of any growth that occurs. Technological changeper se may result only in fragmentation of the social and cultural aspects unless the people affected are involved. The thesis concludes that development must address a central problem within its theory; that of pluralistic world views, in order to meet a mandate of improving the lives of the impoverished.

Thesis/Dissertation

application/pdf

2009-02-20

For non-commercial purposes only, such as research, private study and education. Additional conditions apply, see Terms of Use https://open.library.ubc.ca/terms_of_use.

http://hdl.handle.net/2429/4898

Resource Management and Environmental Studies

University of British Columbia

UBCV

DSpace