ID NUMBER: 10864919
QUESTION 1.
With relevant examples, explain the concept of Appropriate Technology.
THE CONCEPT OF APPROPRIATE TECHNOLOGY.
The use of technology and engineering that have less detrimental effects on the environment and
society is referred to as using "appropriate technology" in industrialised countries; that is,
technology should be both environmentally sustainable and socially appropriate. Only in a society
where many people lack access to basic necessities, money, and technological know-how are certain
characteristics of technology considered to be "suitable". Building and construction, agriculture,
water and sanitation, energy generation and consumption, transportation, health care, food
preparation and storage, information and communication technologies, and finance are just a few of
the industries where appropriate technologies are used extensively.In a variety of fields, it has been
applied to solve problems. The simplest kind of technology that can achieve its intended goal is said
to be appropriate technology. However, the term can also refer to technology that sufficiently takes
into account social and environmental implications. Self-contained solar lamps and streetlights,
universal nut shellers, bicycle and manual water pumps (and other self-contained devices), passive
solar building structures, etc. are a few well-known examples of appropriate technology
applications. Appropriate technology is a movement (and its manifestations) encompassing
technological choice and application that is small-scale, affordable by locals, decentralised,
labor-intensive, energy-efficient, and environmentally responsible. Initially described as
intermediate technology.The people-centric nature of modern technology is frequently emphasised
by its supporters. Organizing, should be inexpensive by not using capital-intensive to reduce cost
per workplace, non-violent, meaning that the technology would be completely under human control,
that it would not have unintended side effects and that it would not cause social or environmental
disruption, small in scale to fit into small market situations, simple, to avoid complicated
manufacturing skills,With the right technology, production has increased, owners have made more
money, they have saved time and energy, it is easier to run, maintain, and repair equipment, and it is
less expensive. Health concerns, a lack of maintenance culture, a shortage of experienced workers
for some appropriate technology, etc. are some drawbacks of appropriate technology. Oil and gas
production, agriculture, water management, and energy production are the key industries that utilise
relevant technologies.
Biogas as an appropriate technology in the energy. Biogas, natural gas produced
by the decomposition of organic matter by anaerobic bacteria and used to generate energy. Biogas
differs from natural gas in that it is a renewable energy source that is biologically produced by
anaerobic digestion rather than a fossil fuel produced by geological processes. Biogas is mainly
composed of methane gas, carbon dioxide, traces of nitrogen, hydrogen and carbon monoxide. It
occurs naturally as manure heaps and marsh gases, and as a result of intestinal fermentation in cattle
and other ruminants. Biogas can also be produced from plant and animal waste in anaerobic
digesters or collected from landfills. It is combusted to produce heat or used in internal combustion
engines to generate electricity. The use of biogas is a green technology with environmental benefits.
Biogas technology enables the effective use of accumulated animal waste from food production and
of municipal solid waste from urbanization, reduces cost, and can potentially make this a much
cheaper option as compared to other appropriate technology in the energy sector such as solar panel,
wind, micro-hydro and other options. Some advantages of the use of Biogas generation is: the
reduction of water and soil pollution, it’s a low-cost technology, helps in the production of organic
fertilizer etc. An unfortunate drawback of biogas today is the inefficiency of the systems used to
produce biogas. There is no new technology yet to simplify the process and make it accessible and
cheap. This means that large-scale production to supply a large population is not yet possible.
Biogas plants currently in operation can meet some of their energy needs, but many governments are
hesitant to invest in this sector. After upgrading and compression, the biogas still contains
impurities. Using the produced biofuel to power a vehicle can corrode the metal parts of the engine.
This corrosion leads to increased maintenance costs. Gas mixtures are suitable for cooking stoves,
kettles and lamps.
Agriculture is a sector that can be viewed with the concept of appropriate technology.
Agriculture technology is the use of technology in agriculture, horticulture and aquaculture to
improve yield, efficiency and profitability. ”one of the more promisimg options for Africa’s
transformation lies in transforming agriculture because it is still the dominant employer in Africa
and faces a rapidly growing market at both country and continental levels”. Agricultural
technologies can be agriculturally derived products, services, or applications that enhance various
input/output processes. The way modern farms and agricultural enterprises operate differs greatly
from how they did a few decades ago, largely due to technological developments in the form of
sensors, machinery, devices, and information technology. In Ghana, the agriculture industry is
well-established and offers both formal and informal employment. In various climatic regions in
Ghana, the nation grows a wide variety of crops. Grains, yams, cocoa, lumber, oil palms, and kola
nuts are among the plants that flourish in Ghana. These form the basis of agriculture in Ghana. The
government has implemented a number of initiatives to help the industry grow as a result of
Ghanaians' growing awareness of the sector's significance. The agricultural industry of Ghana
heavily depends on the raising of livestock. The industry provides financial support and aids in
supplying the country with food. Livestock farming for commercial purposes is becoming more
common. As long as the herd is properly fed, housed, and immunized, raising animals in Ghana can
be financially rewarding. A straightforward hand-operated device called the universal nut Sheller
(UNS; formerly known as the Malian peanut Sheller) can shell up to 57 kilograms of raw, sun-dried
peanuts every hour. Without requiring any adjustments, it takes a variety of nut sizes. The required
modifications are quick and simple for operators. The demands of a town of 2,000 people can be
met by one Universal Nut Sheller, according to estimates. The machine has a 25-year expected
lifespan. It consists of concrete poured into two simple fiberglass molds, some metal parts, a wrench
and stone or wood that can be used as a hammer.
In conclusion, appropriate technology is basically technology that is suitable, practicable
and result oriented attempting to ensure that technologies are fitted in the context of use.
REFERENCE LIST.

Diao, X., P. Hazell, S. Kolavalli, and D. Resnick (2019). Ghana’s Economic and
Agricultural Transformation. Past Performance and Future Prospects. IFPRI. Oxford;
University of Oxford Press.

Schumacher, E.F. (1975). Small is beautiful: Economics as if people mattered. New York.
Perenial Library \ Harper & Row, (August 1975).
QUESTION: 3
With examples, discuss how water projects can be appropriately implemented for rural
African communities.
1 billion people do not have access to safe
drinking water and nearly 2 billion do not have access to safe drinking water Hygiene.
According to WHO, more than 5 million people die each year from water-related diseases. It
is estimated that improved water management can certainly contribute to the health
(Millennium Development Goals) MDGs. Additional 40% of the world's food supply comes
from irrigated agriculture, and this proportion increases with population. It grows and the
arable land decreases. Agriculture is the largest consumer of fresh water on the planet, it is
also the largest economic activity of the rural poor. 75% of the world's poor live in rural
areas. Water management in agriculture can be improved if at least part of the income is
dependent on agriculture which improves the lives of most of the poor. Access to water is a
matter of daily survival and also central to the development of every nation. The recent
literature on world water suggests that the water crisis being experienced is related to the
governance and not a real crisis of scarcity and stress. Drinking water supply, irrigation,
livestock watering, and industrial supply are the main consumptive uses of water in the
country. In water governance, the development of policies to tackle water problems and the
subsequent implementation of the water policies are both crucial and indicative of
governance practices. The following are some of the water projects that can be appropriately
implemented for rural Africa communities.
The establishment of rain catchment tanks by some members of the rural
communities in African is one of the ways by which water projects can be appropriately
implemented. Rainwater tanks are devices for collecting and maintaining harvested rain.
Rainwater tanks are installed to collect rainwater for later use, reduce tap water usage for
economic and environmental reasons and self-usage. In some rural African communities,
stored water may be used for watering gardens, agriculture, in washing machines, washing
cars, and also for drinking, especially when other water supplies are unavailable, expensive,
or of poor quality, and when adequate care is taken that the water is not contaminated and is
adequately filtered. While most are properly engineered to screen out mosquitoes, the lack of
proper filtering or closed loop systems may create breeding grounds for larvae. With tanks
used for drinking water, the user runs a health risk if maintenance is not carried out. The
rainwater might get contaminated sometimes that’s why it’s very necessary to cleanse it
before usage especially for drinking purposes and cooking. Maintenance of the rain
catchment tanks includes checking roofs and rain gutters for vegetation and remains,
maintaining screens around the tank, and occasionally removing sediment by draining and
cleaning the tank of algae and other contaminants. Rainwater tanks which are not properly
sealed (secured at the top) may act as breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Rainwater tanks can
be made of rust- and chemical-resistant materials such fiberglass, stainless steel, concrete,
polyethylene, galvanized steel, and plastic (polyethylene). Normally constructed above
ground, full tanks are typically opaque to shield stored water from sunshine. To keep insects,
trash, animals, and bird droppings out, tanks can be covered and include screen inlets. To
extend the life of the tank, stop leaks, and safeguard the water quality, nearly all steel tanks
currently built for domestic rainwater collection have a plastic inner liner. Nowadays,
improved and more affordable industrial design makes it possible to store an infinite amount
of water underground.
The establishment of Ferro-cement water tanks by some members of the rural
communities in African is one of the ways by which water projects can be appropriately
implemented. Ferro-cement water tanks are frequently used around the world to hold water
for domestic, livestock, irrigation, and industrial uses. Ferro-cement, commonly known as
ferro-concrete, is created by applying a cement-rich mortar to both sides of a thin layer of
wire mesh and thin steel rods that are positioned closely together. Some advantages include:
Ferrocement component have high strength as the cement content is very high, low cost of
construction, no skilled labour is required, raw materials are readily available etc.
Last but not least, the development and rehabilitation of well by some of the rural
communities in African is one of the ways by which water projects can be appropriately
implemented. After the well is finished and before the final disinfection, well development of
drilled wells is a standard step in the well drilling process. . Maximizing the well's output and the
gravel's ability to filter out contaminants are both essential. The need for well rehabilitation of
dug or drilled wells arises when operational wells are unable to supply sufficient water in terms
of quality or quantity because the well gets contaminated or obstructed as a result of natural
processes or events (e.g. floods, seawater intrusion, etc.). It entails the well being cleaned and
disinfected and, occasionally, well development techniques are used. Some of the advantages
includes: improved well performance in terms of water yield and safety, simple solutions can
often be very powerful (particularly chlorination), basic techniques are quite affordable and
relatively simple to use for both healthy development and rehabilitation, rehabilitation is
frequently more cost-effective than building new wells, even for severely damaged wells etc.
some disadvantages includes: Skilled employees and high-tech equipment may be necessary
depending on the type and condition of the well, risk of harming well installations if not handled
professionally (e.g. acids and chlorine can cause mechanical damages) (e.g. acids and chlorine
can cause mechanical damages) etc.
In conclusion, the establishment of rain catchment tanks, establishing of
ferro-cement tanks and the development and rehabilitation of wells are some of the water
projects which can be appropriately implemented for rural African communities.
REFERENCE LIST

Camili,L (2000), Rainwater Harvesting: constructing a cistern and gutter system using
village technologies and materials.

Jacomina,P. (2005), African Water Laws: Plural Legislative Framework for Rural Water
Management in Africa, Johannesburg, South Africa.