Design of Micro-Projects and Macro-Policies: Examples from Three of ATI's (Appropriate Technology International) Projects in Africa

摘要

The paper presents three case studies of the connection between macro-policies and micro-projects. The first example, palm oil extraction in Cameroon, shows how trade restrictions and a domestic price floor have supported this sector while inefficiencies in large-scale production by parastatals have left open opportunities for artisanal production. The second example, improved charcoal stoves in Kenya, illustrates how public sector R&D and a benevolent government attitude toward the informal sector can lead to rapid production and marketing of a simple new technology. The third example, ferrocement fishing boats in Malawi, was unsuccessful because of the low levels of investment and entrepreneurial capacity in the sector and the negative effects of controlled price ceilings on fish.