Technology Transfer for Development: Insights from the Introduction of Low Cost Water Well Drilling Technology to Uganda

摘要

Third World development theory and practice are changing so rapidly that it isimportant to critically examine the fashions of today before they become history. Thisthesis considers the development, transfer, early adoption and sustainable use oftechnology, coupled with private sector participation in rural water supply provision.Improving water supplies for rural communities is one of the key challengesfaced by development interventionists today. Lack of low cost, off the shelf technologyfor local enterprise which can provide affordable shallow wells for rural communities isone barrier to facilitating improvements.This thesis is based on research undertaken in Uganda to develop and transferlow cost water drilling technology in the context of decentralisation and privatisationpolicies. An extensive range of literature has been drawn together into 16 principleswhich guide technology transfer and development intervention. These principles are reexaminedin the light of analysis of first hand experiences of undertaking a technologytransfer project and interviews with stakeholders regarding their attitudes andperceptions.The research found that technology transfer is a cross-disciplinary and crosscultural process in which the linkages between the technology, context, individuals,organisations and beneficiaries need to be firmly established. Ugandan business andlocal Government culture plays a major role in facilitating successful technologyuptake. Dealing with the risks associated with low cost groundwater technology isfundamental for its wider adoption. The process of technology transfer is important,particularly as high levels of stakeholder participation may compromise the delivery ofoutputs, at least in the short term.In terms of future challenges, this thesis shows that, culture, governance andequity need to be closely examined in relation to private sector participation in ruralinfrastructure provision. Private sector participation can conflict with communityparticipation. How to adequately support innovation in Sub-Saharan Africa whileharmonising development interventions is a challenge to the development community.