What is Appropriate Technology?

 AIDG uses the definition for appropriate technology described in E.F. Schumacher’s
influential book “Small is Beautiful”. In essence, it is technology that is affordable, locally repairable, environmentally sound and culturally acceptable.

At AIDG, we seek to create products that meet people’s needs, reduce their environmental footprints, fit within their budgets and can be fixed when they break down. We combine local goods and innovative production methods to solve some of our constituency’s most pressing problems. Low tech or high tech, the important part of appropriate technology is that it helps make people’s lives better.

Technologies

		Micro-hydropower systems can provide green & reliable electricity for isolated rural communities. Unlike larger hydropower installations, small-scale hydro systems have a low impact on the environment.
		Solar water heating systems use the power of the sun to heat water for bathing, cleaning and hand washing.  Our passive solar systems consist of a solar collector and an insulated storage tank and require no electricity.
		Hydraulic ram pumps can be used for irrigation and to pump water into cisterns for homes. These simple pumps are cheap, durable, easy to maintain and require no electricity or gasoline.
		Biodigesters capture methane, a potent greenhouse gas, made during the breakdown of organic waste and allow it to be used for heating, cooking & lighting. This gas can be used instead of propane and firewood.  Biodigesters also produce a rich fertilizer.