Sustainability lessons from appropriate technology

Abstract

This article will focus on the evolution of the concept of appropriate technology and provide a brief review of current ideas and strategies surrounding innovation for sustainable development. The article will examine the impacts of the diffusion of technologies that were designed to be appropriate for particular local contexts and have persisted over several decades. The long-term viability of the innovations provides material evidence of social and economic sustainability, and offers valuable lessons concerning intended and unintended environmental impacts of technology diffusion over time. The concept of appropriate technology is still highly relevant as a model of technology for development.