Introducing low cost technologies

Using low-cost technologies in developing countries

Description

Introducing low cost technologies involves identifying, adapting, and disseminating affordable, practical solutions to address pressing social, economic, and environmental challenges. This strategy focuses on making essential goods and services—such as clean water, energy, healthcare, and education—accessible to underserved populations. By reducing costs and simplifying implementation, it remedies barriers to development, empowers communities, and fosters self-reliance, while promoting sustainable progress and bridging gaps caused by resource limitations.

Implementation

This strategy features in the framework of Agenda 21 as formulated at UNCED (Rio de Janeiro, 1992), now coordinated by the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development and implemented through national and local authorities. Among the specific recommendations of Agenda 21 are: promoting low-cost technologies of vegetative conservation measures for erosion prevention, in situ moisture management, improved cropping technology, fodder production and agroforestry; planning, development and application of low-cost and low-maintenance sewage installation and treatment technologies for developing countries.