Appropriate Technology and the National Economy of Developing Countries

Abstract

Economic modernisation is a central concern of most developing countries. The critical situation in most of these countries — hunger, illiteracy, disintegration of traditional cultural and social structures — leaves no alternative but social, economic and technological modernisation. Of course technological modernisation will not automatically solve the problems faced by these countries; indeed inappropriate technological strategies may create more problems than they solve. The question is: what kind of technology is needed to cope with the present situation in these countries?