A New Approach Towards Rural Development: Appropriate Technology and the Earth-Quake of 1976 in Guatemala

Abstract

The conditions imposed by the earthquake which took place on February 4th, 1976 in Guatemala, marked a new process in the technological search. This earthquake emphasized to two things:

1. A complete lack of profound and systematic knowledge of technical groups about the most crucial problems caused by the earthquake, such as:

• lack of knowledge of a systematized technology for the use of adobe and earth in construction, in conditions of elevated seismic risk.

• the relatively little advance of research and development of adequate materials for rural and suburban areas.

• the lack of means and methods for a massive formation of rural manpower (promoters)

• the existent breach between professionals with an academic formation inadequate to deal with rural needs according to the rural and suburban communities feelings.

• the lack of local ways of communication and groups participation.