Technology and infrastructure

The rapid spread of mobile phones in the most remote areas of developing countries is a good example for unexpected economic impact of technologies, which were not originally designed for poverty alleviation. If adapted strategically, such technologies bear a great, untapped potential in the development context.

Engineering knowledge and expertise does not only contribute directly to helping poor people to meet their basic needs in a sustainable manner (e.g. for safe drinking water, water for food production, secure shelter, sanitation and waste management etc.). It is essential for economic growth which is required to achieve sustainable improvements for poor people, supported by appropriate national and local government policies. This holds true of information and communication technology for development, which can greatly improve the quality of life for the people most in need. It also applies to transportation, energy systems, infrastructure and medical technologies for improved health. Furthermore, new technologies and infrastructure will be applied in both urban and rural environments. They will impact natural resources and entail new opportunities and risks for developing countries.

The results of research in the area of technology and infrastructure may take various forms: Hardware such as tools and facilities or software in the form of techniques, concepts or systems. Sometimes, these results may be adopted and applied directly by the beneficiary – whether this is by an individual, a household or some larger formal or informal group. However, it is more common for engineering knowledge to be adopted by an intermediary such as a government body or a local entrepreneur.

List of research projects related to technology and infrastructure conducted by members of the North-South Centre »»

NB: Projects that are part of a North-South Centre managed programme have a
reference to their detailed description on the respective page of the Annual Report 2010.