permaculture

324 Facilitator’s Handbook for Permaculture Workshops

Creative thinking : Local appropriate technologies

Method : Participatory brainstorm, small groups discussion

Tools : Black/white board, large paper, markers

References : PC Book MOD 12 - Appropriate Technology

Objective    :  Participants    list    local   appropriate technologies    and their   benefits    of  

those technologies

Step 1

Using something like the table below, the facilitator can ask the participants to identify

local appropriate technologies (table 1).

Use the technologies list in the previous exercise if the participants need help

for prompting ideas and discussions.

Appropriate

technology

Who can

use it?

Where to

get the

materials

Who can

build and

maintain it?

Earnings/

savings from

using it

Environmental

benefits

Wood stove Housewives In the area Families Saves firewood Reduces tree cutting

Charcoal

bricks Housewives

Used

materials Families Saves money Reduces waste

Solar

cooker Housewives

Used

materials Families

Saves firewood

and money No smoke

Solar seed

dryer

Farmers,

seed sellers

Used

materials Farmers

Saves money

and labor

More sustainable

organic seeds

Wind

compost

mixer

Farmers Used materials Farmers Saves labor, more effective

Creates

productive

compost

Table 1. Table 2.

Step 2

Ask the participants to divide into smaller workgroups and have each workgroup come up

answers to the following questions for one of the technologies (table 2).

• Who could use the technology?


• Where would they get the materials needed to make the technology?


• Who could build and/or maintain the technology?


• How much money could be made or saved by doing so?


• What are the benefits to the environment?

Step 3

After each workgroup has created their lists, ask them to present the results to the entire

group for feedback and other suggestions.

Place the lists in the training space so that it can be referenced during the rest

of the workshop.

EXERCISE

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