Engineering for Development Experiences with Appropriate Technologies
Criticisms of the Simputer: $200 is a substantial fraction of the median Indian income. Aimed at middle classes rather than at the neediest. What does an illiterate person most need in order to access information?
Two success stories: the Kenya Jiko and the Solar Lamp
80,000 systems sold in Kenya (about 1% of the rural population) No subsidies or grants. Panels imported, but batteries local. About 60% of systems still working. Sold by Energy Alternatives Africa, based in Nairobi.
What kind of world do you want? What drawbacks could result from bringing electricity to a rural village? What is the downside of increased literacy? Is putting children in school from 6 to 16 an improvement? How many Western problems come bundled with Western technology?