journey to zimbabwe
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Journey To Zimbabwe
The Ideological basis and practical implications of
my search for the appropriate use of science
and technology
Journey to Zimbabwe –A Case Study
What this lecture covers
Ideological basis of my quest – philosophical, ethical and analytical aspects.
Early attempts to make engineering career relevant The birth and early years of HUPAT The primacy of Africa and appropriate technology Why a focus on Zimbabwe Work in Zimbabwe The future - Zimbabwe, Africa and the global context
Journey to Zimbabwe –A Case Study
Ideology
Ideology – set of ideas that guide one’s actions Philosophical base – nature and purpose of
humankind Ethical principles – grounding on how we relate
to other humans and nature Analytical principles – interpreting the world so
we may systemically plan, execute and analyze our actions
Journey to Zimbabwe –A Case Study
Making Engineering Relevant
Choice of computing Experiences in industry Computing as a tool to research society’s
development Beyond computing – what technology is
needed Building relevant science and engineering
focused organizations
Journey to Zimbabwe –A Case Study
HUPAT’s Beginning
Call from African Student Association Academic Excellence grant 1998
– Infusing AT in the curriculum– Workshop on AT
Visit to Drexel University Surveys and nominal group technique with Students National conference on AT Workshop in Accra at African Summit Visits to Cuba – 2003
Journey to Zimbabwe –A Case Study
Appropriate Technology – AFRICA
Ideological basis – “primacy of Africa”– Based on identity: “African nationalism– Based on materialist analysis: Africa is the
resource richest continent, Africans are the resource poorest people, therefore center of highest exploitation
Practical work: South Africa, Rwanda, Mauritius, Guinea-Bissau
Journey to Zimbabwe –A Case Study
Why Focus on Zimbabwe?
Visit of 2002 to NUST – discovered ‘brain drain’ in Zimbabwe
Importance of supporting Zimbabwe in the face of the economic blockade
Linking AT to control of a nation’s development
AT and land reclamations – issues and opportunities.
Journey to Zimbabwe –A Case Study
My Year in Zimbabwe
Aiding the Academy in spite of the blockade Technology innovations to deal with fuel shortage –
my observations Plenty of food – not enough processing Government leadership – dealing with inflation,
corruption, intrigue, and the blockade International conference on Appropriate technology Consulting on National strategy for ICT in Zimbabwe
Journey to Zimbabwe –A Case Study
The Future of AT, Africa and the World
Technology to increase production and independence
World is becoming more globally attached – via multinational development and international communication
Requires African unity – Pan-Africanism Will the AU provide the direction?
Journey to Zimbabwe –A Case Study
More on Ideology
Nkrumah-Tureism – ideology for decolonization Philosophical basis – ‘man’ is good, human
consciousness comes with an obligation Ethical basis – Humanism, Egalitarianism,
Collectivism Analytical tools –
– Class/Nation analysis– Dialectical and Historical Analysis
Journey to Zimbabwe –A Case Study
Historical Materialist Approach
A tool for analyzing history and current conditions, used by political analyst since K. Marx
Explains distinctions between different modes of production
Focuses on the balance between the forces of production and the relations of production
Journey to Zimbabwe –A Case Study
Technology in the Forces of Production
Forces of production consists of the people doing the work, their skills and their tools.
The tools used in production are the technology and this technology is closely linked to the skills needed to use and maintain the tools.
Technology has become more complex and capital intensive over time.
Advances in the ‘forces of production’ push changes in ‘relations of production’
Journey to Zimbabwe –A Case Study
Maintaining Old Relationships
Those in control of production (owners of the farms, factories and mines) want to maintain their control to continue to use the wealth of the labor process for their interest.
The development and selection of technology is done based on class interest.
Journey to Zimbabwe –A Case Study
Background Information
Technological development and potentials must be placed in the proper context!
Historical reality of exploitation Current Constraints to development
– external– internal
Development Alternatives
Journey to Zimbabwe –A Case Study
Basis of Underdevelopment
Colonialism. Neocolonialism. Corruption. Political & Economic Instability. Unequal Trade.
Journey to Zimbabwe –A Case Study
Technology in Zimbabwe
Pre-colonial Colonial Invasion and occupation Early years of Independence Current period of land reform Future scenarios
Journey to Zimbabwe –A Case Study
Early Zimbabwe
Horticulture Peasant farming Cattle raising Subsistence oriented Trade Mining and iron work
Journey to Zimbabwe –A Case Study
Colonial Occupation
Early settlers were miners that depended on African farmers
From mining to commercial farming Money and bartering Early consumerism Education: Missionaries and the state
Journey to Zimbabwe –A Case Study
New Zimbabwe
Focus on expanding trade partnerships Focus on Education Limitations of Political compromise Training a technical strata
Journey to Zimbabwe –A Case Study
Land Reclamation
Reclaiming land – a drastic change in relations of production
Drop in productivity – causes and the role of technology
Building infrastructure to compliment land reform
Journey to Zimbabwe –A Case Study
AT for Land Reform
Housing construction Mechanizing farming – an issue of scale Access to information – the management of
Knowledge Agriculture beyond farming The government’s commitment: the 2004
National Budget
Journey to Zimbabwe –A Case Study
The Financial Blockade
Anti-Zimbabwe forces are blocking access to foreign exchange
Lack of Foreign Exchange leads to – Reduction in production, alternative $ market,
hyperinflation Hyperinflation leads to domestic disruption Technology used to maintain blockade
– Media – misinformation campaign– Electronic controls on money
Journey to Zimbabwe –A Case Study
Decreasing Dependence
The selection of techniques and technology must be designed to decrease foreign dependency
Changing relations of production – the control of agricultural, mineral and production resources must be in the hands of the people.
Journey to Zimbabwe –A Case Study
Selecting Technology
Increases productivity while minimizing use of foreign exchange
Focus on goods needed internally Complements the labor force Utilizes domestic resources Complementing the educational system
Journey to Zimbabwe –A Case Study
Training for the Future
National University of Science and Technology
Polytechnical Universities Regional research stations New universities
Journey to Zimbabwe –A Case Study
Approaches to Development
Develop extensive infrastructure - ports, airports, large plants, etc.
Concentrate on agriculture. Small and Intermediate technology. Government sponsored projects. Privatization. Multi-country coordination - such as a Pan-
African effort.
Journey to Zimbabwe –A Case Study
Information Technology
Email and web access. Electronic libraries Expert systems. Decision support systems. Simulation and other planning tools. Database systems. Appropriate hardware and access to software.
Journey to Zimbabwe –A Case Study
EXPERT SYSTEMS
Medical and Health applications Agricultural, Livestock, and Food issues and
needs Energy Options Natural Resource Exploitation
Journey to Zimbabwe –A Case Study
Appropriate Energy
Electrification - power plants and local electricity.
Solar alternatives - power, heating, and cooking.
Energy reliability and self-sufficiency. Manufacturing energy producing equipment Scale issues.
Journey to Zimbabwe –A Case Study
Water and Sanitation
Water purification Plumbing Sewage issues Water for irrigation Toxic waste and dumping sites.
Journey to Zimbabwe –A Case Study
Water for irrigation
human powered water pumps animal powered water pumps solar powered pumps water harvesting
Journey to Zimbabwe –A Case Study
Environmental Issues
Toxic waste Dumping sites Deforestation Pollution from excessive use of wood for fuel Pollution in Urban areas due to low
standards for auto and industrial pollutants
Journey to Zimbabwe –A Case Study
Small Workshops
Local workshops serve small-scale producers, and provide
– low cost household items– subcontracting and maintenance
services for larger firms– products and repairs
One of fastest growing sectors Lack of access to skills,
information and technological options limits expansion
Jewelry workshop in Bulawayo
Journey to Zimbabwe –A Case Study
Zimbabwe’s Future
Expose the blockade Technological support for ‘Land reclamation’ Universities working closely with regional
research stations Major water project using the Zambesi The mines and factories will be next !
Journey to Zimbabwe –A Case Study
My Year in Zimbabwe
Journey to Zimbabwe –A Case Study
Working at NUST
National University of Science and Technology, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Journey to Zimbabwe –A Case Study
Aiding the Academy
Teaching in spite of the blockade, inflation and strikes– No books– Limited library– Shortage of equipment
Curriculum development Research with faculty and students
Journey to Zimbabwe –A Case Study
Plenty of food
Journey to Zimbabwe –A Case Study
Not enough technology
Farmers largely dependent on rainfall and animals to plow
Fresh foods and some dried foods, limited food processing
Storage issues Transportation of goods
Journey to Zimbabwe –A Case Study
Contradictions
Unity Village and Coke
Journey to Zimbabwe –A Case Study
Government leadership
Dealing with problems:– inflation, – corruption, – intrigue, and – the blockade
People showing support at Government organized Independence Day celebration
Journey to Zimbabwe –A Case Study
International Conference on Appropriate technology
Approached NUST in 2002 Planning committee in October 2003 Involving government, business and international
forces Theme “A Knowledge Management Approach to the
Development of Appropriate Technology, with a focus on Sustainable land-based projects”
Hosted by NUST at Bulawayo Rainbow Hotel
Journey to Zimbabwe –A Case Study
More on Conference
Problems encountered Content:
– Industry and production– Construction and architecture– Transportation and solar technology– Water, Agriculture and environment– Knowledge management and appropriate computing
Future work: – National conference next year, – international conference in 2 years, – Interim international steering committee.
Journey to Zimbabwe –A Case Study
Consulting in Zimbabwe
Proposals with NUST UNDP project on e-readiness study and ICT
strategy for the country Contributions as international consultant In progress – surveys and workshops Potential outcomes?
Journey to Zimbabwe –A Case Study
The Future of AT, Africa and the World
Technology to increase production and independence
World is becoming more globally attached – via multinational development and international communication
Requires African unity – Pan-Africanism Will the AU provide the direction?
Journey to Zimbabwe –A Case Study
Africa’s Future
Happy Children at Independence Day Celebration
Journey to Zimbabwe –A Case Study
Linking Zimbabwe, Africa and the World
Cuban doctors working in Zimbabwe
Journey to Zimbabwe –A Case Study
Questions?
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