South-North knowledge transfer: Difference between revisions

The term technology transfer, when used in regards to sustainability and appropriate technology, is often considered to mean a transfer from the northern hemisphere to the southern hemisphere. But developed nations can learn valuable lessons from technologies developed in the majority world which may use less resources and have a lower impact on the environment. These are important factors for a part of the world that has a greater per capita effect on the global environment.

Examples

• The asthma inhaler spacers are an example of this type of transfer. Dr. Zahr, a physician in South Africa, is responsible for much of the research showing that this simple device can effectively replace the more expensive and less available commercial product. Bottle spacers are now being developed and produced by people working for a community health center in the United States.

• Oral rehydration therapy was developed in Bangladesh.
• Many traditional techniques for building (such as adobe) are being newly appreciated due to their energy efficiency.
• The Quake Safe building technique is based on traditional techniques.^{[verification needed]}

Appropedia and South to North knowledge transfer

It is hoped that this transfer will occur more through Appropedia, with for example GEM mosquito control from India (which uses no pesticides) and a home biogas system from the Philippines. This includes both technology transfer and more general knowledge transfer

External links

• Leapfrogging in Reverse, Jeremy Faludi July 30, 2005 A blog posting on South to North transfer followed by discussion and debate.
• Cash on Delivery of Your Kids to School, Andrew Leonard September 22, 2006 From Salon.com, a posting on a incentive program developed in Latin America and implemented in New York City.

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Steve.mccrosky 17:13, 28 October 2007 (PDT)