From technology transfer to participative design: a case study of pollution prevention in South African townships
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17159/2413-3051/2006/v17i3a3289Keywords:
air pollution, devolatilised coal, lowsmoke stoves low-smoke fuels, electrification, eMbalenhle Air Quality ProjectAbstract
Since the 1960’s several unsuccessful attempts were made to reduce air pollution in South African townships. These efforts targeted coal fires and included devolatalised coal, low-smoke stoves and electrification. All these efforts were more or less prescriptive in nature, technology driven and shared a common view of the role of technology. In this paper a different approach is described that had very good results. This approach starts at the coal user and their preferences and does not try to change their behaviour or attitude by means of education or coercive measures. This was done because after several years of involvement with coal and wood using communities, a good understanding was developed of the role of fire in the household and the context in which possible solutions must function. Also, the user of the technology is made a full partner in the problem solving process. This approach resulted in the adaptation of an alternative method to light a coal fire. The adapted method enjoys widespread acceptance and can reduce the contribution of coal fires to air pollution by 50%. Plans are under way by the South African Government to introduce communities nationwide to this method.Downloads
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