Appropriate Technology

Application of Appropriate Technology in MEDEP

Application of appropriate technology by the programme for micro-entrepreneurs is

guided by the nature of the micro-enterprises, adaptability of the technology and action
research for technology development and dissemination. Technologies used by the
micro-enterprises supported by the programme have been broadly categorized into
three types.

Enterprises using traditional and absolute technology. Here the need is to use their
traditional skill to diversify into other products that have market demand rather than
upgrading the existing technology. Examples of these types of enterprises are
traditional iron-work enterprise, rope making enterprise, traditional fast-food based
enterprises, etc.
Enterprises using available technology which can be upgraded to enhance their
efficiency and productivity. Most of the Programme supported enterprises falls in this
category, e.g., bee keeping, dairy based enterprises, food processing enterprises,
handicraft based enterprises.
Enterprises either not utilising their available technology or keeping idle. These
enterprises should be supported to utilise them by training, credit support and market
linkage for activation of the idle technological resources.

The appropriate technologies identified, whether already existing or yet to be adopted,

are identified and chosen considering a combination of the following factors.

Simplicity of fabrication and operation and therefore of adoption

Level of existing and inexpensive technical expertise
Ease of maintenance
Raw materials availability
Availability of market for technologies, products and services
Availability of backup technical services
Availability of local skills and
Enhancing existing indigenous technical knowledge

Small technological innovations are often the key to providing the efficiency and quality
control that make small-scale production possible and profitable. Table 3 lists the range
of such technologies that have been taken up by MEDEP entrepreneurs, and which, in
most cases have made the enterprise possible and/or more viable.

Additionally, MEDEP operates a program of Participatory Action Research to test

potential appropriate technologies. In this regard, MEDEP worked with partners to test
several “new” technologies in situ:

Solar Dryer for Ginger, Vegetables, and Fruits. (Research Centre for Applied
Science and Technology (RECAST), Tribhuvan University. Was tested and then
used by the participants in their enterprises.
 National Entrepreneurship Development Center, Kathmandu, Nepal
Information (Check List Form).

To be filled by Program co-ordinator, of the respective BDSPOs, under NEDC.

1. BDSPOs: ___________________________________.
2. Contacts Number: ___________________________.
3. E-mail ID___________________________________.
4. Raw Material Availability (Resources),
_________________________________________________________________________________.

5. Local Available Technology used under assistance of MEDEP (if any)

__________________________________________________________________________________.

6. Source of Energy :

Electrical Energy Mechanically (Self) Any Other

9. Facilities of Transportation

Highway Graveled Non-Tranporation