Technology at the Edge: Low-tech, near-term examples

Al Hammond — Wed, 05 Oct 2005 11:29:37 -0400

Several new technology innovations developed specifically for BOP markets are already making a noticeable impact. KickStart (formerly ApproTech) has been developing and promoting such technologies since 1991, with the explicit goal of helping entrepreneurs in East Africa establish and run profitable small scale enterprises. To date, the organization's efforts have resulted in the creation of more than 35,000 businesses which currently generate a total of $37 million in new profits and wages annually.

The innovations KickStart has commercialized are diverse. Its suitably-named MoneyMaker irrigation pumps, for instance, allow small-scale subsistence farmers to turn their land into vibrant commercial enterprises. The inexpensive ($52-90) treadle operated pumps irrigate plots up to 2 acres in size from water pumped from hand-dug wells, rivers, streams, lakes or ponds. Mafuta Mali, KickStart's manually operated oilseed press, has resulted in the creation or expansion of more than 700 cooking oil businesses. The organization's building technologies allow entrepreneurs to cheaply produce high quality bricks, roofing tiles, latrine covers and carpentry tools. Other innovations include technologies for hay bailing, sanitation, and transportation.

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Technology at the Edge: Low-tech, near-term examples