Technology Demonstration Centers
Technology Demonstration Centers are places where different technologies are demonstrated, where R&D can take place, and where people can go to receive training in the production or use of particular technologies. The objective is to spread knowledge on low-cost water and sanitation options, with a focus on hands-on demonstrations.
Technology Demonstration Centers are a very effective way of spreading knowledge on low-cost options in a given region. Because a technology always needs to be adapted to the local circumstances, preferences, materials and skills, in the ideal case each region should have a Technology Demonstration Center. There are not very many Technology Demonstration Centers around the world, and the spread of low-cost technology could receive a significant boost if more would come into being.
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AIDFI Techno Park, Philippines
The AIDFI Techno Park is an area where different technologies which AIDFI develops are displayed. Besides this, it has a large learning centre with visual and audio facilities. It can also be rented for trainings and conferences. AIDFI has a range of technologies, including hydraulic ram pumps, rope pumps, biogas digesters, microhydro, windmills, rice hull stoves, rotary weeder, ferro-cement technology, etc.
The AIDFI Techno Park is situated on the island Negros, in the Philippines.
EMAS, Bolivia
EMAS, or "Escuela Movil Aguas Y Saneamiento Basico" (Mobile school for drinking water and sanitation) was founded by Wolfgang Buchner to address the drinking water problem. EMAS has a strong focus on "assistance to self-help" and has designed a number of technologies that can be built from local materials in order to involve the communities in the development, including: EMAS well drilling, the EMAS pump, the EMAS jetting method.
EMAS runs a training center in Porto Perez, situated at the Titicaca lake in Bolivia, around an hour drive from the Capital La Paz.
SHIPO, Tanzania
The NGO SHIPO (Southern Highlands Participatory Organization) runs a Technology Demonstration Center in Njombe, located in Southern Tanzania. They focus on low-cost water technology such as rope pumps, manual well drilling, and drip irrigation. Website SHIPO
APPROTEC, Colombia
Others
If you are aware of other Technology Demonstration Centers, please add them, or let us know!