Choosing sustainable technology

A checklist to determine the sustainability of a techology in a project

In the past, many technologies introduced in developing countries failed. Major reasons for failure were the prohibitive cost and level of complexity of the technologies, and/or a lack of ownership.

The questions listed below can help determine the sustainability of a technology regarding the technical, social, financial and logistical aspects.

Technical

1. Repairability. Can the technology be repaired easily by the user if it breaks down? If not, is there an infrastructure that can do that at an affordable cost?
2. Can users maintain the technology? If not, is there an infrastructure that can do that at an affordable cost?
3. Does the introduction include training on operation and maintenance?
4. Can the technology be reproduced by the local private sector with local materials and skills?
5. Is the frequency of maintenance and repairs acceptable to the user?
6. Does the technology have the potential for replication and upscaling?
7. Does the project include monitoring of proper functioning, useage and consumer satisfaction?

Financial

1. Affordability. Can the target group afford to buy it, can they afford the cost of use, maintenance, and repairs?
2. Cost-benefit. Does the technology safe on expenditures? Does it generate income? Does it safe time?
3. Do people pay the real cost, or is the product subsidized? If it is subsidized, will the subsidy go on after the project stops?
4. Is there profit based sustainability? Meaning, do the actors involved in production, transport, and sales, all make a profit so activities will go on after the project stops?
5. Market potential. What is the expected market for the product? Has a market study been performed? Is the expected market sufficient to start a supply chain?

Social

1. User acceptance. Is the product to be introduced ``better`` than existing options? Meaning, is it cheaper, simpler, more effective, more attractive?
2. Who will own and manage the technology? Individuals (men/women), committees, schools, institutes, organisations, NGO’s, government?
3. Does the product give status, or other social benefits to the owner?
4. Gender. Are women involved in decisions? Do man and women benefit equally from the technology?

Logistical

1. Can the product and spares be purchased easily and nearby? If not, can users still manage the acquisition of the product or spare parts?
2. Is a supply chain for the product and the spare parts in place prior to the introduction of the technology? If not, will it be created during or after the project?