Monday, December 16, 2013

Unintended Consequences of Technology -- Water Pumps in South Africa

Technology seems to be the answer to most world problems lately.  One must only look at the development of sub-Saharan Africa to see a myriad of examples.  From cell phones to new roads to water pumps, many international organizations are attempting to use technology to solve the perceived social or economic problems of indigenous people.

For example, in 2009 an organization formed to bring new and supposedly more easily operated and efficient water pumps to South Africa.  Previously, many of these communities had hand pumps that connected to wells for fresh water.  A wealthy business man saw these hand pumps as too labor intensive and, in a well-meaning move, he set out to replace these hand pumps with PlayPumps.  The rotating design was supposed to simulate a merry-go-round and enable the water to be pumped on the power or playing children.  Unfortunately, the project failed despite international support and a huge inflow of funding. 

Video:



Article on cell phones and health education:






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Sources:

Literature:
http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/03/13/the-benefits-of-mobile-health-on-hold/?_r=0

Images:
Kids on Pump -- http://www.inhabitots.com/play-pump-the-merry-go-round-water-pump/
Empty Pump -- http://www.bridgetopeaceproject.com/777EA_IOrg.html

Video:
PBS Frontline -- http://www.pbs.org/frontlineworld/stories/southernafrica904/video_index.html

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