Responding 2 New Technologies Programme |David J. Grimshaw | 21 November, 2015 | 1 Nanotechnology and Water: David J. Grimshaw 27 November 2007 Connecting

Responding 2 New Technologies Programme |David J. Grimshaw | 21 April 2023 | 1

Nanotechnology and Water:

David J. Grimshaw27 November 2007

Connecting Science with Development

Responding 2 New Technologies Programme | David J. Grimshaw | 21 April 2023 | 2

Agenda

Dialogue as a starting pointNanodialogues in ZimbabweNanodialogues in PeruChallenges for science and technologyTowards engagement of science and scientists


Back to founding principles

“New technologies are developed only when people of power and wealth back the development.”

Schumacher (1979:44)

Making use of modern knowledge Schumacher (1973)


Traditional Approach Failed

Technology transferDeficit model of dialoguePrecautionary principle


Towards a new view

Seeing the world in proportion

And from a different perspective


Technology in Use


“A world where

science-led new

technologies deliver

products which fulfil

human needs rather than

market wants.”

Poor people participate in the evaluation and testing (where

appropriate) of new science-led technologies

Goal and Vision


“A world where

science-led new

technologies deliver

products which fulfil

human needs rather than

market wants.”

International and national organisations of governments and

scientists take account of the needs of poor people before and during the

innovation process for new science-led technologies

Goal and Vision


Globalisation and the diffusion of nanotechnologies to help the poor

The top three applications that would help developing countries are: energy; agricultural productivity and water treatment.


Epworth Water Supply

SpringsOpen wells


Rich Picture

Scientists

ObserverFacilitatorEvaluator

Produce formarket wants

Products areunaffordable

Not inventedhere, syndrome

Is technologyrelevant?

Knowledge gap

Produce forhuman need

Understandlocal context

Listen

Alternativebusiness model


Conceptual Model


Peri Urban Community

Technology

Water supply Cultural/ ContextPiped – 30%Shallow wellsHigh water tableContamination from industryProximity of sanitationSmall plot size

Small plot sizeWaste/garbage problemsIntegrated planning issuesResponsibilities:

institutionspolicy

Buckets/ropeClean tap water


Rural Community

Technology

Water supply Cultural/ ContextBoreholes – 80 - 90%-Walking distance <500m-250 people (too high)Salinity/floridityAffected by urban area contaminationInsufficient supplyContamination from latrines

Population growthImpact of sanitationCeremonial customsAttitudes and beliefsNeed for S&T dialogue policyEngage with local planning

Protocol for introductionNeed for educationNeed more boreholesHand pumps-Maintenance-Economics – price change-Institutional changes


Nanotechnology?

“there is no real water quality issue that cannot be solved with existing technologies”


Critical Issues

Resourcemobilisation

Affordability

Sustainability

Acceptability &ownership

Awareness &capacitybuilding

Policyframework


Issues and Recommendations

ResourceMobilisationGovernmentNGO/CommunitiesMulti-lateral donorsFor existing technologyChannel taxes 4 waterMore local R&D

AffordabilityPricing policyProgressive or regressive taxWater as a public goodLink to economic use of water, e.g. irrigationReduce or share R&DOpen access modelReduce dependance on imported materials & Central equipment

SustainabilityLocal R&DEcon/environ/socialR&D ownership

Acceptability &OwnershipDemonstrationService providersCascade approachCapacity building

Awareness &capacityBuildingExtension workService providers towork with communitiesK shared with communitiesBut need external catalyst

PolicyFrameworkSocial acceptabilityEnable but also constrain (which tech)Promote technologyReview every 2 yearsDefine from grassrootsEvaluation of lessons

ena

ble

Ability to pay

Fo

llow

sF

rom

aw

are

ness

Mul

tiplie

r effe

ctG

over

nmen

t buy

-in

Economic Behaviour

ownership


Challenges for Peru

Moving beyond the dialogue into engagementBuild local capacitySelect appropriate technologyClarify riskIdentify business model


Challenges for S&T…

We live in an era of rapid technological advancement, with scientists consistently producing new innovations.Despite this, many of these developments are not escaping the academic field and being implemented where they could have considerable benefits in the lives of those who really need them. The simple reason for this is the minimal communication between groups, and thus a lack of awareness about what is needed – and what is available.


Arsenic in Bangladesh


Mind Map of Arsenic Problem


Recipe 1

Take 20 litres of water containing arsenicPlace a “clay t-bag” in the waterWait for 13 minutesDrink clean waterSave the “clay t-bag”Sell all your used “clay t-bags” back to your supplier


Recipe 2

Heat olive oil in a pan until really hotAdd solvent such as soapAdd iron oxide (rust particles)Wait till coolPour water through this mixtureExtract the particles with a magnetDrink the clean water


…in search of a Solution

Science for Humanity seeks to overcome this problem by matching scientists and their work on the one hand, and the needs of those (predominantly in the developing countries) on the other. Working closely with scientists, NGOs and governments in order to identify problems and possible scientific solutions, develop policy and provide funding. By providing this knowledge base and central dialogue, we bring to those who really need it the immense potential for development provided by the ever increasing new technologies


Conclusion

Dialogues between scientists and poor communities influence innovation.Pro-poor innovation requires changes in resource allocation.Need to move from dialogue to engagement with scientists.


Thank youThank you

Discussion

Documents

Responding 2 New Technologies Programme |David J. Grimshaw | 21 November, 2015 | 1 Nanotechnology and Water: David J. Grimshaw 27 November 2007 Connecting