Appropriate Technology Networks

Appropriate Technology Networks

To gain more strength and importance, AT organisations are, in many countries, organising
themselves in "networks" so that they can better co-operate among themselves and give more
to the users. The AT networks are meant to avoid duplication of work, exchange experiences,
help in mobilising financial resources.
AT networks help to give greater regional, national and international impact to programs of
NGOs and grass-root groups. Since early 1980, to achieve this goal, NGOs have started to
organise themselves in AT networks at various levels and for various purposes. In recent
years, active debates took place in several countries among NGOs to evaluate the need for the
creation of global networks for the implementation of appropriate technology. It seems that
the predominant idea is to create such networks. The main scope for such networks would be
to create a synergetic tool which may have greater effect than the sum of individual activities.
The synergetic effect will help in resource mobilisation, in terms of human resources and in
terms of mediating financial resources between donors and community-based organisations.
Networks help to exchange experiences and discussions, promote technology transfer from
north to south as well as from south to south; it serves also to channel funds and resources
from international organisations. There are already several examples of networks run by AT
organisations in Europe which are co-ordinating their efforts on specific AT aspects and
divulging their information from industrialised to developing countries.