Collaborative lifecycle design A viable approach to sustainable rural technology development

The purpose of this article is to present a lifecycle design methodology for rural technology development that promotes stakeholders' participation throughout the developmental process. The model was based on findings from rural development studies, several years of experience in rural technology development and on lifecycle management principles. This article explained what collaborative lifecycle design for rural technology development is, and how it can be implemented. It also described how stakeholders involved rural technology design and development framework was used in developing low-cost, potable multi-purpose threshers. The performance characteristics of the machines developed through the use of this methodology were within the same functional performance range with imported models. In addition, the use of the methodology resulted in lower production cost, better acceptance and improved maintainability. It also fostered rapport between stakeholders, led to attainment of self-reliance in that technology instead of dependence on imported machinery and improved our post-harvest technology capacity building. Moreover, it led to the development of a technology that is socio-culturally compatible and environmentally friendly.