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Beyond appropriate technology: Social considerations for the sustainable use of Arsenic–Iron Removal Plants in rural Bangladesh

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  • Sorensen, Ingrid M.
  • McBean, Edward A.

Abstract

With increasing recognition of failed water and sanitation projects in developing countries, it has become apparent that appropriate technology is often insufficient to create lasting water infrastructure. Specifically, low sustainability of household Arsenic–Iron Removal Plants (AIRPs) in rural areas of Bangladesh is examined. In the village studied, less than 40 of 135 AIRPs, installed three years ago, are being used and maintained regularly. Further, performance of those still being used has decreased by 10% in terms of arsenic removal. Discussion with village residents and with the implementing NGO indicated that the most common reasons for discontinued use of the units was water scarcity and maintenance difficulties of the AIRP. Behavioural motivations of households who discontinued or decreased use of the AIRP are discussed. Changes to AIRP design and program implementation are suggested to increase sustainability.

Suggested Citation

  • Sorensen, Ingrid M. & McBean, Edward A., 2015. "Beyond appropriate technology: Social considerations for the sustainable use of Arsenic–Iron Removal Plants in rural Bangladesh," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 41(C), pages 1-9.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:teinso:v:41:y:2015:i:c:p:1-9
    DOI: 10.1016/j.techsoc.2014.10.003
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kleemeier, Elizabeth, 2000. "The Impact of Participation on Sustainability: An Analysis of the Malawi Rural Piped Scheme Program," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 28(5), pages 929-944, May.
    2. Murphy, Heather M. & McBean, Edward A. & Farahbakhsh, Khosrow, 2009. "Appropriate technology – A comprehensive approach for water and sanitation in the developing world," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 31(2), pages 158-167.
    3. Madajewicz, Malgosia & Pfaff, Alexander & van Geen, Alexander & Graziano, Joseph & Hussein, Iftikhar & Momotaj, Hasina & Sylvi, Roksana & Ahsan, Habibul, 2007. "Can information alone change behavior? Response to arsenic contamination of groundwater in Bangladesh," Journal of Development Economics, Elsevier, vol. 84(2), pages 731-754, November.
    4. Joseph Arvai & Kristianna Post, 2012. "Risk Management in a Developing Country Context: Improving Decisions About Point‐of‐Use Water Treatment Among the Rural Poor in Africa," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 32(1), pages 67-80, January.
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    Cited by:

    1. Sukholthaman, Pitchayanin & Shirahada, Kunio, 2015. "Technological challenges for effective development towards sustainable waste management in developing countries: Case study of Bangkok, Thailand," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 43(C), pages 231-239.
    2. Junmin Lee & Keungoui Kim & Hyunha Shin & Junseok Hwang, 2018. "Acceptance Factors of Appropriate Technology: Case of Water Purification Systems in Binh Dinh, Vietnam," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(7), pages 1-20, June.

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