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Technology transfer of hand pumps in rural communities of Swaziland: Towards sustainable project life cycle management

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  • Baraki, Yemane A.
  • Brent, Alan C.

Abstract

The research summarised in this paper explored the reasons behind the high failure rates of hand pumps from a technology transfer perspective, by examining the existing hand pump technology transfer practices and procedures in Swaziland where over 3000 hand pumps were installed and about 60% are not working. The research determined that there is a lack of proper, structured and sustainable knowledge sharing practices among the main stakeholders, suppliers, providers, users, and the government. It was observed that operations and maintenance, knowledge management, and the integration of a project life cycle management approach were crucial elements for the sustainability of hand pump-based rural water supply projects. Users have little involvement throughout the project life cycle; they do not know where and how to access parts, the majority of the areas do not have trained technicians, and government does not have stock for parts. There is poor communication between the users and suppliers, which is critical for product improvement and product support. It is therefore necessary to have a balanced focus on resource allocation for a hard and soft technology transfer process. A maintenance model resulting from the study aims to provide for practical co-ordination involving all the major stakeholders. Its objective is to establish a sustainable institutional support system through a public/private partnership.

Suggested Citation

  • Baraki, Yemane A. & Brent, Alan C., 2013. "Technology transfer of hand pumps in rural communities of Swaziland: Towards sustainable project life cycle management," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 35(4), pages 258-266.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:teinso:v:35:y:2013:i:4:p:258-266
    DOI: 10.1016/j.techsoc.2013.10.001
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    Cited by:

    1. Lu, Jintao & Jia, Xiaorong & Lev, Benjamin & Zhang, Chong & Gao, Yangyang & Zhao, Min & He, Yifan, 2021. "How to understand “salable fake goods” and “unsalable quality goods”? An insight from the view of quality responsibility and consumers’ brand loyalty," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 67(C).
    2. Murillo Vetroni Barros & Mariane Bigarelli Ferreira & Guilherme Francisco Prado & Cassiano Moro Piekarski & Claudia Tania Picinin, 2020. "The interaction between knowledge management and technology transfer: a current literature review between 2013 and 2018," The Journal of Technology Transfer, Springer, vol. 45(5), pages 1585-1606, October.
    3. Wang, Nannan & Yao, Shengnan & Wu, Guobin & Chen, Xiaoyan, 2017. "The role of project management in organisational sustainable growth of technology-based firms," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 51(C), pages 124-132.
    4. Hsiao-Fen Hsiao & Tingyong Zhong & Hasan Dincer, 2019. "Analysing Managers’ Financial Motivation for Sustainable Investment Strategies," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(14), pages 1-22, July.
    5. Bhattacharjya, Bibhuti Ranjan & Kakoty, Sashindra Kumar & Singha, Siddhartha, 2019. "A feedback mechanism for appropriate technology development and dissemination: Case study approach," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 57(C), pages 104-114.
    6. Lugasi, Solomon Omwoma & Odhiambo, Mercy Auma, 2022. "Implementation of Technology and Innovation Support Centers (TISCs) in Kenya: Challenges and opportunities," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 68(C).

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