Survival Technology

Survival Technology

Arnold Pacey's book, Technology in World Civilization: A Thousand Year

History argues that survival technology, the technology of production of food

and other basic necessities, is dependent on the local environment and requires

local solutions rather than solutions dictated by "technologically superior"

scientists from other areas. Every culture has had a long experience with the

environment they live in and have developed ways to make food and other basic

necessities. When outsiders with advanced technology interfere without taking

input from the natives they can cause more damage then they solve.

One of the most basic principles of survival technology is that the

most advanced solution is not necessarily the best solution. An example of

this principle occurred in the 1940s in India and China. Both countries took

different approaches to solve there malaria problems. India which was more

open to western ideas decided to spray the walls of every dwelling in India

with DDT to kill the malaria carrying mosquitoes. On the other hand China,

which was not able to afford DDT, decided to inform the populace on how to

avoid malaria, redesign the water courses and improve housing all in an attempt

to reduce malaria. India had a more drastic drop in malaria cases, but China's

drop was more permanent. By the 1970s malaria cases began to rise in India,

because of mosquitoes with immunity to DDT.(1) The quick technologically

advanced solution was inferior to the steps the Chinese took to reduce the

amount of malaria.

Forcing advanced technology onto areas without that technology is

usually not a good idea without proper thought put into it. A tractor would be

less than useful...

... middle of paper ...

...re the techniques that the farmers

have already developed. This is unique to survival technology as there is no

other technology division where the researchers would totally ignore the

contributions and suggestions of those using the technology. These problems

are only exacerbated when the scientists come from different areas and cultures

than the farmers there supposed to be helping. In those cases the scientists

not only ignore the contributions and suggestions of the farmers they generally

are ignorant of the environment as well. It would probably be best if the

scientists would talk to the farmers they are trying to help.

Works Cited

1.Arnold Pacey, Technology in World Civilization: A Thousand Year History, Basil Blackwood, 1990, pg 189

2.Ibid, pg 199

3.Ibid, pg 199

4.Ibid, pg 199-200

5.Ibid, pg 199

6.Ibid, pg 192-193

7.Ibid, pg 193