Constraints Faced in Introducing Technology to Suit Rural Livelihoods

Abstract

PCF5 Sub-theme: Livelihoods // The Rural Research Unit of the Open University is engaged in a project ‘technology for sustainable livelihoods’. The initiative was based on a COL-funded rural communication project to identify rural technology needs in Sri Lanka. // Based on the findings five rural centers were opened in the year 2005, with Norwegian funding, to train 30 participants at each center per year. Each center was managed by a trained animator. The animators were given training in basic technology and were asked to select a project of their choice. The project, on completion was presented to a group for evaluation. The aim was to develop self-directed critical learning that would help the students to identify sustainable livelihoods in a wider sense of a sustainable society. // Paper ID 65