Development and inappropriate or appropriate technology∗

It will not be possible to meet the basic needs of the poor in developing countries within the existing technostructure. The technology produced in the high—‐income countries is generally inappropriate for developing countries, being developed to suit conditions in the former. An appropriate technology more productive than a traditional one, but less disruptive than an inappropriate one, is therefore required. Such a technology is better suited to the factor endowments, levels of income, and the social and cultural conditions of developing countries. If real development is to occur in South Africa, priority must be given to the search for and use of smaller scale, more labour intensive methods of production that must be made accessible to all groups.