ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the diffusion of three technologies to developing countries: microcomputers, hand pumps and large dams. There are several major trends influencing the nature of the technology transfer process, its speed and ultimate choice of technology. The application of microcomputers in developing countries poses some additional challenges. As the European and American public were bombarded with information in the form of magazines and television advertising about the new microcomputers, the development agencies began to wonder about the possible impact in the developing countries. Some areas of interest included microcomputer based expert systems for medical diagnosis at rural health clinics, geographical information systems for urban areas, smart instruments for water and soil testing, CAD for low cost building design, CDs for large research data bases and other applications. Since the early days of development, the provision of potable water to rural communities has had the attention of engineers, economists and social scientists.
