Appropriate community technology - A training manual: Phase V: Solar agricultural dryers: Session 7. Introducing new technologies: solar dryers

Appropriate community technology - A training manual

Phase V: Solar agricultural dryers

		Phase V Calendar
		Session 1. Introduction to agricultural dryers
		Session 2. Tour of solar dryers
		Session 3. Solar agricultural dryer design procedures and rules of thumb
		Session 4. Two-hour dryer construction
		Session 5. Review of existing solar dryer plans
		Session 6. Smoke testing solar dryers
		Session 7. Introducing new technologies: solar dryers
		Session 8. Design of solar agricultural dryers
		Session 9. Site selection and preparation
		Session 10. Construction of solar agricultural dryers
		Session 11. Issues and methods in development and diffusion of appropriate technology
		Session 12. Natural cooling
		Session 13. Approaches to health systems
		Session 14. Nutritional gardening
		Session 15. Practical drying tips
		Session 16. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
		Session 17. Dryer assessment and modification
		Session 18. Introduction to cost benefit analysis (cba)
		Session 19. Presentation of solar dryers
		Session 20. Introduction to the final phase of the training program

Session 7. Introducing new technologies: solar dryers

Total time:	1 hour
Objectives:	* To discuss factors which influence acceptance of new technologies (i.e., solar dryers)
	* To observe role-plays and discuss their effectiveness as techniques for community development
Resource:	Crone, From the Field, pp. 69-70
Materials:	Newsprint and felt-tip pens, other materials as needed by the participants

Trainer Notes

This session involves role-playing as its principal activity and requires planning. Select three or four volunteers from among the participants to help with this activity. If any of the participants have experience in a Third World country, encourage them to volunteer as this will lend authenticity to the situation. Arrange to meet with the role-players at least half an hour before the session to develop the role-play situation. Explain that the activity should center around factors which influence the acceptance of a new technology in a community (i.e., time, money, risks involved, disruption of traditional "ways of doing things," etc.). Allow the participants considerable latitude in developing the roles. Encourage them to be creative. Have them focus the play on the introduction of a solar-drying device into a Third World community. flake sure that they understand there is no need to offer solutions to any of the issues they raise. The purpose of the play is to . stimulate thought and discussion among the observers.

Procedures:

Step 1. (5 minutes)

Explain the session objectives and review the activities.

Step 2. (10 minutes)

Present the role-play situation.

Step 3. (30 minutes)

Have the participants identify and discuss the issues raised by the role-play concerning the acceptance of new technologies in a community.

Trainer Notes

To stimulate discussion, list the issues on newsprint as they are identified and ask participants to suggest ways of dealing with them.

Step 4. (15 minutes)

Have the participants discuss the effectiveness of role-play as a technique for community development.

Trainer Notes

* First, ask people to comment on the effectiveness of the role-play in helping to meet the objectives of this session.

* Then have them identify some ways in which they could use role-play techniques in their work as Peace Corps Volunteers.