Lifecycle Design and Christian Viewpoint in Technology Development for Developing Agrarian and Rural Economies

About Lifecycle Design and Christian Viewpoint in Technology Development for Developing Agrarian and Rural Economies

Abstract

The teaching on compassion, love and care for the less privileged can be found throughout the Bible. It was also demonstrated by the Lord (Acts 10:381). How can we apply this doctrine in helping many people in the less developed countries that are suffering due to inadequate or even unavailable basic infrastructure and suitable tools that could make their work easier and thereby improve their quality of life? The goal of this research, therefore, was to contribute to innovations in rural technological development as it applies to developing countries. It intends to achieve this by identifying and developing strategies, approaches, tools, and/or resources that promote effective development of appropriate technologies, and in the process help in solving a number of challenges faced by governmental and non-governmental agencies that are responsible for rural development. The project also considered how the application of biblical teachings on love and the teachings of 1Corinthian 10:31 and Colossians 3:17, 23 can influence the attainment of these goals. An intensive study and past experiences in working with- and developing technologies for rural communities in developing countries revealed that a sustainable solution to rural technology development and utilization lies in the application of lifecycle design concepts to every aspect of the rural technology development process. This led to the subsequent development of the conceptual lifecycle-based technology development process design framework that is presented in this paper. The analysis of the methodology revealed that when rural communities and other stakeholders in rural development are engaged in unique, participatory forms of relationship throughout the lifecycle of a developmental project, an appropriate technological development will more likely result. It will also bring about positive changes in a community‘s attitudes/behaviours towards the utilization and maintenance of public infrastructure.