STUDY OF MICRO TECHNO-ECONOMIC DYNAMICS FOR POVERTY ALLEVIATION IN SINDH

Abstract

It is attempted to assess the status of poverty in Sindh and its possible alleviation through economic up-gradation of the society with use of appropriate technology at the micro level and determination of relationship between the two. The phenomenon is termed as Micro Techno-Economic Dynamics (MTED). A new literature review framework termed as GRD- Framework is developed and successfully used for this study. It is limited to the use of solar thermal technology, identified as an appropriate technology. It has provided global, regional (national) and domestic (Sindh) perspective for technology utilization for poverty alleviation and MTED. On the basis of literature surveyed and the background research already done by the author, two indigenous research frameworks Primary and Secondary are designed to conduct this research. The primary framework provides the basic MTED scenario for poverty alleviation in Sindh, whereas the secondary framework sketches the in-depth MTED scenario. The research methodology of the Primary framework based upon the process laid down by Cai et al (2009) is applied through a field study in a community comprising of mainly farmers, who form a large portion of poor in the society. The survey under this framework has helped further in identifying the major institutions underlying the innovation system that shapes the MTED in Sindh. Afterwards, the Bergek et al (2008) framework is merged with the Primary framework to produce the Secondary framework. The Secondary framework utilizes the data collected from the institutions identified in Primary framework through another survey. It is based upon seven functional parameters identified by the Bergek et al (2008), which are modified for this study in the context of Sindh. xii The data collected further identifies the significant difference in perceptions at the levels of an individual and the society, as a whole. It helps in testing hypotheses formed to identify the hurdles in promotion of MTED for poverty alleviation in Sindh. These hurdles are mapped with such issues identified and addressed in the national policies before and some more realistic policy recommendations are framed. And the key policy recommendations that emerge are:  The Government of Sindh should strengthen the Science and Technology (S&T) Cell in the Department of Planning and Development or better revive and reestablish the separate Department of Science and Technology established earlier but abandoned soon after.  The S&T Cell or the Department should frame a comprehensive policy and its plan of action to introduce the MTED, rather make it feasible though out Sindh up to village level, to alleviate poverty.  The policies framed and action plans introduced in this respect be reviewed on regular basis.  A detailed survey of human and natural resources and other requirements be conducted for each feasible unit at Taluka, Village, etc. level for whole of Sindh and a relevant appropriate technology (s) be identified for each different unit to introduce MTED phenomenon for poverty alleviation effectively in that area. xiii  An appropriate comprehensive program be launched for vocational education and technical training for generation of suitable manpower in Techno-Economic Development and Innovation to promote MTED. The concepts may be introduced in general through special topics/ courses at secondary level of education to generate creative minds in this field.  Financial Incentives may be provided to promote RETs/STTs and other relevant technologies in order to keep the wheel of MTED in Sindh moving.  The Government must encourage linkages among different concerned organizations to form themselves into an Innovation System to achieve the objectives of poverty alleviation through MTED  The role of NGOs and private sector be strengthened in MTED effort to rapidly bring the benefits of RETs/STTs and other appropriate technologies to common people.  Funds be provided for small pilot field studies and training to provide RETs/STTs and other appropriate technologies first-hand knowledge to common people.