PEOPLE AND TECHNOLOGY

Abstract

The successful adoption of new technology iscontingent on a number of factors that are of a technoeconomic, social and cultural nature. A review of technologyuptake and user rates in Sub-Saharan Africa reveals clearwinners and losers. Mobile technology and ICT appear toachieve real growth year on year. Yet the picture foralternative and renewable energy (RE) technologies is moredismal. This paper investigates what could be reasons foruser acceptance and application of certain technologies. Theapplication of RE in rural off grid areas has not broughtabout wider use. Conversely the growth of ICT and mobilecellular technology both in a rural and urban context isnoted. Questions arise surrounding the method ofimplementation, the role of donor agencies, the apparentneed for the technology from a user perspective as well aswhether the application of the technology supports overallprogress.

Index Terms - telecommunications, iPad, renewable energy,innovation, smart grid