Collaborative lifecycle design A viable approach to sustainable rural technology development

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to present a lifecycle design methodology for rural technology development that promotes stakeholders' participation throughout the developmental process. The model was based on findings from rural development studies, several years of experience in rural technology development and on lifecycle management principles. This article explained what collaborative lifecycle design for rural technology development is, and how it can be implemented. It also described how stakeholders involved rural technology design and development framework was used in developing low-cost, potable multi-purpose threshers. The performance characteristics of the machines developed through the use of this methodology were within the same functional performance range with imported models. In addition, the use of the methodology resulted in lower production cost, better acceptance and improved maintainability. It also fostered rapport between stakeholders, led to attainment of self-reliance in that technology instead of dependence on imported machinery and improved our post-harvest technology capacity building. Moreover, it led to the development of a technology that is socio-culturally compatible and environmentally friendly.

Issues in the sustainability of products designed for multi-lifecycle

“…The incorporated product features were to enable a product go beyond single lifecycle. The design concepts that facilitate incorporation of such features in a product includes design for assembly, design for disassembly, design for simplicity, design for modularity, design to cost, design for materials and design for use and reuse [2,[9][10][11][12][13][14]. Others are design for manufacturability, design for remanufacturing, and design for packaging [15] as illustrated in Figure 1.…”

“…For example, economic sustainability of product Y is reached if the lifecycle cost of a newly manufactured product Y is equal or lower than the total cost of the next lifecycle of the multi-lifecycle designed product. This could be due to increased resource consumption, the need for more spare parts, changes in regulations that affect availability of spare parts, increased utility billing rate, and other costs associated with multi-lifecycle designed liability [2]], [14], [17].…”

Sustainability Issues in Innovative Waste Reduction Technology Adoption and Assimilation

“…It is also important to consider possible future expansion in the infrastructure as well as anticipate future needs for the same infrastructure for other things. This should be done in relation to the requirement of the proposed waste reduction technology in order to make adequate provision and planning for the sizing of the technology being considered for adoption [38]. Taking this step would ensure the availability and long service life of the waste reduction technology.…”

“…This is where the use of lifecycle design concepts is essential. It is important to make the waste reduction process simple enough for the adopter to understand how it works, be able to maintain the technology, and be able to adapt and improve the technology [31,38].…”

Lifecycle assessment of a stapling machine

“…Similarly, manufacturing companies are adopting lifecycle assessment, design for environment, and environmental management systems to evaluate their products and to reduce their ecological footprints. Consequently, LCA is an appropriate tool for evaluating the potential environmental impacts of a stapling machine [11]- [16]. The statistical data on the worldwide demand for stapling machines is not available but it is estimated to be about 2 million units per annum.…”