Implementing Technologies in Disaster Settings

3.23.2010 SPEAKER: Catherine Lainé Deputy Director, Appropriate Infrastructure Development Group (AIDG) MODERATOR: Anjali Sastry, PhD Senior Lecturer, System Dynamics, MIT Sloan School of Management

Forum Summary

The Appropriate Infrastructure Development Group (AIDG) seeks to promote small business development in countries with limited resources.  It focuses on projects involving renewable energy, sanitation, clean water, and disaster-proof housing.  It provides support in the form of financial assistance, business planning, material and equipment procurement, and logistical and technical assistance.  Operating in Haiti and Guatemala, the group utilizes local materials and talent as much as possible.

The 2010 earthquake in Haiti, which left over one million people homeless, caused the AIDG to become involved in efforts to provide victims with earthquake-resistant housing, and the catastrophe also caused the organization to think carefully about what makes technology “appropriate.”  Leaders at AIDG realized that in a situation in which volunteer turnover is high, such as in Haiti, new technologies must be extremely easy to learn and use.  The logistics of deployment were also problematic at times, such as when gasoline shortages prevented needed supplies from being shipped from central warehouses.  Having people in the field proved to be of the utmost importance.  

AIDG also supports a number of projects with applications beyond disaster preparedness.  It has helped develop microhydroelectric systems capable of generating power for rural families and biogas systems designed to reduce indoor air pollution.  Another device developed with the help of AIDG uses solar power to provide 24-hour lighting in camps for displaced Haitians, reducing levels of violence.  A final example of a company supported by AIDG is Shelter2Home, which produces shelters in Haiti that can eventually be converted into permanent homes. 

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