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Periodical article | Leiden University catalogue | WorldCat |
Title: | Development Policy and Inappropriate Product Technology: The Kenyan Case |
Author: | Coughlin, Peter E. |
Year: | 1988 |
Periodical: | Eastern Africa Economic Review |
Volume: | 4 |
Issue: | 1 |
Period: | June |
Pages: | 18-35 |
Language: | English |
Geographic term: | Kenya |
Subjects: | packaging technology construction industry Development and Technology Economics and Trade |
Abstract: | The roofing and the milk packaging materials industries are both examples of how product choices can affect employment and foreign exchange expenditure and hamper a country's development. The paper examines the comparative costs and benefits of using clay tiles vs. corrugated steel roofing, and plastic sachets vs. Tetrapak plastic laminated paper cartons. On virtually all criteria, Kenya uses the wrong materials. Moreover, if politically desired, the choice of products can be manipulated through simple policy changes. However, clarity of purpose and a strong political will are needed to confront the vested interests benefiting from Kenya's use of inappropriate products that require excessive dependence on imported inputs, dampen industrialization, and deprive the nation of much-needed jobs. App., bibliogr., notes, ref. |