Preface

You are looking at proof that technological innovations originate in developing countries. This book describes over one hundred innovations, new methodologies and original conclusions, produced by many of the South’s most brilliant minds.

When a problem occurs in a developing region, the local population and even governments tend, all too often, to turn to Northern “experts”. This habit is encouraged by international aid agencies, which are often unaware of Southern achievements and skills. The resulting inappropriate, ephemeral solutions are depressingly familiar.

I hope that this book, with its many examples of tangible, practical results in the fields of agriculture, environment, education, information, health and communications, will contribute to raising the profile of the successes achieved by scientists in developing countries. Although we produced the book for all development officials, it is intended specifically for non-governmental organizations in the North as well as in the South. Sometimes these organizations have few opportunities to learn about the achievements of Southern scientists who can be reached by telephone, fax or a short trip.

I am extremely proud of this book. It shows the extent to which our cooperation has been productive, and presents just a fraction of the work done by the IDRC’s scientific partners.

At a time when IDRC is mobilizing all its energies to implement the objectives of the Agenda 21 adopted at the Earth Summit, the tangible results contained in these pages augur well for future successes.

Keith A. Bezanson
President