8th International Conference on Appropriate Technology (8th ICAT)

    November 21-25, 2018

    Songhaï Center, Porto-Novo, Benin

    ORGANIZING SPONSORS: University of Abomey-Calavi, Benin
    International Network on Appropriate Technology (INAT)

    Conference Theme- Endogenous Knowledge, Appropriate Technology and Innovation: Linking the Past and the Future

    The 8th International Conference on Appropriate Technology will:
    1. Promote Knowledge-based Endogenous Development and the diffusion of related innovations to support Appropriate Technology (AT) practice.
    2. Identify, initiate and combine AT contributions based on both pre-modern and modern knowledge in a manner that is rooted in an appropriate historical perspective
    3. Provide a forum for networking on AT solutions for the 21st century through the recognition, valorization and re-appropriation of locally-grounded knowledge and practices
    Background   
                                                            
    Locally-grounded and useful knowledge, both tacit and codified, is one of the most reliable bases for long term, sustainable prosperity. Unfortunately, much of this knowledge remains under-recognized and undervalued, with turnkey solutions from elsewhere often being presented as readily available or convenient. At present, large numbers of people in the Global South, particularly in Africa, still lack access to clean water, sanitation, clean energy, reliable food and nutrition, and safe transportation, among other challenges. Yet in those same  societies,  some  people  have  time-tested,  demonstrable  approaches  to  resolving them, while others are engaged in cutting-edge scientific research and technological development.  All of these, to the extent that they are informed  by contextually-relevant needs,  and  priorities  represent  an  endogenous  knowledge  resource  base.  However, refining, upgrading, applying and diffusing this knowledge in the form of improved products, services and practices also requires the dissemination of lessons and experiences between similarly motivated actors from a broad cross-section  of   any given society. In exploring various local challenges together from an Appropriate Technology perspective, we believe that we can contribute to a more plural, multi-centric, equitable, sustainable and ultimately more just global community

    Endogenous Knowledge, Appropriate Technology and Innovation: Linking the Past and the Future

    Conference Program

    Wednesday 21 November
    (Registration 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm)
    3:30 pm – 6:00 pm
    Introduction of 3D printing workshop
    4:30 pm – 6:00 pm
    Introduction of Raspberry Pi Workshop and Hackathon
    6:00pm – 8:00 pm
    Opening reception
    Thursday 22 November
    (Registration 8:00 pm – 4:00 pm)
    9:00 am – 6:00 pm
    TECHNOLOGY FAIR, POSTERS, DEMONSTRATIONS
    8:30 am – 10:00 am
     Official Opening and Welcome - Main Hall
    8:30 am – 8:45 am
    INAT Chair – Prof. J. Trimble
    8:45 am – 9.00 am
    LOC coordinator – Dr. Aimé Sègla
    9:00 am – 9:15 am
    Minister of Higher Education and Research / Vice-Chancellor UAC
    9:15 am – 9:35 am
    Opening Keynote – Dr. T. Mgwebi, DVC Research, TUT
    9:35 am – 10:00 am
    Discussion
    10:00 am – 10:15 am
    Break
    10:15 am – 12:15 pm
    Plenary Best Paper Session; Facilitator – Prof Gada Kadoda
    12:15 pm – 1:15 pm
    LUNCH and Keynote on Indigenous Knowledge, African Culture, and Technology – Ambassador Prof Olabiyi Yai & Dr. Valentin Agon, CEO Api-Palu
    1:15 pm – 2:45 pm
    Tour of Songhai Center
    2:45pm – 4:30 pm
    Special Panel: Empowering Women through Appropriate Technology – Facilitator: H. Carwell
    3:30pm – 7:00 pm
    Continuation of 3D printing workshop – Facilitator- J. Gwamuri
    4:30pm – 6:15 pm
    Paper Session A – Facilitator – J. Tharakan
    4:30pm – 6:15 pm
    Paper Session B – Facilitator - G Kadoda
    Friday 23 November
    (Registration 8:00 am – 4:00 pm)
    9:00 am – 5:00 pm
    TECHNOLOGY FAIR, POSTERS, DEMONSTRATIONS
    8:00 am – 10:00 am
    Paper Session C - Facilitator – J. Gwamuri
    8:00 am – 10:00 am
    Workshop – “Innovative Agriculture in Africa”, Facilitator – Brian Stephenson and IITA
    8:00 am – 10:00 am
    Workshop & Paper Session – “Advances in Transportation: Gibela and the Commuter Railway System in South Africa”, Facilitator – Prof Mpofu, TUT
    10:00 am – 10:15 am
    Break
    10:00 am – 12:30 pm
    Continuation of Raspberry Pi Workshop and Hackathon
    10:15 am – 12:15 pm
    Paper Session D – Facilitator – J. Trimble
    10:15 am – 12:15 pm
    Paper Session E – Facilitator – D. Soumonni
    12:30 pm – 2:00 pm
    LUNCH & KEYNOTE SPEAKER
    Prof Hounkonnou, President, Beninese Academy of Sciences
    2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
    Workshop - “Ethics and Appropriate Technology”
    2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
    Workshop - “Building Innovation Labs in Africa” – Ubuntu Labs
    2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
    Special Student Session
    4:15 pm – 6:00 pm
    Panel – “Innovation for Liberation in Africa”, Facilitator: J. Trimble
    7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
    BANQUET AND KEYNOTE SPEAKER –
    Rev Fr. Dr. Godfrey Nzamujo, Director of Songhaï Center, Benin

    Format of Abstracts, Papers, Posters and Projects

    Abstracts  for  full  papers,  posters  and  project presentations are being accepted and reviewed. Abstracts & full papers will be double-blind peer-reviewed. Abstracts must be between 200 and 500 words. Please denote paper category (see below) upon abstract submission and indicate if abstract is for full paper and oral presentation, poster or project.

    Language

    The official language of the conference will be English.

    Paper Categories & Suggested Topics

    Green Economy and Innovation

    Manufacturing, small scale industry, mining and mineral processing, socially relevant computing, economics of technology, textile technology, recycling, social business, appropriate technology innovation, ecological economics

    Energy

    Hydro power projects, alternative energy systems, renewable energy, distributed power, rural electrification, solar

    Water and Sanitation

    Water supply, storage and sanitation, water scarcity, water quality, water stress and recycling, toilets, waste management

    Health

    Indigenous medical technologies, food preparation/processing, technologies addressing malaria/TB/HIV/AIDS related issues, pharmaceuticals

    Construction and Infrastructure

     Appropriate architecture, appropriate construction, appropriate transportation,       sustainable building materials

    Environment and Agriculture

    Environmental impact, irrigation projects, forestry & wildlife, agricultural technology, climate change, air quality, remediation of contaminated environments

    Knowledge & Technology Transfer

      Education and training, knowledge engineering, knowledge management, community development, indigenous knowledge, people’s science

    Policy, Standards and Ethics

    Technology policies, technology standards, ethics, culture, quality assurance, responsible wellbeing

     

    Paper Guidelines

    Important Dates

    Deadline for Receipt of abstract for full paper, poster and/or project:

    15 March 2018

    1 June 2018

    Notification of decision on abstracts for papers, posters & projects

    Deadline for full papers

    1 August 2018

    15 September 2018

    Notification of decision on papers, posters & projects

    8th International Conference on Appropriate Technology

    22-25 November 2018

    INFORMATION ON CONFERENCE SITE, HOTELS AND REGISTRATION PAYMENT WILL BE AVAILABLE ON THE WEBSITE.
    For more information call +27(71) 196-3215 or email: 8thicat@gmail.com

    Sponsors

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