A methodology to aid in appropriate forest technology decision-making for developing countries

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT:Grobbelaar, F.R. 2000. A methodology to aid in appropriate technology decision-makingfor developing countries. M.Sc thesis. University of Stellenbosch.In the process of selecting what we believe to be suitable technology for timberharvesting and transport, economics are usually the determining factor, whether in theform of capital investment or personnel cost.Internationally we see a move towards mechanisation in forestry for various reasons:e.g., high wages, labour shortage, and occupational safety. The realities of South Africahighlights other issues requiring attention: e.g., high unemployment, skills' shortage,global competition, rampant AIDS pandemic, and a poor safety and security record.This should focus our attention on finding local solutions to the problem of findingsuitable or appropriate technology to support South Africa's quest for sustainabledevelopment.This thesis attempts to establish a methodology for the objective evaluation ofalternative technologies for a specific timber harvesting situation, considering theeconomic, social and environmental implications.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University