Welcome to the Appropriate Technology and Community Development Institute (ATCDI). Founded in 1978 at the Papua New Guinea University of Technology, our institute began its journey as the Appropriate Technology Development Unit, later evolving into ATCDI in 1981. Over the years, our unwavering mission has been to pioneer novel technologies that enhance the quality of life within Papua New Guinea communities, particularly those in rural areas. Through our work, we strive to propel rural development in a culturally sensitive and sustainable manner, fostering positive changes and lasting impact in the community. Our collaborative efforts with government institutions, non-government organizations, community groups, and donor agencies enable us to conduct comprehensive research and develop apt tools and techniques to cater to rural development needs. Our experienced team of Engineers, Scientists, Technical and Community Development Officers are dedicated to disseminating knowledge on these transformative technologies to communities both within and beyond Papua New Guinea. Amid the challenges posed by politics, economics, and societal, technological, ecological, and legal requirements, we have persevered for over 45 years, committed to making a tangible difference in people's lives. As we continue to grow and adapt, our focus expands to include the urban peripheries, recognizing their equally crucial need for basic amenities. Together, let's create a future where every community has access to appropriate technology and resources for a better quality of life.
Research,Development, Application and Dissemination of Appropriate Technologies.
Improve living standard in PNG.
1. Community, particularly those in rural remote areas less service by Government. 2. Application and sharing of suitable skills and knowledge with communities.
Conduct research and develop appropriate technologies that address rural development needs in Papua New Guinea.
Our mission is to conduct research and develop appropriate technologies that address rural development needs in Papua New Guinea and disseminate this knowledge to communities in a culturally sensitive and sustainable manner.
Our vision is to build a sustainable and culturally sensitive Papua New Guinea where rural communities have access to appropriate technologies and tools that enhance their quality of life.
Develop appropriate technologies that address the needs of rural communities in Papua New Guinea
Build partnerships with government agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders to improve the effectiveness and sustainability of appropriate technology interventions.
Conduct research to better understand the needs of rural communities and to develop new and improved appropriate technology solutions.
Disseminate knowledge and information on appropriate technologies to local communities, organizations, and governments to enhance their capacity to adopt and use these technologies.
We present a selection of projects that ATCDI has successfully implemented or is actively involved in, demonstrating the effective use of suitable technologies and their potential to foster sustainable growth centered around communities. These initiatives form just a single aspect of the five distinct program areas ATCDI encompasses. Each of these areas provides a distinct opportunity to address diverse community needs through the strategic application of suitable, sustainable technologies, thereby contributing to the overall welfare of the communities we serve.
The Kapari Water Supply Project, successfully implemented by ATCDI, brings clean water access to the remote Kapari Village in Abau District, Central Province. The project is a result of a collaborative partnership between the University's ATCDI Project Funds and the Kapari Development Association, with additional logistics support.
The Hobu Water Supply System is undergoing a re-scoping process due to several reasons. These include the need to accommodate growing population demands, address aging infrastructure, improve system efficiency, meet updated regulatory standards, and enhance overall water supply reliability.
This pilot project aims to rekindle interest in ram pumps, an established and reliable technology, despite previous installations in the country. By doing so, it intends to serve as a catalyst for future projects and raise awareness about the practicality of this time-tested technology.
The ADRA-funded Pico hydro project, installed by ATCDI in 2018, provided a power output of 500 W. Its primary goal is to enhance the quality of life in rural communities while minimizing environmental impact.
Empowering communities through food processing and preservation offers numerous benefits. These activities not only create jobs and generate income but also enhance food nutrition and security, alleviate poverty, and improve livelihoods.
The Salamaua Water Supply Project aims to provide clean water access to a remote community village that has long relied on water from a nearby river. By implementing a proper water supply system, the project seeks to ensure sustainable access to clean water for the community. With the right technology in place, the Salamaua Water Supply Project can meet the community's water needs effectively and consistently.
The Small Industries program empowers timber-producing communities to maximize the value of their forest resources. Through training, these communities can convert wood waste and timber branches into high-quality charcoal. As urban areas face escalating fuel and electricity expenses, there is a growing demand for charcoal and stoves.
The Small Industries program engages community youth groups to produce and sell concrete building blocks as an affordable alternative to construction materials. To combat rising timber costs, the groups can acquire a portable metal mould to create standard building blocks using cement and sand, readily available in the communities. Clear instructions for using the brick-making molds are included with the equipment.
Our skilled team, composed of engineers, scientists, technical and community development officers, is dedicated to sharing their knowledge on these transformative technologies with communities not only within Papua New Guinea, but also beyond its borders. Their expertise and commitment ensure that we continue to make strides in enhancing the quality of life and the sustainability of rural communities.
Energy Program
Appropriate Technology Program
Water and Sanitation Program
Food and Downstream Processing Program
Workshop Department
Administration and Accounts Office
Janitor
Unlike a traditional, profit-driven commercial entity primarily focused on bottom-line results, we operate as a service-oriented organization dedicated to fostering development and growth. Our team comprises qualified and experienced professionals – including engineers, scientists, technical and community development officers – employed by the university's administration to contribute significantly to the ATCDI's development programs. Where a profit-driven entity tends to prioritize financial gains, we prioritize service. Our focus is on the contributions we can make to society and development, often facilitated through education, research, and community engagement. Our office facilities are well-organized, offering state-of-the-art workstations and an integrated communication network. This level of organization is purposefully designed to foster synergy, seamless interactions, and collaborations with other departments. Furthermore, it enables us to form partnerships with various development organizations both domestically and abroad, all of which are easily accessible through the internet. This type of connectivity and collaboration is something typically less emphasized in profit-oriented entities. Moreover, our utilities, such as water and lighting, are funded by the university budget. This is a contrast to a profit-driven entity, where the operational costs would typically be a significant concern affecting decisions and strategy.
In addition, we nurture a supportive culture and adopt a learning organization approach. This ethos encourages knowledge sharing and learning, ensuring the effective application and dissemination of impactful development information and technologies. By contrast, a commercial entity may focus more on competitive advantage, often leading to a more guarded approach to knowledge sharing.
At present, the ATCDI focuses on five key program areas:
If you or your group would like to visit the Centre, feel free to drop in during workdays. There is always someone here who can show you around. Our visitors include teachers, school children, villages and volunteers as well as students from the University campus, but we also welcome students from outside the campus.
