organizer: Charles Verharen

Discussants / Demonstrators: John Tharakan, Gada Kadoda, George Middendorf, David Schwartzman
Abstract:
This workshop will discuss a set of specific LEED-like ethical principles as a foundation for a global system of ethics for appropriate technology. LEED is the acronym for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. The LEED organization offers a green building rating system deployed throughout the world. Modeled on LEED certification, the discussion will start with the ethical principles of the Songhaï ecovillage model developed by Godfrey Nzamujo: autochthony (rooted in the physical and cultural soil of the ecovillage community); autonomy (relying on green energy and excluding chemical fertilizers and pesticides); and authentic (responsible for the survival and flourishing of all community members with outreach to surrounding communities). Building upon these three principles, the workshop will consider their compatibility with the United Nations Declarations of Universal Human Rights. The workshop’s conclusion will discuss whether a LEED-like ethical system for appropriate technology applications should be produced consensually by appropriate technology practitioners. While any given set of ethical principles may be a springboard for reflection, changing global circumstances call for constant revaluation of ethical principles capable of confronting contemporary existential crises such as catastrophic climate change and the sixth mass extinction.

objectives: Consensus on methodology for producing a set of global ethical principles for appropriate technology applications.
expected outcomes: Reshaping cultural convictions about the status of ethical foundations.
Discussion Points OR Demonstration Areas:

1. Comparison of LEED principles and ethical systems.
2. Professor Godfrey Nzamujo's proposed 3 ethical principles.
3.  Comparison with the Indian Muni Seva Ashram''s ethical principles.
4. Examination of the foundations of the United Nations declarations of human rights.
5. The possibility of a universal system of ethics for appropriate technology applications.

Intended Audience: All ICAT 10 participants interested in the ethical principles of appropriate technology.

Additional information:The ethics workshop is designed to complement the INAT ethics initiative on a ethics of appropriate technology. This is a two-hours workshop.

 

Workshop organizer: Lassana Magassa

Abstract:

Although developing policies and technologies that are informed by the life experiences of underrepresented groups can reduce the likelihood of harm, it can be difficult to get started. Diverse Voices is a method developed to increase the probability that technologists and policymakers can integrate feedback from marginalized communities before an artifact is finalized. This in turn avoids, or at least reduces the likelihood of underrepresented groups being disproportionately harmed. This workshop will introduce the method, describe the method’s effectiveness, and provide hands-on experience with key aspects. Attendees will briefly explore how Diverse Voices can be used to generate feedback on proposed sustainable community wellbeing initiatives.

1. To introduce the Diverse Voices method to attendees.

2. To give attendees an opportunity to practice key parts of the method.

3. Explore how the method can be used in the work attendees are currently involved in.

1.Attendees will understand what gaps the Diverse Voices method is intended to fill.

2. Attendees will be able to perform key aspects of the method.

3. Attendees will explore how the method can be used in their local context
Discussion Points OR Demonstration Areas:

1. Technology is often developed without the circumstances and needs of underrepresented communities in mind.
2. Technology policymakers mean well, but sometimes fall short and create policies that disproportionately harm underrepresented communities.
3. To properly consider how a particular technology or policy would negatively impact the life experiences of underrepresented communities.
4. Diverse Voices accomplishes this by holding three to four expert panels, each with 3 to 6 participants on a mature draft of a policy document or technology.
5. Panels that are convened after developing a list of all possible underrepresented groups that might be negatively impacted and finalized after discussion about who is least likely to be represented in conversations.
6. Each panel will have a minimum of 2 people with lived-experience in addition to people (for example friends, family, lawyers, community aid workers, etc.) who support their experiences.
7. In preparation for panel sessions, short videos and comic strips demonstrating the promise and peril of a technology or class of technologies are identified.
8. Panel sessions are recorded, facilitated by two people, and transcribed.

    9. The transcribed audio files are analyzed with the discussed technology in mind. A synthesis document is prepared and shared with the author(s) of a policy document or technology.
Intended Audience: Policymakers, Technologists, Community Advocates, Government
Additional Information:This is a half-day workshop.

 

Workshop organizer: Passion of Hope International - USA

Discussants / Demonstrators: Mariam Olorundare, Marwan Awad, Enayat Mohaker

The expansion of farming in traditional pastureland has resulted in desertification in the Sahel region with implied climate change and socio-economic instability. This has impacted the resilience of pastoral livelihoods and weakened regional livestock markets which rely on unrestricted mobility of herders. In turn, conflict-related crises have escalated, including violent extremism and forced displacement in some countries.This workshop intends to bring key stakeholders into dialogue in addressing the issues which underline these regional instabilities. The objectives of the workshop are to explore the role governments should play in regional agricultural policy and land use management. The workshop has the following outcomes:

1. Discussion between farmers and cattle herders which leads to collaboration and peaceful economic co-existence.
2. Recommendations on agricultural policy and land use management to government which are environmentally sustainable, support regional economic resilience, increase food security, and minimize existing tensions between key stakeholders.
3. Introduction of appropriate technologies which embrace regenerative agriculture, peer-to-peer cooperation, and value-addition for increased financial success.

    4. Facilitation of ongoing constructive discussions between key stakeholders which promotes environmental and economic stability in the Sahel regions and beyond.

Discussion Points OR Demonstration Areas:

1.How can appropriate technology knowledge reach rural farmers?
2.Creating value for farm products and getting it to the market
3. Financial opportunities for farmers and how it can be accessed.
4.Agricultural sustainability through forestry recovery.
5. Risk of rain distribution and floods. Water harvesting model.
6.  Water harvesting model.
Intended Audience: Stakeholders in the Sahel regional economy (small-holder farmers, cattle herders, commercial-scale farmers, traders, students, financial institutions, and government policy makers).
Additional Information: This workshop will be hosted virtually for two days prior to the in-person/hybrid workshop.