Showing papers on "Appropriate technology published in 2017"

Appropriate technology for domestic wastewater management in under-resourced regions of the world

Abstract: Centralized wastewater management system is the modern day waste management practice, but the high cost and stringent requirements for the construction and operation have made it less attractive in the under-resourced regions of the world. Considering these challenges, the use of decentralized wastewater management system, on-site treatment system, as an appropriate technology for domestic wastewater treatment is hereby advocated. Adopting this technology helps save money, protects home owners’ investment, promotes better watershed management, offers an appropriate solution for low-density communities, provides suitable alternatives for varying site conditions and furnishes effective solutions for ecologically sensitive areas. In the light of this, an overview of the on-site treatment scheme, at the laboratory scale, pilot study stage, and field trials was conducted to highlight the operational principles’ strength and shortcomings of the scheme. The operational requirements for the establishing and operation of the scheme and best management practice to enhance the performance and sustenance were proffered.

Indigenous Knowledge Systems for Appropriate Technology Development

Abstract: Indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) comprises knowledge developed within indigenous societies, independent of, and prior to, the advent of the modern scientific knowledge system (MSKS). Examples of IKS such as Ayurveda from India and Acupuncture from China are well known. IK covers diverse areas of importance for society, spanning issues concerned with the quality of life from agriculture and water to health. The IK resident in India and China have high relevance to rural life, especially given the level of engagement with agricultural and health technologies. The goal is to establish a heuristic whereby IK can be reviewed and evaluated within particular contexts to determine if the IKS can lead to the development of appropriate technology (AT) addressing that need sustainably. Although much work on cataloguing and documenting IKS has been completed in these two countries, a paucity of attention has been paid to the scientific rationale and technological content of these IKS. Evaluation of many indigenous technologies reveal that many of these technologies can be classified as ‘appropriate’, focused on basic needs of water, sanitation and agriculture, and many have origins in IKS that survived. Thus, IKS must be validated, exploited and integrated into AT innovation and development.

Introduction: New Approaches to Sustainable Offshore Food Production and the Development of Offshore platforms

Abstract: As we exhaust traditional natural resources upon which we have relied for decades to support economic growth, alternatives that are compatible with a resource conservation ethic, are consistent with efforts to limit greenhouse emissions to combat global climate change, and that support principles of integrated coastal management must be identified. Examples of sectors that are prime candidates for reinvention are electrical generation and seafood production. Once a major force in global economies and a symbol of its culture and character, the fishing industry has experienced major setbacks in the past half-decade. Once bountiful fisheries were decimated by overfishing and destructive fisheries practices that resulted in tremendous biomass of discarded by-catch. Severe restrictions on landings and effort that have been implemented to allow stocks to recover have had tremendous impact on the economy of coastal communities. During the period of decline and stagnation in capture fisheries, global production from aquaculture grew dramatically, and now accounts for 50% of the world’s edible seafood supply. With the convergence of environmental and aesthetic concerns, aquaculture, which was already competing for space with other more established and accepted uses, is having an increasingly difficult time expanding in nearshore waters. Given the constraints on expansion of current methods of production, it is clear that alternative approaches are needed in order for the marine aquaculture sector to make a meaningful contribution to global seafood supply. Farming in offshore marine waters has been identified as one potential option for increasing seafood production and has been a focus of international attention for more than a decade. Though there are technical challenges for farming in the frequently hostile open ocean environment, there is sufficient rationale for pursuing the development of offshore farming. Favorable features of open ocean waters include ample space for expansion, tremendous carrying and assimilative capacity, reduced conflict with many user groups, lower exposure to human sources of pollution, the potential to reduce some of the negative environmental impacts of coastal fish farming (Ryan 2004; Buck 2004; Helsley and Kim 2005; Ward et al. 2006; Langan 2007), and optimal environmental conditions for a wide variety of marine species (Ostrowski and Helsley 2003; Ryan 2004; Howell et al. 2006; Benetti et al. 2006; Langan and Horton 2003). Those features, coupled with advances in farming technology (Fredheim and Langan 2009) would seem to present an excellent opportunity for growth, however, development in offshore waters has been measured. This has been due in large part to the spill over from the opposition to nearshore marine farming and the lack of a regulatory framework for permitting, siting and managing industry development. Without legal access to favorable sites and a “social license” to operate without undue regulatory hardship, it will be difficult for open ocean aquaculture to realize its true potential. Some parallels can be drawn between ocean aquaculture and electricity generation. Continued reliance on traditional methods of production, which for electricity means fossil fuels, is environmentally and economically unsustainable. There is appropriate technology available to both sectors, and most would agree that securing our energy and seafood futures are in the collective national interest. The most advanced and proven renewable sector for ocean power generation is wind turbines, and with substantial offshore wind resources in the, one would think there would be tremendous potential for development of this sector and public support for development. The casual observer might view the ocean as a vast and barren place, with lots of space to put wind turbines and fish farms. However, if we start to map out existing human uses such as shipping lanes, pipelines, cables, LNG terminals, and fishing grounds, and add to that ecological resource areas that require some degree of protection such as whale and turtle migration routes, migratory bird flyways, spawning grounds, and sensitive habitats such as corals, the ocean begins to look like a crowed place. Therefore, when trying to locate new ocean uses, it may be worthwhile to explore possibilities for co-location of facilities, in this case wind turbines and fish and shellfish farms. While some might argue that trying to co-locate two activities that are individually controversial would be a permitting nightmare, general agreement can probably be reached that there are benefits to be gained by reducing the overall footprint of human uses in the ocean. Meeting the challenges of multi-use facilities in the open ocean will require careful analysis and planning; however, the opportunity to co-locate sustainable seafood and renewable energy production facilities is intriguing, the concept is consistent with the goals of Marine Spatial Planning and ecosystem based management, and therefore worthy of pursuit.

Providing Appropriate Technology for Emerging Markets: Case Study on China’s Solar Thermal Industry

Abstract: Building on a case study of five Chinese solar thermal companies and one association, our study aims to understand how the innovator’s choices regarding the use of technology and organizational practices for new product development enable companies to design and diffuse appropriate technology in emerging markets. The study uncovers two critical factors that enhance the appropriateness of technology: redefining the identity of technology and building a local supply system. Our analysis shows that synergic innovation in both architecture and component leads to the appropriate functionalities desired by emerging markets. Moreover, modular design and the building of a local supply system enhance the process appropriateness of technology. Our study provides an empirical basis for advocating going beyond minor adaptations of existing products to creating appropriate technology for emerging markets, and extends our understandings of the upstream process of designing appropriate technology. Moreover, the emphasis on the local supply system reflects a holistic framework for shaping and delivering appropriate technology, expanding the existing research focus on the perspective of the technology itself. Our research also has managerial implications that may help firms tap into emerging markets.

Preference for and characteristics of an appropriate sanitation technology for the slums of Kisumu, Kenya

Abstract: Slums are faced with several challenges including lack of sanitation facilities. This lack is further compounded by the difficulty in determining an appropriate sanitation technology due to the challenging living conditions. An appropriate technology should, among others, consider the conditions of each settlement as well as views of the slum residents. Through interviews and participatory discussions, residents of the slums in Kisumu city identified sanitation technologies they preferred, and the reasons for or against these technologies. These responses were pointers to characteristics of an appropriate technology for the slums. Pit latrines, ecological sanitation and flush toilets were identified, but residents selected pit latrines as appropriate for their settlements. The results mean that technically, an ideal technology should be easy to construct and use, be socioculturally acceptable, environmentally friendly and economically affordable. This article calls for cooperation among stakeholde...

Open source 3D printers: an appropriate technology for building low cost optics labs for the developing communities

Abstract: The recent introduction of RepRap (self-replicating rapid prototyper) 3-D printers and the resultant open source technological improvements have resulted in affordable 3-D printing, enabling low-cost distributed manufacturing for individuals. This development and others such as the rise of open source-appropriate technology (OSAT) and solar powered 3-D printing are moving 3-D printing from an industry based technology to one that could be used in the developing world for sustainable development. In this paper, we explore some specific technological improvements and how distributed manufacturing with open-source 3-D printing can be used to provide open-source 3-D printable optics components for developing world communities through the ability to print less expensive and customized products. This paper presents an open-source low cost optical equipment library which enables relatively easily adapted customizable designs with the potential of changing the way optics is taught in resource constraint communities. The study shows that this method of scientific hardware development has a potential to enables a much broader audience to participate in optical experimentation both as research and teaching platforms. Conclusions on the technical viability of 3-D printing to assist in development and recommendations on how developing communities can fully exploit this technology to improve the learning of optics through hands-on methods have been outlined.

Smart cities and sustainable urbanism: a study from policy and design perspective

Abstract: This paper examines India’s foray into building hundred smart cities from multiple perspectives viz. urban challenges, urban policies, sustainable urbanism, emerging global models and design and technology intervention. It also evaluates the relative challenges of building new smart cities like Masdar or Songdo and applying smart interventions to retrofit the aging and ailing urban infrastructure of the existing Indian cities. Based on the data from the secondary sources it examines the priority areas and the possibilities of making smart intervention through use of appropriate technology and design. While doing so, it brings into discussion India’s urban challenges and its policy of urban development over the years besides the recurring development deficit. Today, Indian cities are faced with huge infrastructure deficit which reflects in their performance and service delivery. The imperative to ensure urban rejuvenation now reflects in the recent policy of creating hundred smart cities in India. This paper also discusses howtechnology and design interventions at appropriate levels canaugment urban infrastructure and make a sustainable urban eco-system called smart city.

Reflections on Preparing Educators toEvaluate the Efficacy of Educational Technology:An Interview with Joseph South

Abstract: Joseph South, an educational researcher, technology consultant, and former director of the U.S. Office of Educational Technology participated in a research initiative on Educational Technology Efficacy Research organized by the Jefferson Education Accelerator, Digital Promise, and the Curry School of Education at the University of Virginia. The working group in which he participated, one of 10, focused on preparing future teachers and educational leaders to make effective decisions related to evaluation of educational technology products and selection of appropriate technology tools. South responded to interview questions developed by members of Working Group E of the Jefferson Education Accelerator initiative on the Efficacy of Educational Technology Research. The U.S. Office of Educational Technology convened a Teacher Preparation Innovation Summit in June 2016 with the goal of “Developing a common set of technology competency expectations for university professors and candidates exiting teacher preparation programs for teaching in technologically enabled schools and post-secondary education institutions” (U.S. Department of Education, 2016c). This summit was followed by a related strand at the 2016 National Technology Leadership Summit in September 2016 and culminated in a meeting at the American Association of Colleges of Teacher Education in December, followed by a White House summit on Advancing Educational Technology in Teacher Preparation. The results of this work are summarized in an Education Technology and Teacher Preparation Brief published by the U.S. Department of Education (2016b). Contemporary Issues in Technology and Teacher Education, 17(1) 12 This work was directed by Joseph South, an educational researcher, technology consultant, and former director of the U.S. Office of Educational Technology. In a parallel effort, Joseph South also participated in a research initiative on Educational Technology Efficacy Research organized by the Jefferson Education Accelerator, Digital Promise, and the Curry School of Education at the University of Virginia. The working group in which he participated, one of 10, focused on preparing future teachers and educational leaders to make effective decisions related to evaluation of educational technology products and selection of appropriate technology tools. The explosion in technological innovation is bringing about disruptive change. An overwhelming number of products are reaching the market. These products outpace the ability of educational researchers to evaluate them. An inadequate amount of trusted information is available about which products are effective. In some ways, the current system has outpaced the ability of teacher education institutions to prepare teachers for a different future. The working group is soliciting perspectives from deans of education regarding thoughts about how their institutions might best adapt to build capacity for preparing teachers and school leaders for this future. These perspectives will inform recommendations that will be presented at a National Symposium on the Efficacy of Technology in the coming year. This work is a first step in identifying the ways to enable and facilitate effective use of technologies to improve learning and instruction in American schools. The goal is to establish what is being done in the preparation of teachers and educational leaders and what deans, department chairs and other leaders in the area of preservice training of teachers and school administrators believe might be done differently to improve those programs.

Sustainability and Agribusiness Development in Nigeria

Abstract: Sustainable development refers to the development that meets the needs of the present, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. For an agribusiness to be sustainable it must produce food with regard not only to the environment (to ensure production can continue on an indefinite basis) but also to generating sufficient production to meet the demand and producing an adequate return for farmers to support the standard of living they and their next generations require. It was on this background that the study assessed the sustainability and agribusiness development in Nigeria. The study adopted secondary data as sources of information. Relevant literatures on sustainability and agribusiness development were elicited from various impact journals and critically reviewed. The study viewed agribusiness as generic term for the various businesses involved in the food production chain, including farming (both subsistence and mechanized farming), seed supply, manure, fertilizers and agri-chemicals, farm machinery, distribution, wholesale and retail sales, processing, research and development, marketing and financing of the agro-allied industry. Findings provided evidence of agribusiness been a key enablers for sustainable development of developing countries like Nigeria, this is because of its crosscutting nature thus affecting all sectors of the nation’s economy ranging from socio-economics, agriculture, commerce, marketing, industrials, environment, among others. The study provided an evidence that sustainable agribusiness is capable of providing aggregate employment, reducing poverty, ensuring and food security. Regretably, poor policy articulation, inadequate working capital, lack of appropriate technology and inadequate infrastructure are the bane of sustainable agribusiness development in Nigeria. However, it was recommended that the government at all levels should as a matter of urgency intensify awareness about sustainable agribusiness development build agribusiness skills and technological capabilities among firms and her citizen as this would enhance the nation’s annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP) positively. Keywords: Sustainable development; Agribusiness; Constraints; Nigeria

Determining appropriate strategy to improve performance of solid waste recycling system in Zahedan by SWOT method

Abstract: Following the development of solid waste management law and the executive regulations of wastes, along the line of 20-year vision plan for the country and based on Article 50 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Waste Management Organization was established in Iran for the purpose of achieving the objectives of sustainable development. Therefore, (Deputy for Research and Education) of the Recycling Organization was selected as official responsible in order to determines strategy and plans for establishment and implementation of this organization. Basic strategy principles for waste in every city is determined by policy and planning in various management areas such as culture and education, storage system, material transport and disposal and particular cases such as lower production (minimization) and the important issue of (recycling in the production process from the source). This issues needs to be dealt with appropriate technology in all the cities. Despite efforts made in recent years in Zahedan, more than 40 million Rials is spent daily in order to transport 220 ton/day of waste materials. Considering the uncertainty of efficiency of the current strategy, it is obvious that applying an appropriate strategy can reduce a large portion of the costs across all the stages of solid waste management. This study aims to offer efficient strategies to improve solid waste recycling system in Zahedan based on the technical and economic conditions in the SWOT matrix (weaknesses, strengths, opportunities, threats). The results of this strategic analysis are presented in the following sections.

Factors Affecting Technological Growth in Nigeria and the Way Forward

Abstract: This paper spotlights Nigeria’s technological antecedence and the factors affecting Nigeria’s technological growth with a view to proffering solution for a robust technological and industrialized structural framework as a way forward to achieving sustainable technological growth. Majorly, due to relegation of useful indigenous technology as a result of distractions, inability to comprehend what actually is the meaning of technology, inability to identify her appropriate technology and the guiding principle for technology transfer, among others have made it vivid that after over fifty years of independence, Nigeria has been depending, in several areas, on foreign nations for her various technological and industrial needs. This research paper relied majorly on information sources, such as government documents, academic journals and articles, conference papers and personal observations and interactions with people carrying this same burden for Nigeria. From the study, colonialism truncated and hindered improvement in the indigenous skills and techniques of the pre-colonial economy. However, the development of indigenous skills and techniques of pre-colonial Nigeria is a pre-requisite to sound technological growth, rather than depending on foreign inputs, which must be properly monitored and developed to set the pace for Nigeria’s industrialization.

The effect of consumer expectations and perceptions regarding sanitation on access to clean water

Abstract: Biography Louiza Duncker is a principal researcher at the CSIR and has a Master degree in Anthropology from the University of Pretoria. She has been involved in and managed research in rural and urban areas on social dynamics, behavioural patterns in technology use, and impact assessments through projects on gender, housing, water and sanitation, and infrastructure technologies for sustainable human settlements for 22 years. The results were implemented in a number of policies, strategies, manuals and guidelines for the water-sanitation and human settlements sectors.

Selection of Water-Treatment Technology

Abstract: This chapter describes how to select an appropriate treatment technology for treating water with different characteristics. By presenting the major selection characteristics, an attempt is made here to offer guidelines for selecting the most suitable treatment technology to meet specific treatment needs. As noted in this chapter, access to the best treatment technologies, awareness about such technologies, prevailing environmental regulations, compliance of such regulations, and cost of treatment also play a decisive role in selecting the most appropriate technology for water-treatment.

Low-Cost Multi-Effect Solar Still: Alternative Appropriate Technology for Personal Desalination

Abstract: Multi effect solar still (MES) has a stack of multiple layers for evaporation and condensation. The latent heat dissipated during condensation at the front layers are repeatedly recycled for evaporation at the back layers to increase overall desalination productivity. Despite of high efficiency and long history, MES has not been widely used yet, because of relative high cost. In this chapter, newly designed MES is introduced. Since it has low cost, light weight material and simple structure, it could be easily mass even at less developed country. The cost of production for a 1 m2 unit is expected to be less than 300 USD. Structural features are introduced with experimental result which was outdoor tested with homemade lab prototype with 0.219 m2 effective area. 9kg/m2 per day of fresh water was obtained at sunny day (19.5MJ/m2) in Seoul, Korea, which is close to WHO’s recommended minimal daily water supply for individuals (7.5~15 liters). For more practical implementation, further development on prototype and production process should be made as well as long term outdoor test under actual climate it would be used. Worldwide collaboration would be necessary for speeding up implementation.

Open Educational Resources within a Knowledge System for Achieving Quality Education SDG

Abstract: The high levels of poverty and poor access to quality education, among a myriad of other challenges, have contributed to economic and social exclusion in Africa. These exclusions must be viewed against the backdrop of the emergence of a global knowledge-based society in which the production and dissemination of knowledge has become critical for meeting social and economic needs. Education, in the view of Breidlid (2009), is critical for poverty alleviation and economic and social inclusion. Education is central to promoting sustainable development. It is therefore essential to mobilize necessary resources, including openness resources to steer the global south towards economic and social inclusion. This paper will discuss the exploration of a ‘knowledge system’ that facilitates the networking of open educational resources (OERs) to strengthen the educational system in Africa. The bringing together of contributors who use appropriate technology for innovation will enhance the educational process which will in turn advance learning for growth and development. Key to the effective contribution of knowledge systems to SDGs is information and communication technologies (ICTs). Libraries have responded positively to the potential of ICTs and have recently been utilising that potential to offer publishing services using Open Source Systems (OSS) such as Open Journal Systems (OJS), DSpace, and the Open Monograph Press (OMP). These open source systems, which are a significant component of the openness movement, are exploited to deliver open content which includes open access publishing and sharing of scholarly content. The bias in this paper is the publishing of open educational resources for the development of education in the global south. An educated and informed society will contribute to the broadening of access to wealth for social justice, growth and development.

The development of a mobile information system to assess the food security of rural communities in South Africa

Abstract: While South Africa has the means to be food secure, poverty and unemployment cause 20% of households to be food insecure, mostly in rural areas. Little is known about key factors that influence food security, such as the sources of food of rural households and the relationship between local food production and dietary quality. To this end, a study was commissioned by the South African Water Research Commission (WRC). A quantitative data collection tool was required to collect data related to food security and rural diets. The initial paper-based survey process was error-prone, hence a mobile application was introduced for electronic data capturing. This study concerns the development process of the mobile data capturing system. It is shown how, through a number of development iterations, the system led to significant improvements in the nutrition project's data capturing process. The study demonstrates the value of a responsive IS development process that caters for local needs and constraints, and is hence able to provide appropriate technology to support food security decision-making in South Africa.

Mapping potential technology appropriate small and medium enterprises as efforts to improve technology preparation leadership in region of ponorogo

Abstract: Research Objectives "Mapping the Potential of Appropriate Technology for Small and Medium Enterprises as an Effort to Improve the Capability of Technology Readiness in Ponorogo District" is to describe the profile of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), evaluate and measure the level of technological readiness ability (TK2T) of SMEs in Ponorogo District. The analytical tool used is a technometer that serves to measure the level of technological readiness capability used for the production of SMEs divided into three stages, basic (level 1 to level 3), medium (level 4 to level 6) and ready (Level 7 to With Level 9). By using teknometer is expected to provide basic information about mapping the potential needs and the use of appropriate technology (TTG) both tools, processes and production results in Ponorogo regency. SMEs in Ponorogo Regency are dominated in the field of food, handicraft and textile fields. The SME food business unit still requires major government intervention on production process issues. The majority of SMEs business unit in the field of food still use technology (tools) simple and potluck. The production process of SMEs business still neglects the hygienic side of both the production and production. The results of the evaluation and measurement of SME TK2T in Ponorogo District indicate that all samples have passed measurements at level 1 to level 3. Less than 50% pass the middle level ie level 4 to level 6, while less than 10% have passed the top level measurement , Which is level 7 to level 9. This explains that the production of SMEs in Ponorogo Regency still need government intervention both in the use of appropriate technology, as well as supporting indicators such as management, hygiene in production, human resources.

Renewable energy technologies assessment in providing sustainable electricity to Nigerian rural areas.

Abstract: The research work that underpins this thesis aims to investigate the viability of renewable energy technologies (RETs) and to develop a RETs implementation framework for providing sustainable electricity to Nigerias rural areas. As a result of electricity supply deficiency in Nigeria, rural communities have been negatively affected in their socio-economic activities. A strength, weakness, opportunity and threat (SWOT) analysis in combination with an assessment of sustainability indicators of RETs, identified the most appropriate technology for providing sustainable electricity in Nigeria's rural areas. Biomass energy technologies (BETs) are the most appropriate RET given significant resource availability. However, cost has been identified as the major barrier in adopting BETs. Both BETs and grid extension (GE) systems have been assessed. Whole Life Costing (WLC) and interview methods have been used to evaluate the economics of various capacities of BETs and GE systems, and assessed suitability of BETs respectively. Typical findings revealed that all the BETs capacities evaluated other than a 50kW direct combustion system are currently cost-competitive with existing fossil fuel (FF) sources used in generating electricity in Nigeria (US$0.13/kWh without incentives). BETs are identified as the preferable option than GE system for electricity provision to communities of demand capacity less than 50kW and distance less than five kilometre from load centres. Similarly, the interview method confirmed that BETs utilisation in the countrys rural areas are suitable and desirable. For implementation, all the identified drivers and enablers of BETs should be considered, along with the identified constraints to the adoption and development of BETs, some of which should be addressed before implementation. Further, a BETs implementation framework for sustainable electricity provision in rural areas has been developed through the selection of appropriate biomass feedstock and conversion technologies, and support through suitable incentive strategies. The framework was then evaluated and validated using six villages as case study. The benefit of the framework is ensuring successful electricity provision in rural areas. Thus, this study recommends that the existing rural areas energy policies be reviewed to include incentive strategies like economic subsidies in order to encourage investors participation given lack of energy infrastructures in rural areas.

Commentary: UCEA CASTLE Response to "An Interview with Joseph South".

Abstract: The University Council for Educational Administration (UCEA) was founded more than six decades ago to build a knowledge base of research and effective practice for the field of educational leadership. UCEA is a collective of approximately 100 top research institutions with programs in educational leadership and policy and is the leading professional organization for professors in the field. In addition to promoting, sponsoring, and disseminating research on the essential problems of schooling and leadership practice, UCEA also works to positively influence local, state, and national educational policy and to improve the preparation and professional development of educational leaders and professors. The Center for the Advanced Study of Technology Leadership in Education (CASTLE) is one of UCEA’s nine national program centers. CASTLE was founded in 2005 and remains the nation’s only academic center dedicated to the technology-related needs of school principals and superintendents.

Rural Financial Markets and Credit Delivery System in the Philippines

Abstract: The growth in the microfinance industry in the Philippines as a potential ‘financial inclusion’ innovation is a welcome development. Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and low-income clients are able to increase their economic activity and income, build up assets, prepare against emergencies and invest in education, health and housing services.But despite the many benefits and growing importance of microfinance, there remain social and financial performance issues as well as impact concerns that continue to challenge the industry. Central to its success is a strong link between rural finance and other components of development like access to basic infrastructure, appropriate technology and improved marketing infrastructure that are necessary conditions for competitive and sustainable economic activities. The inclusion of the private sector in financial intermediation must be reinforced by microfinance institutions (MFIs) and other channels of government funds that have the required competence, network, carrying capacity as well as infrastructure to minimise, if not totally eliminate, credit pollution and defaults. Regular access and proper use of credit ultimately leads to increase in total income, the springboard of the two long-standing development objectives of poverty alleviation and food security. The chapter discusses the role of microfinance in rural development in the Philippines. It particularly identifies the effects of microcredit on input use, productivity and income in the context of Philippine agriculture. The chapter concludes with an overview of the success of microfinance in the Philippines followed by policy directions.