Abstract: Exploring the Impact of Providing Alternative Technology Products in Remote Tibetan Communities In the remote North-Eastern corner of the Tibetan plateau in the Western Chinese province of Qinghai, ethnic Tibetans spend many hours each day gathering yak dung, wood and other fuel substitutes necessary for heating, making tea and cooking. Over the past 7 years extreme cold (-350C) and drought has had a significant debilitating effect on the environment upon which the nomadic people and the livestock depend. The use of solar cookers as a partial substitute for dung, wood, bushes and straw can help to alleviate some of the negative effects. This paper explores how introducing solar cooker technology has benefited not only the natural environment but also positively enhanced the quality of life of the Tibetan and Monguor people in 48 villages. This paper reports on work carried out between 2003 and 2005 by the author and students from Qinghai Normal University (supported by the Canada Fund). Written reports, translated letters, interview commentary and personal observations provided a rich database that was analyzed using the ‘Wordsmith’ textual data analysis software. The findings demonstrate that significant benefits are accrued to both the environment and remote community recipients. Furthermore, it is argued that providing solar cookers can make a positive contribution toward the culture of the Tibetan and Monguor people. |
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