Strategizing For Economic Rehabilitation and Self-reliance In Nigeria: The Need For Indigenous Technology

Abstract

Technology may be defined as modern machines, equipment, tools and associated knowledge, techniques may be defined as modern machines, equipment, tools and associated knowledge, techniques and processes involved in the making, using and maintaining these gadgets in producing goods and services for man’s consumption. It is technology viewed thus, that accounts for the speed of delivery, the quantity and quality and other attributes of goods and services which a modern society enjoys. Indigenous technology means technology as defined above with the additional condition that it is developed by an indigenous people (in this case Nigerians) through a process that would include studying of available modern scientific technologies and adapting them to the Nigerian environment, improving upon them in the light of local conditions and eventually initiating original indigenous technologies (Ekpo-Ufot, 1990). Indigenous technologies as conceived, have to flow from modern science. The stages of their development involves, studying adapting and improving (innovation).