Appropriate technology and Navajo economic development

Technical Report · Fri Oct 01 04:00:00 EDT 1976

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/7328643· OSTI ID:7328643

Kolstad, C D; Grimmer, D P; Reno, P; Tutt, J M

The history and economic status of the Navajo Indian Tribe are reviewed briefly. As measured by several yardsticks of economic well-being, the Navajo fall significantly below the rest of the United States. The Navajo have adopted an economic development plan ''to bring the Navajo up to an equal footing with the rest of the nation.'' In view of these factors and the traditional rural settlement patterns of the Navajo, it is proposed that economic development within the Navajo Nation be aimed at encouraging increased productivity at a local level, in harmony with traditional values and lifestyles. Technology should be developed and adapted that can complement current Navajo life patterns. Technology appropriate for the Navajo would be of low capital cost, reliable, labor-intensive, personally satisfying to use, and decentralized. It is argued that appropriate technology can provide an increased material standard of living while permitting continuation of dispersed settlement patterns and traditional values. It is suggested that a Center be established as part of the Navajo Community College to develop appropriate technological aids for the Navajo and to implement this technology within the vast Navajo Nation. A possible structure for such a Center is offered, and it is suggested that a detailed study be undertaken to determine the feasibility of establishing the Center. (auth)

• Research Organization: Los Alamos Scientific Lab., N.Mex. (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-36
• OSTI ID: 7328643
• Report Number(s): LA-6489
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290200* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Economics & Sociology
CAPITAL
COMMUNITIES
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
ECONOMICS
FEASIBILITY STUDIES
HUMAN POPULATIONS
IMPLEMENTATION
MATERIALS
MINERALS
NORTH AMERICA
POPULATIONS
PRODUCTION
RURAL POPULATIONS
SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT
USA