Technology evaluation model for rural innovations – case study of rubberwood fishing craft for the small-scale fisheries sector
Technology evaluation model for rural innovations – case study of rubberwood fishing craft for the small-scale fisheries sector
Date
2013
Authors
Gopal, N.
Edwin, L.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Society of Fisheries Technologists (India)
Abstract
The use of rubberwood (Hevea brasiliensis) for fishing
craft construction is an innovation introduced by the
Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT),
Cochin, Kerala, India. Technology evaluation is an
integral part of any technology development to place
the technology in its proper perspective. This paper
presents a simple model of evaluating the technology
by describing the Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation
(PME) cycle and assessing impact through
patent profiling, cost evaluation and looking at the
social benefits. It has been observed that introduction
of the technology has made available an alternative
timber to the traditional boat building industry.
Reduction in cost of construction to the tune of 28%
and overall reduction of 35-40% in maintenance costs
has been possible. FRP sheathed rubberwood fishing
crafts are maintenance free. A patent profiling of the
technology revealed that for use of rubberwood in
traditional fisheries for canoe construction, there are
no patents except for the ones filed by CIFT. Social
benefits include availability of a cheap fishing craft
for fishing operations which is the sole livelihood
option of the traditional fishermen.
Description
Keywords
rubberwood, FRP, traditional fisheries, canoes, JEL Classifications O31 and O32
Citation
Fishery Technology 2013: 50 (4), 331-336