Low-tech, Low-cost Device Transforms A Nation's Economy

It is small enough to be carried on a bicycle and simple enough to be repaired without any tools. It is changing the economy of a nation.

1 minute read

April 19, 2002, 1:00 PM PDT

By Abhijeet Chavan @http://twitter.com/legalaidtech


"The MoneyMaker helps the country's struggling farmers put food on the table, and it gives them a foothold in the country's fledgling market economy. More family farmers have goods to take to market, where they can earn the cash needed to expand their operations, hire workers, buy a cow, and invest in new businesses by purchasing, say, a sewing machine. In some areas, the pump is slowly, subtly shifting traditional social roles. To Martin Fisher and Nick Moon, Approtec's founders, the pump is the agent of a new economy, and the force behind nothing less than a social revolution."

Thanks to Abhijeet Chavan

Monday, April 1, 2002 in Wired

courses user

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges. Corey D, Transportation Planner

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges.

Corey D, Transportation Planner

Ready to give your planning career a boost?

View of dense apartment buildings on Seattle waterfront with high-rise buildings in background.

Seattle Legalizes Co-Living

A new state law requires all Washington cities to allow co-living facilities in areas zoned for multifamily housing.

December 1, 2024 - Smart Cities Dive

SunRail passenger train at platform in Poinciana, Florida.

Central Florida’s SunRail Plans Major Expansion

The expanded train line will connect more destinations to the international airport and other important destinations.

November 24, 2024 - Hoodline

Rendering of proposed housing development on former Desert Pines golf course in East Las Vegas, Nevada.

Las Vegas Golf Course to Become Over 1,000 Units of Affordable Housing

The project is part of an initiative to build affordable housing on shuttered golf courses.

November 20, 2024 - KTNV

Close-up of laptop with real estate listings shown on map.

Cities and States Taking Action to Limit Rent-Setting AI

Federal prosecutors are charging a software company with using algorithms to artificially inflate rents.

4 hours ago - CALmatters

San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit train at elevated station with hills and palm tree in background.

BART to Raise Fares in January

The transit agency says it needs more state and federal support to meet its operating costs and avoid a growing budget gap.

5 hours ago - The San Francisco Chronicle

Long row of Bixi bike share bikes parked at station on street in Montreal, Canada.

Montreal Bike Share Breaks Ridership Record With 13 Million Rides

The Bixi system introduced a winter pilot project last year, leading to a rise in winter cycling.

6 hours ago - The Montreal Gazette

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.