Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
decentralized technologies because it increases its versatility by making it
applicable for areas not easily accessible and lessens construction costs of
large sewage systems.
The implementation of decentralized technologies does not by defi ni-
tion mean that this is on a household, or on-site, scale. If the local con-
text allows for this, technologies could also be implemented on communal
level and thereby create small economies of scale and density with all
benefi ts (and constraints) of this. Another advantage of decentralized tech-
nologies is that different technologies can be combined on different scales
to achieve different objectives. The example presented earlier considered
three specifi c technologies, but the research also showed that, for instance,
the implementation of constructed wetlands on communal level can pro-
vide water suitable for supplementary irrigation while the digestion of or-
ganic wastes at household level provides local energy for cooking, lighting
or heating. The sludge can be used as a natural fertilizer and soil condi-
tioner, and hence an impulse to the local economy through agricultural
stimulation is created.
However, as mentioned before, the implementation of the decentral-
ized technologies and reuse of resources will require the acceptance of
the technologies by society as well as a change in perception and behavior
from society. In addition, it might initially cost them money as they will
need to construct the different technologies. It is not self-evident that the
use of collected rainwater and treatment prior to consumption (chlorine or
UV-light if there is an energy source), as well as the use of treated waste-
water for non-potable purposes is accepted and implemented readily by all
inhabitants. Furthermore, the use of an EcoSan toilet could be perceived
as less comfortable, easy or less hygienic than a conventional fl ush toilet.
As a decentralized technology will require operation and maintenance by
the inhabitant, one is directly responsible for the wastes that one produces.
Hence decentralized technologies demand an active involvement of the
users, for instance in the form of cleaning the roof and rainwater storage
tanks, handling the (dried) feces and urine, separating wastes and periodi-
cally over-turning the compost pile. This active involvement often has a
low social acceptance if there is an easier option, such as a centralized,
conventional, system, available. Thus, the society plays an important role
in implementing decentralized technologies as their cultural perceptions,
