Publisher’s Comments and Table of Contents – March 2026

Welcome to the Appropriate Technology March 2026 issue.

The March 2026 issue of Appropriate Technology reflects a world in transition – where innovation is not defined by complexity, but by relevance, resilience, and reach. From rural livelihoods to global policy platforms, the stories in this issue underscore a central truth: appropriate technology is no longer peripheral, it is foundational.

We are delighted to welcome Andrew Bowring, Chairman of the Wind Empowerment Association, to our editorial board. His leadership in decentralised renewable energy exemplifies the collaborative ethos that drives this sector forward. Read “Meet AT’s new editorial board member” in the News Briefing section.

In Agriculture & Food, the revival of halophytes offers hope for salt-degraded lands, while innovations such as marine-based circular fertilisers and Bhutan’s adoption of quinoa demonstrate how local adaptation can redefine “global” crops. Even nature itself, through starfish, is inspiring new approaches to crop protection.

Our Health & Wellbeing and Housing & Infrastructure sections highlight how innovation is reshaping lives globally. From spider venom unlocking new medicines and biopesticides to the growing acceptance of Traditional Chinese Medicine, a paradigm shift is underway. Coupled with rural maternity care advances and sustainable uses of agricultural waste, these solutions demonstrate practical, low-carbon pathways to resilient communities.

We are pleased to include another “Focus on …” section in this issue. From our editorial board member Andy Crump, we have “Focus on Bamboo”. He illustrates the extraordinary versatility of this material. Within his introduction he looks at the plant, its ecological impact and its various uses before considering bamboo in the context of sustainable development. Andy then looks at four bamboo applications: Construction – low-cost DIY
earthquake-proof bamboo homes: De-Mining – a wind-driven bamboo ball for clearing landmines safely: Plastic – bamboo as a substitute for plastic (BASP); and Yokes – the perplexing biomechanics of traditional bamboo yokes.

Partner contributions this issue come from Engineering for Change, Prolinnova, Sand Dams Worldwide, Appropedia, and Wind Empowerment, and finally we look ahead to DIHAD 2026.

The future is not waiting to be built – it is already being shaped, one appropriate solution at a time.

Ras Patel - Publishing Director
raspatel@appropriate-technology.com