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Afrigadget: Solving Everyday Problems with African Ingenuity

Posted September 24, 2009 12:17 PM by help4engineers

It's amazing to see how people can make incredible improvements to everything around them often with very limited resources. One blog that consistently appeals to people (especially other engineers) because of this is Afrigadget. This blog highlights innovations in rural African communities, both by local people and outside inventors. These innovations are often surprisingly simple but always technical, and never fail to impress. Engineers of all types and from all locations can learn from the simplicity and creativity highlighted in this blog.

Some of my Favorites

A shopkeeper has recycled old sandals to hang the door to his shop. This creates a sturdy mount that is hinged and spring-loaded by the flexible footwear to ensure the front door closes behind his customers.

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Power-User

Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Bangalore, India
Posts: 274
Good Answers: 13
#1

Re: Afrigadget: Solving Everyday Problems with African Ingenuity

09/25/2009 1:21 AM

Marvellous!

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bioramani
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Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Durban, South Africa
Posts: 374
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#2

Re: Afrigadget: Solving Everyday Problems with African Ingenuity

09/25/2009 4:52 AM

Sorry but I got one of these many years ago in the UK with the label "Scotsman's Bottle Opener". I have made dozens for freinds here in South Africa over the years but I find it opens rip-off tops - only tool for this I know. You raise the ring of the rip-off to vertical put the screw head under the ring and lever bag - works like a wonder! Could include a picture if this site would allow.

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Power-User

Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 350
Good Answers: 14
#3

Re: Afrigadget: Solving Everyday Problems with African Ingenuity

09/25/2009 5:46 AM

Managing with existing resources seems to be the drive behind these applied ideas. It hails from common sense ideas and spontaneous brilliance.

If proper education, resources and good education is provided, I think the dark continent should prove to be a growing society and sustain a standard and self supportive life.

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  Next in Blog: Online Unit Conversions for The Common, The Complex, and The Unexpected
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