Appropriate Technology and Design: A Solution for Sustainable and Affordable Housing Delivery in Major Cities of Ghana

Abstract

Appropriate technology and design for housing delivery undoubtedly has abundant cost benefit and other advantages. However, the acceptance of its usage and application for sustainable and affordable housing delivery is rare. Appropriate technology supports and enhances good life without compromising the earth’s ecosystem and the prospects of later generations. It is energy efficient, environmentally sound, and it is been controlled by the local community with local available materials. Appropriate housing design on other hand, focuses on the engineering and architectural perspective of a structure that supports sustainable construction and development. The paper aimed at determining the extent to which appropriate technologies and designs are currently employed in addressing housing sustainability and affordability in Ghana. Questionnaire survey was used for the data collection. The study was conducted in Accra, Takoradi and Cape Coast of Ghana within the period of 5 Months.  In total, 110 questionnaires were distributed among Building and Construction Professionals and Self- Built House Owners. Out of the number distributed, 56 were retrieved for analysis. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The findings of the study established that, hydrafoam, adobe bricks technology, timber homes technology, and wattle and daub technology were considered the most used and acceptable appropriate technologies for sustainable and affordable housing delivering. The findings of the study also revealed that, the extent to which appropriate technologies and designs have been adopted in major cities in Ghana is low. This implies that less emphasis is placed on the use of appropriate technology and design in resolving sustainable and affordable housing issues in major cities. It is therefore, suggested that, government and stakeholders mainstream the use of appropriate designs and technologies for sustainable and affordable delivery. Consequently, stakeholders should help change the perception of Ghanaians towards the adoption of appropriate technologies and designs for sustainable and affordable housing delivery.