Development framework and key-factors of Takakura composting as an Appropriate Environmental Technology for urban waste management: Case study of Hai Phong, Vietnam

A vast range of multidisciplinary studies has been delivering extensive efforts to define and formulate development frameworks for the implementation of appropriate technologies especially within the urbansetting of developing cities. These studies are mostly related to the term “Appropriate Technology (AT)” introduced by Schumacher which refers to all kind of technologies including the environmental technology. This term was developed into a global discourse on technology advancement and its appropriateness and impacts of implementation on human civilization as seen from various perspectives. However the technology itself could be interpreted as the one that relates to the hi-tec, futuristic, and costly investment one, but on the other hand it could also relate to the basic, fundamental yet innovative technology. Using the latter approach, Takakura Composting Method (TCM),which was developed in the city of Kitakyushu, Japan, always prioritize to be integrated with the local context to have more efficient and effective implementation of its method. This method was proven to be successfully implemented in Surabaya, Indonesia and many other developing cities. This study aims to determine a development model for the implementation of TCM in Hai Phong, Vietnam, which is a Sister City of Kitakyushu, using literature study, interview, and case study approach. This study firstly discusses the common key-factors for a framework on AT such as: financial mechanism and cost affordability; technological adaptability and independence; social and cultural acceptability; local needs, demands, and resources; community participation and involvement; commitment from local government; environment consciousness; and continuity and long-term impact.Then the next is to discuss the case study in relation to each key-factors within the on-going development stages in order to develop the development model of Appropriate Environmental Technology (AET). The development model would be useful to identify priority key-factors for each stages especially on the case study.