Aligned with the 69th Ok Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF) Board Meeting, OTDF Board of Directors and Executive Management Team visited the Appropriate Technology & Community Development Institute (ATCDI) at the PNG University of Technology (UNITECH) in Lae on October 3, 2024.

The Program and visit were aimed to explore innovative and sustainable technologies developed by students and staff, with the potential for application in the Community Mine Continuation Agreement (CMCA) Trust regions in Western Province.  Initiative between OTDF and ATCDI presents a unique opportunity to further develop the livelihoods of CMCA communities by integrating appropriate, student-designed technologies into ongoing development projects.

Various technologies were demonstrated at ATCDI, including charcoal stoves, water supply systems, and rice mills made from locally available materials, showcasing the potential to meet the needs of rural communities in Western Province. ATCDI plays a pivotal role in creating sustainable, community-driven solutions that are both practical and cost-effective, aligning with OTDF’s mission to empower communities impacted by mining activities.

OTDF CEO Havini Vira states that OTDF, apart from delivering projects funded by the CMCA Trusts, also reaches out to service providers in the development circle who provide innovative ideas for development and one such institution he pointed out was the ATCDI.

ATCDI Council Chairman Mr. David Masani saw the visit as an opportunity for partnership and potential avenue for them to showcase their ability to provide innovative  and appropriate technology tailored to the geography and liking of the requesting community. He thanked the OTDF team and encouraged for the visit to have long lasting partnership and service provision to the CMCA communities.

Highlights of technology on show were;

Food processing of spices and health supplements, brick manufacturing from locally sourced sand, heat energy sources for cooking & drying, fuel extraction from plastics, bio technology and agricultural innovations, innovation in WaSH programs, water supply and soil testing in specialised laboratories.

Simple machines made from scrap metal and everyday home devices;


Daniel Kale, third year Mechanical Engineering student unveils a simple rice mill made from scrap metal  

Portable Rice Mill

Daniel Kale a third-year Mechanical Engineering student at Lae University of Technology (UNITECH) has unveiled an inventive mini portable rice mill, poised to revolutionize small-scale farming at the village level. Powered by an old washing machine motor, the device requires electricity but can alternatively run on solar power, offering flexibility for off-grid communities. Constructed from scrap metal, the mill provides farmers with an affordable, efficient solution for uniform rice milling. Lightweight and easy to operate, it features adjustable settings for precise results. This student-driven innovation highlights the potential of appropriate technology to boost rural agricultural productivity while embracing sustainable energy options.

Wheel planter made from old washing machine parts and scrap metal

10 seed 3 wheel planter

An innovative 10-seed, three-wheel peanut and corn planter, made old washing machine parts and scrap metal designed to improve small-scale farming efficiency. The manually operated device is built to plant up to 10 seeds at a time, offering farmers a simple and affordable solution for planting peanuts and corn more uniformly. Its lightweight, three-wheel structure ensures ease of use, while adjustable settings allow for precise seed depth and spacing. This student-led invention highlights the potential of appropriate technology to enhance productivity in rural agricultural communities.

Solar powered Cocoa Drier


Final- year Civil Engineering students introducing the mini portable cocoa drier

Charley Avediba a final-year Civil Engineer student at Lae University of Technology (UNITECH) has introduced an innovative mini portable cocoa drier, designed to transform small-scale cocoa farming in rural areas. Powered by solar energy through mounted panels, the device is ideal for off-grid cocoa farming communities, offering a sustainable and practical solution. Made from scrap metal, the drier provides an affordable and efficient way for farmers to ensure uniform cocoa drying. Its lightweight, easy-to-use design includes adjustable settings, functioning similarly to a conventional oven for precise control. This student-led creation showcases how sustainable technology can enhance agricultural productivity in rural communities, paving the way for more resilient, eco-friendly farming methods.

RAM Pump

Robert Kipong Lead Engineer for the Appropriate Technology explained how the ramp pump worked which the ATCDI has installed in several locations nationwide. The hydraulic ram pump, also known as a ram pump, is an innovative device that uses the energy of flowing water to pump a portion of it to higher elevations without the need for external power. Kipong told OTDF Board and executives that this makes it an ideal solution for off-grid locations, particularly in rural or agricultural areas. The pump operates by channeling water from a higher source through a drive pipe, where the flow opens a waste valve. As the water accelerates, the valve closes, causing a pressure surge that forces some of the water into a delivery pipe, which pumps it to a higher point, such as a storage tank. With minimal moving parts and low maintenance, ram pumps offer a sustainable, efficient method for water distribution in areas with no access to electricity. They are especially useful in agriculture and rural water supply systems, providing a reliable, long-term solution for water needs in remote regions.

About ATCDI

Appropriate Technology and Community Development Institute (ATCDI)

Since its establishment in 1978, ATCDI has served as the vital bridge between the PNG University of Technology and the wider Papua New Guinea community. Our central mission is to transform the academic knowledge of the university into tangible technological solutions that create a positive impact on community life. In this pursuit, the institute wholeheartedly embraces sustainable rural development, striving to usher in progress while safeguarding the rich cultural values and traditions of our people.

OTDF Media Vitaharo