Solar Cooking Technology - How Far are Technology Promoters and Users from Each Other? Box solar cookers studied in urban Gujarat, India, 1999

In this article we take up the issue of use and disuse of box solar cookers by discussing some basic underlying assumptions of the technology as put forward (directly or indirectly) by technology promoter actors. We confront the assumptions with some practical realities that the users and disusers encounter when they practice solar cooking. In this way on the one hand some facts which have been instrumental for developing of technology on the side of technology developers are opened up. And on the other hand related practical aspects of use and disuse such as place and time for solar cooking are elucidated. The discussion should contribute to a better understanding of the users' real situations, and recognition of their role as an important technology actor.The conclusion is that technology developers and promoters should work together with users during the development phase of technology.