If you're like most people, you're probably listening to this podcast on a smartphone of some type - maybe your on your commute, or an after-work walk with the dog. Others will listen to it on their laptop or office desktop machine in the background as they perform some other task. When I talk about using technology, these types of examples are, what I believe, pops into most people's mind. And, rightly so. I can attest to the fact that, even in the most remote corners of Uganda, technology - as mobile devices and their applications - play a front and center role in the minds of everyone.
But the term technology - the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes - extends far beyond smartphones and laptops. Technology can be as simple as a pulley system, a dam for a reservoir, or a hand cranked water pump. As amazing as it sounds, for a huge amount of people in the world today, these simple types of technology are not only breakthrough, they are the key to a hand up out of poverty through the efficiencies they bring.
Paul Smith Lomas, my guest on today's 108th episode of the Terms of Reference podcast, not only thinks about how how the application of technology can help lift people out of poverty, but the organization he leads - Practical Action - actually pursue Technology Justice. That is, they seek to "create a world in which technology and innovation is used to end poverty and provide a sustainable future for everyone on our planet."
Paul was appointed CEO of Practical Action in November 2015. Prior to this appointment, Paul was Practical Action's International Director, responsible for the overall operation of its programmes and policy influencing around the world.
Paul's professional background is as a mechanical engineer. He worked originally in the water treatment industry in the UK, before going on a VSO assignment in 1985 to Eastern Sudan, where he set up water and sanitation systems for refugee populations from Eritrea & Ethiopia. He then worked with ActionAid in the Nuba Mountains, still focusing on public health engineering with rural communities. After a short spell in the commercial sector, Paul returned to the voluntary sector in 1991 as Technical Adviser for Oxfam, based in the UK. He was awarded an MBE for services to international development.
Prior to joining Practical Action, Paul was the Regional Director for Oxfam in the Horn & Eastern Africa, where he managed a large programme covering development, campaigning, and emergency response.
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