Considerations in the design and development of school furniture for developing regions based on local resources

In many, if not most, of the underdeveloped and developing countries of the world, school furniture is poorly designed, of low quality, and often unfi t for school use, yet it is costly and consumes a disproportionate share of limited educational budgets. This situation need not continue. Our researc h indicates that attractive, well-designed, durable, maintenance-free furni ture can be produced from locally available woody materials, including plan tation thinnings and semi-processed materials such as pallet deckboards, by local industry. Only the simplest machining and joinery processes are requ ired to construct the furniture. Cost of the furniture is generally less th an that of competing products, yet performance tests indicate that the furn iture produced is very durable. Thus, attractive, sturdy, easily maintained furniture can be produced from local woody materials at a modest cost in a ny developing country.