A group of people are working on Open Source modular tools that can help communities build a modern village in the third world. It appears that making these tools is on average 8 times cheaper than buying the ready built tools from manufacturers and the group is making the plans for these tools available on the net as they are developed.
The Open Source Ecology site, Global Village Construction Set, contains the full set of plans and documentation developed so far.
The units encompass modern component making units like a 3D printer and Plastic Extrusion as well as basic hydroponics and industrial tools.
A project worth watching.