Even if local designs are weak, it is better to figure out ways to strengthen them than to adopt a completely different building strategy. In poor countries people build structures that are often not expected to last very long. The cost of building a strong structure is usually more than building a cheap one so the cheap one gets built. For example, in many or most poor countries, when bricks are used they are set in a single course without any reinforcement except at the corners. Simply using dual interlocked courses of brick and making sure that the corners are appropriately reinforced with adequate rebar can substantially improve matters. Adding a little rebar in the middle of the wall wouldn't hurt either. I'm sure there are masons or web sites on building that would explain some of the things necessary to strengthen walls. Any structural engineer could help and I know there are organizations like Architects without Borders that would be happy to share experience with adapting local building techniques. Check out some of the innovative construction proposed as replacements after the Haiti earthquake that destroyed hundreds of thousands of these poorly engineered local homes.
Regarding the use of corrugated steel roof material in a sideways orientation: That would be fine if you just want to keep out the sun but it will leak like a sieve. You have to overlap the material so rain cannot get in and using the panels turned 90 degrees will not work.
