Bøger udgivet af Practical Action Publishing

This book traces the evolution of transport theory and policy and the new 'needs led' approach, with examples from recent studies. The authors suggest areas of intervention to reduce the transport burden on the rural poor.

The book identifies circumstances where buried pipe systems will be most appropriate, identifies the different types of system, and presents recommendations on selection, design, construction, operation and maintenance of buried pipeline systems.

A collection of reports from researchers and fieldworkers on the effectiveness of innovations in smallholder farming systems. Emphasis is given to farmer participation and assessment and the use of new technologies (Published in the ILEIA Readings in Sustainable Agriculture series).

This guide aims to assist development workers in assessing their needs and choosing and implementing an appropriate windpumping system.It looks systematically at every aspect of the implementation of a wind-powered water-pumping system, along with details of how to assess existing local resources and evaluate the relative economics.

This book has grown from Intermediate Technology's field experiences with micro-hydro installations and covers operation and maintenance, commissioning, electrical power, induction generators, electronic controllers, management and energy surveys.

This book looks at some of the experiences of small and medium enterprises projects. Four themes considered of central importance to SME development, financial support, technical and management services, favourable policies conducive to SME development and the involvement of international donor agencies, are examined.

Neil Thin sets out to clarify the meaning of the social dimensions of development, with an emphasis on sustainability. He outlines a conceptual framework to facilitate better communication and understanding as a basis for improved policies, implementation strategies and learning strategies. Thin reviews the concepts of social development as currently used in policy documents, operational work, theoretical texts, and monitoring and evaluation. He relates the meaning of social development to core concepts of sustainable development, and to other specific concepts such as the economy and the environment as well as more closely related categories such as social sectors, social welfare and social security. His conclusion is that social development would be more useful as a category of policy and practice if it were relinked with the concept of society and with positive efforts to build or facilitate social progress. Neil Thin draws on his recent research and advisory work on social development policy, poverty reduction strategies, human rights assessment, and evaluation and learning strategies for the analysis and examples.

The authors examine the potential of clearly focused NGOs to generate an awareness within and between low-income communities and local governments for new approaches to communication and capacity-building. The broad premise that underpins this book is that a partnership is a relationship based on an agreement to share both benefits and risks.

It is organized according to the stages in the 'cotton chain', from farmer to consumer, and covers each topic authoritatively with contributions from over 50 people in 20 countries. Illustrative case study material is particularly important and most of the current organic cotton projects worldwide are discussed.

If development is to continue to involve outside mediated interventions, in the belief that foreigners have knowledge and resources that can assist in relieving the degrading poverty endured by millions, the policymakers, scientists and bureaucrats need better to appreciate indigenous knowledge both before and while intervening locally.

This book examines the role of cultural tradition and the local environment in determining a community''s attitude towards housing and its construction. It offers practical advice to enable planners and implementers of building projects (including development agencies) to assess effectively the community''s needs and the factors which shape their own requirements for change. While there is a sizeable technical literature available on low-cost building, this book focuses on community involvement. It examines the issue of housing as a basic human need and puts the subject into a social and cultural context ΓÇö whether this applies to traditional rural housing, or to the problems of an urban population.The book draws attention to the cultural context of housing which will shape a community''s perception of its needs and its attitude to change. A range of case studies of VSO volunteers who have worked on community-based low-cost building programmes in a variety of countries and settings helps illustrate the issues, concerns and most importantly, the processes which can determine the success or failure of a building project. Culture, Cash and Housing deals with a large subject and gives an overview of the many issues and concerns which need to be taken into account when working on the problems of the built-up environment in less developed countries, although many of its lessons are equally relevant to the developed world.Essential reading for development agencies, project planners and implementers and fieldworkers, as well as academics and students in developed and developing countries.

An in-depth analysis of eight microenterprise projects undertaken by three agencies in India, Bangladesh, Thailand, Peru, Guatemala, Honduras, Ghana and Tanzania. Looked at from the point of view of the women this book attempts to describe the impact of the different projects on their lives.

Its methods are targeted to housing production in places where resources are scarce, demand is high, urgency is acute, and where change and uncertainty are a way of life. The book shows that, under these conditions, efficient practice depends on methods that promote rather than hinder local action.

This revised handbook brings together the practical experiences of engineers in the field and of research programmes testing bamboo. The author shows how bamboo can be harvested, seasoned and jointed to form walls, doors and windows, roofs, floors, ceilings, roof trusses and bridges, and how to weave bamboo.

An introduction to small-scale non-ferrous casting. Includes step-by-step instructions on how to make equipment using local materials; and provides information on moulding techniques, pattern making, core making, the use of wax and metal preparation.

This fascinating book explores environmental, institutional, social and cultural aspects of sustainability in a variety of towns and cities in Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Central and South America. The contributors focus particularly on meeting the needs of the urban poor.

This manual is designed for those who care for working horses but who may have little or no access to professional veterinary help. This book will help alleviate the suffering of horses, donkeys and mules and thereby minimize the lost livelihood opportunities that can result.

Describes the uses and properties of native Ghanaian plants, many of which have a wide distribution in Africa. The plants are classified by use, and listed by their scientific and Ghanaian vernacular names, and by their English ones if available.

This second edition of the classic title on practical energy provision for isolated houses and remote locations has now been updated with a new chapter. Pumps as Turbine is a practical handbook for engineers and technicians involved in designing and installing small water-power schemes.

This book shows how to provide effective training in food processing, which can open up opportunities for individuals who lack business experience. It explains the importance of needs assessment, course preparation, monitoring and follow-up, and the value of practical work and opportunities for trainers to discuss their ideas and discoveries.

This book examines the management of policy implications for pastoral development in dryland areas. The contributors examine the consequences of living with uncertainty for pastoral development planning, range and fodder management, drought responses, livestock marketing, resource tenure, institutional development and pastoral administration.

This book takes Amartya Sen's concept of development as freedom and applies it, for the first time, to the challenges of urban development across the globe. Cities are the crucial battleground for the future: they can either become settlements of intense poverty and community conflict or the centres of social, economic and political development. The authors argue that good governance should be not an end, but the means of delivering greater freedom to the inhabitants of a city. Past measures of successful urban development have related to efficiency or the provision of services -- indicators that measure the activities of agencies. A new "Freedom Approach" will engage with local priorities and promote local initiatives, allowing city dwellers themselves to determine how a well-functioning city is to be defined.

After describing the general principles of working with observers, teams and road vehicles in the remote areas of tropical countries and how to avoid some of the pitfalls the author discusses methods of measuring rainfall, streamflow and evaporation. The book is well illustrated with diagrams of hydrological equipment and how to use it.

The studies, conducted in the growing urban and peri-urban areas of Peru, Senegal, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, the Philippines, Thailand, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, outline concrete strategies for sustainable urban living and design, developed in partnership with low income city dwellers. Published in association with IDRC.

This book is a how to do it manual covering all aspects of community-based animal health work. The book is designed for animal health professionals at field-level, though will also be relevant to policy makers, donors and veterinary training institutes.

A guide to good-quality thatching, describing in words and pictures how to achieve the maximum possible roof-life using either cultivated or naturally-occurring materials. Reviews the advantages and limitations of thatch as a roofing technique.