Manufacturing

This page refers to past projects undertaken by Practical Action Bangladesh, and is retained for archive purposes only.

Practical Action Bangladesh has completed a three-year action research project working with owners, employees and customers of more than 150 small-scale metal workshops in Faridpur town.

Project activities have focused on strengthening the small metal workshops by increasing their capacity and capability to produce goods and reach a wider market with a greater range of better quality products.

Extensive support has been provided to metal workshop owners and artisans, especially through the Metalwork Development Centre that was established in Faridpur in 1999. Training of two different kinds has been given:technical (to improve skills and aid the development of new products) and business related (to develop entrepreneurial and management capacities). Other production related assistance has included tool hire and information on raw materials, technical processes, tools and products.

Practical Action has assisted small metal workshops to market their products by establishing contacts between them and potential customers and by providing relevant information and advice. Two way links have also been set up between workshops and credit institutions.

Significant efforts have been put into strengthening the local trade association for the sub-sector. The association is working to build itself up as an effective collective force to represent the artisans working in Faridpur.

Considerable attention has been paid to the environmental impact of the small metal workshops. An environmental impact assessment was carried out in 1998 which looked at a broad range of issues. Subsequently an Environmental Management Plan was developed to mitigate the impact of the metal workshop' activities. An information booklet on safety in small metal workshops has also been produced.

A new programme started in 2001 which aims to promote more effective use of farm power machinery in small farm systems through technical collaboration between national agricultural research institutions, small local manufacturers and small marginal/landless farmers. Under the project,a participatory assessment will be carried out to identify four suitable technologies. Farmers and manufacturers will then work together to field-test, adapt and prove the technologies. After this, a limited number of local light engineering firms will be trained to manufacture the machinery that has been developed. The lessons lessons learned from the project will be documented and widely disseminated.

The Manufacturing programme has recently started working with women producers for the first time in a new tinsmithing activity. Started in 2000 on a pilot basis, extensive training is being given to a number of women on the manufacture of a variety of products for domestic use out of tin sheeting. After their training, the women receive a small lump sum contribution towards the cost of the basic equipment they require and all necessary technical support regarding production.