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Practical Answers online material is presented under a number of subject topics and sub-topics listed on this page. Information presented by Practical Action is focused small-scale appropriate technology aimed at improving access to infrastructure and enterprise development for people living in poverty.
You are welcome to select a topic from the list below or browse the technology themes on the left hand column. You can then download the material, write reviews on the documents or send comments.
Topics
Agriculture
Agricultural production in many parts of the world is carried out on a small-scale by farmers. There are many options to improve production although they are often not well known.
Construction
Practical Action helps poor communities to make the best use of their own labour and to use locally produced building materials and techniques that they can afford and manage.
Crop Processing
Post-harvest activities can make a big difference to the financial impact of small-scale agricultural activities.
Disaster Response, Mitigation and Reconstruction
Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) is about disaster mitigation or disaster preparedness, it is different to disaster relief and for the most part has a much lower profile. Although the impact is less dramatic it can be very effective. Disaster risk reduction is a systematic approach to...
Energy
Energy access is a key element to development especially in more remote rural communities where mains electricity does not reach.
Environment and Adaptation to Climate Change
The increasing variability of climate is having a dramatic impact on people in some of the poorest countries.
Fisheries
Traditionally people have relied on naturally occurring fish in the wild and is still the world's only major food source harvested from the wild.
Food processing
Turning agricultural products into other commodities has the potential to provide income generation opportunities that are needed.
Information, Communication, Learning
There is growing recognition that development issues are supported by good communication and knowledge management.
Livestock
This section on livestock includes all animals that are farmed, as well as insects such as bees. Fish and other aquatic animals are covered in the fisheries and aquaculture section.
Manufacturing, handicraft, and process industries
Many people in the world are involved in micro and small scale enterprises (MSEs) manufacturing equipment and producing goods.
Natural Resources Management
Natural resources management describes how people can take to care of their environment to ensure its sustainable use.
Social and Economic Development
For business and social entrepreneurs technology is only half the story. Here we look at the wider issues to implementing development initiatives.
Transport and Infrastructure
Intermediate Means of Transport or IMTs are transport devices that come between walking and conventional motor vehicles.
Waste Management
This section looks at some of the approaches that can be taken in this area to reduce waste and to generate income from waste.
Water and sanitation
Appropriate technologies that meet the demands for domestic water supplies and for wider productive are particularly important to people living in poorer communities.
