Information for MPs, MEPs and decision makers
Practical Action
Practical Action is an international NGO, working directly in four regions of the developing world – Latin America, East Africa, Southern Africa and South Asia, with particular concentration on Peru, Kenya, Sudan, Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal. We have over 100 active projects, and in 2009-10 worked with 943,000 direct beneficiaries.
What we do
Through our international work, we demonstrate alternatives, share knowledge and influence change. We aim to tackle the underlying causes of poverty by campaigning to influence policies, institutions and processes, and so achieve greater and more lasting impact from our work.
Practical Action was founded in 1966, as ITDG (the Intermediate Technology Development Group), by the radical economist Dr EF Schumacher to prove that his philosophy of ‘Small is Beautiful’ could bring real and sustainable improvements to people’s lives.
With our commitment to poverty reduction, environmental conservation and technology choice we think Practical Action is uniquely placed to contribute to a world free of poverty.
Related documents
Fireless cooker
The "fireless cooker" uses stored heat to cook food over a long period of time. A simple basket, insulated with banana leaves or old clothes, can reduce fuel use by 40%.
Read moreCase studies
Case studies illustrating the results of some of Practical Action's work in east Africa.
Read moreClimate change document library
Documents on climate change, from policy reports and briefing documents to case studies and research papers.
Read moreCloud forest project challenges deforestation
slash and burn farming techniques changed by Practical Action
Read moreDecentralised energy schemes
There are enormous challenges of providing access to modern energy services for the rural poor. A lack of financial resources is not the only constraint; there are numerous other barriers including a lack of technology, a lack of financial mechanisms, and in particular a lack of capacity in the l...
Read moreDocument library - new technologies
Reports, briefings and other publications from Practical Action's new technologies programme.
Read moreEMMA - Emergency Market Mapping and Analysis
The EMMA toolkit is a guidance manual for humanitarian staff in sudden-onset emergencies. It aims to improve emergency responses by encouraging and assisting relief agencies to better understand, support and make use of local market-systems in disaster zones.
Read moreEnergy and earning a living
Energy has important connections with earning a living for poor people, but the benefits are not automatic.This interactive infographic explores the key steps and additional support factors it can take to improve incomes through modern energy access and use. Roll your mouse over the diagram to le...
Read moreEnergy documents - policy
Documents on energy policy issues, including the importance of energy access for poverty reduction.
Read moreEnergy for all by 2030
Billions of poor people have not got the energy they need to light their homes, cook meals safely and earn a living. Although the technology exists to deliver universal access to modern energy, a huge effort is needed to make that happen.
Read moreFood and agriculture documents
From policy reports and briefing documents to case studies and research papers, you will find all documents on food and agriculture here.
Read moreGet involved
Different energy initatives that you can support and get involved in to achieve universal energy access
Read moreHistory of Practical Action in Eastern Africa
The presence of Practical Action in eastern Africa dates back to mid 1980s when it was registered as a local NGO in Kenya, Intermediate Technology (IT). It has since transformed into a regional office to cover the greater Eastern Africa region.
Read moreHunger, food and agriculture: responding to the ongoing challenges
Practical Action’s values - justice, sustainability, diversity, democracy, and empowerment - describe the components that need to be in place to realise a just and sustainable food system.
Read moreImpact Awards
The 2011 Impact Awards are an excellent demonstration of the Markets and Livelihoods programme’s efforts to build effective and sustainable learning systems to improve the quality, impact and influence of their work.
Read moreImproved sanitation and water access for Morrumballa communities
A case study from rural Mozambique showing the impact of provision of improved access to water and sanitation, including safe drinking water from a solar water reticulation system.
Read more
Practical Action
The Schumacher Centre for Technology & Development
Bourton on Dunsmore
RUGBY
CV23 9QZ
United Kingdom
telephone: +44 (0) 1926 634400
fax: +44 (0) 1926 634401
e-mail: practicalaction@practicalaction.org.uk