An archive of news, additions and changes to the Practical Action website.

News archive - 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001

2011

Changes to this website April 2011
Practical Action's website has had a full overhaul, with a new look and extra functionality and interactivity, while still retaining all our most popular features.

Practical Action group strategy March 2011
We are starting work on our 2012-17 Group Strategy and would like to invite you to contribute your thinking to the development of Practical Action. Take the survey »

Rebuilding livelihoods in Sri Lanka February 2011
Practical Action is providing fishing craft and gear to fishing communities in the war-affected north of Sri Lanka.

Donate your fat? January 2011
Could donating excess fat really solve poverty? A provocative new video from Practical Action aims to get people thinking about development in a different way.

Small is Beautiful by Anna de la Vega January 2011
Launching this month in Nottingham, an intimate photographic portrayal of rural Nepal demonstrating how the work of Practical Action is sustaining indigenous peoples' livelihoods through the use of appropriate technologies. Further information | Central Gallery, Nottingham

Floods hit eastern Sri Lanka January 2011
Severe flooding is affecting communities with whom Practical Action is working in the eastern province of Sri Lanka.

Brighter futures for drought-stricken families January 2011
Solar-powered water pumps are a clever way of providing thousands of people with access to clean water in drought-affected areas of Northern Kenya. With your generous support, Practical Action works together with local people to achieve a truly life-saving solution.

Keystone Accountability Report January 2011
As part of our commitment to transparency and accountability to those we work with Practical Action was very pleased to have an opportunity to take part in a large scale survey of local NGO opinion of international NGO performance.

2010

Independent on Sunday Christmas appeal December 2010
Practical Action is proud to have been selected for the Independent on Sunday's Christmas Appeal. You'll be able to read more about us every week in the newspaper until January 2nd.
Donate now | Watch videos and read about how your money can help

UN climate change talks in Cancun December 2010
Without action on climate change, we're facing a 4�C rise in temperature and disaster for the world's poorest people. Practical Action were at the UN talks in Cancun, to focus specifically on 'adaptation' - more funding, more fairly delivered, more focused on the most vulnerable. Reports from our team on the blog

Poor People's Energy Outlook 2010 November 2010
A new report from Practical Action presents the perspective of those living in energy poverty and those for whom energy access has been life changing. It will be of interest to anyone seeking to better understand energy access and its role in development at a human scale.

London-on-Sea? Alternative Tube map shows the impact of climate change November 2010
Research has shown that large areas of London could be underwater by 2100 as a direct result of climate change. Practical Action has released an alternative tube map that highlights the impact that climate change and rising sea levels could have on the capital.

Why World Toilet Day matters November 2010
Every 15 seconds a child dies, somewhere in the world, because of contaminated drinking water. In a new blog for Practical Action, writer and broadcaster Adam Hart-Davis explains why World Toilet Day matters.

World Urban Campaign November 2010
Practical Action has recently signed up as a member of the World Urban Campaign, an initiative of UN-Habitat. The key message of the campaign is the need for creative, resilient, sustainable cities and communities.

A package of solutions that will hit hunger hard November 2010
Flash flooding has washed away hundreds of homes in north-west Bangladesh. Massive erosion has destroyed many people's livelihoods and some of the poorest families have almost nothing left to eat - and it is the women, children and disabled people who are suffering the most.

Video: Resilient livelihoods reduce disasters in Bangladesh October 2010
This new video from our work in Bangladesh shows how putting poor people's livelihoods first can help them cope with potential disasters such as floods and river erosion.

ELLA - Evidence and Lessons from Latin America October 2010
ELLA is an ambitious new DFID programme, in partnership with Practical Action, to communicate knowledge of innovative Latin American development policies and practices.

Face Up to Four Degrees September 2010
Without action we're facing a 4�C rise in temperature for the world's poorest people. Join thousands of people using their heads to urge Mr Cameron to 'face up to 4�C'. Take action now »

South Asia annual report September 2010
Practical Action South Asia's Annual Report for 2010, including case studies from our work in Sri Lanka, India and Pakistan, is now available to download.

Nepal annual report September 2010
Practical Action Nepal's Annual Report for 2010, including a financial statement and a detailed summary of all our project work, is now available to download.

The Characteristics of a Disaster Resilient Community September 2010
The second edition of this guidance note for organizations working on disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation initiatives with vulnerable communities. It shows what a 'disaster-resilient community' might look like, and provides practical ideas about how to progress towards this ideal.

Appropriate options for recovery & reconstruction - learning from South Asia September 2010
An e-discussion on how to contextualize regional knowledge to suit to different contexts of Pakistan rebuilding. We look forward to your enthusiastic participation to share your valuable insights and experience with our colleagues in Pakistan

Start - a garden party to make a difference September 2010
We're delighted to be supporting Start - a garden party to make a difference. This exciting event is a rare opportunity to visit the historic gardens of Clarence House, Lancaster House and Marlborough House in London to help celebrate and promote sustainable living.

Help Quechuan communities live healthier more secure lives September 2010
Some of the poorest and most vulnerable communities in Peru could benefit from technologies such as bio-sand filters, eco-latrines, improved stoves and solar power.

The Small is... Festival September 2010
The Small is… Festival was a celebration and evolution of the ideas of Small is Beautiful, held at the start of September in the beautiful grounds of the international development charity Practical Action, in the Warwickshire countryside.

Sustainable energy in action August 2010
Practical Action is participating at the Vidulka exhibition organized by Sri Lanka's Sustainable Energy Authority and the Ministry of Power and Energy.

EF Schumacher centenary August 2010
2011 sees the 100th anniversary of the birth of economist E.F. Schumacher, founder of Practical Action. A new website celebrates his life and work, and visitors are invited to share stories, pictures and memories of Schumacher and discuss how and why he has influenced them.

Africa's smallholder farmers July 2010
A new report from Practical Action and other NGOs emphasises the need to support and prioritise smallholder farmers in Africa, and to provide the right kind of support that enables them to strengthen agriculture and livelihoods over the long term.

Consensus Building with Participatory Action Plan Development July 2010
This guide, adapted and tested by Practical Action in Bangladesh and Sudan, sets out an approach to community planning that intends to build local consensus to help people manage and improve their livelihood options.

Community-Based Adaptation Workshop July 2010
This workshop in London offers an opportunity for practitioners new to community-based adaptation to build their capacity, and for those with experience to share findings and discuss emerging issues in this vital area of work.

Addressing Food Security in Sudan June 2010
From donkey ploughs and agricultural tools to dams and terraces to collect scarce rainwater, a new video provides an overview of Practical Action's food security project work in Sudan.

Towards Resilient Cities June 2010
A new booklet on engaging the urban poor from Practical Action South Asia, with case studies from India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

New international director June 2010
Practical Action is pleased to welcome its new International Director, Paul Smith Lomas.

Video: access to energy May 2010
A life without energy condemns people to a life of poverty. Lives are devastated as ill health and poor education take their toll. A new animated video from Practical Action shows how simple energy solutions can change this ...

Building Back Better May 2010
A new book, Building Back Better, examines the context for reconstruction, and shows how developments in the fields of housing, participation and livelihoods have changed and enriched approaches to reconstruction. Download or buy hard copy »

Practical Action chosen for prestigious New York museum exhibition May 2010
Practical Action has been recognised for its work in Sudan as our innovative Improved Clay Stoves go on display at the Smithsonian Institution in New York - the world's largest museum complex.

Making an impact in Nepal April 2010
A series of video reports from our project work in Nepal show how gravity ropeways and river crossings can make a vital difference to life in remote mountain villages.

Sudan Annual Report April 2010
Practical Action Sudan's annual report for 2008-2009, including highlights of our project work and financial reports, is available to download, in English or Arabic.

No Tech Day March 2010
No Tech Day, on Saturday 27 March, challenged tech addicts to go without their favourite technology for a day, to raise awareness of how what life is like for people in the developing world who do not have the same access to technology and energy. No Tech Day website | blogs

Latin America video diary March 2010
From organic coffee in the rainforests of the Amazon to renewable energy in the Andes, blogs and video diaries from our projects in Peru and Bolivia.

Food security warning March 2010
Regions of Zimbabwe supported by recent Practical Action projects on food security have been hit by dry weather and reduced yields.

Emergency Market Mapping and Analysis Toolkit March 2010
Eleven agencies have been collaborating in Haiti, using the new tool Emergency market Mapping and Analysis, which helped them to identify four critical market systems to the recovery phase.

Blog: climate change adaptation in East Africa February 2010
As the fourth international conference on climate change adaptation gets underway, Practical Action's experts report from Kenya and Tanzania on the impact that climate change is having on poor communities.

Energy and poverty February 2010
Energy is vital for poverty reduction. The Prince of Wales recently hosted a meeting for Practical Action to look at ways of getting modern energy to poor people in the developing world.

World Urban Campaign February 2010
Practical Action is among a coaltion of organisations designing the World Urban Campaign, which aims to promote policies, share practical tools and raise awareness for sustainable urbanisation. A competition has been launched to design a logo for this campaign.

Earthquake in Haiti January 2010
We offer our sympathy to those affected by the recent earthquake in Haiti. Although we are not an emergency relief organisation, we will be offering support to agencies who are involved in the relief effort, and have a range of technical information and on the ground experience to help the rebuilding.

Using the landscape to supply communities with water January 2010
A Multiple-use Water System uses gravity to provide families in Nepal with enough water to drink and feed their crops. Constructed with local materials, this simple technology solves the problem of water being out of reach - and helps families lift themselves out of poverty.

South Asia annual report January 2010
Practical Action South Asia's Annual Report for 2009, including case studies from our work in Sri Lanka, India and Pakistan, is now available to download.

2009

 

Building back better - five years after the tsunami December 2009
Boxing Day marks the fifth anniversary of the tsunami which claimed more than half a million lives. Since then, Practical Action has worked with more than 120,000 people in Sri Lanka to come up with traditional and innovative ways to rehabilitate communities, homes and businesses.

Merry Christmas from Practical Action December 2009
Your friendship and support have been the best gift for many families around the world. Watch a Christmas message from our staff.

Copenhagen fails the most vulnerable December 2009
Developing countries have been failed by the outcome of the United Nations climate change talks in Copenhagen. Indecision and lack of leadership means millions of people across the world will continue to suffer as climate injustice adversely affects the lives of those who have done little to contribute to the problem. Copenhagen verdict | Press release | Blog

Climate Change talks in Copenhagen December 2009
Representatives from nearly 200 nations met in Copenhagen tasked with forging a global climate deal to succeed the Kyoto Protocol. This agreement had to set out the most ambitious plan ever to tackle the problem of climate change. Practical Action's team were in Copenhagen, and reported back on the negotiations. Latest news | Blog | Twitter | Facebook

South Asia Disaster Report December 2009
A special edition of the second South Asia Disaster Report was launched at the UN climate change conference in Copenhagen, offering a South Asian perspective on climate change and increased disaster risk.

Drought in Kenya December 2009
The Turkana region of northern Kenya continues to suffer from a prolonged drought, with some villages receiving no rain in the last four years.

Blog: What's Zimbabwe really like? November 2009
Practical Action director Margaret Gardner provides daily updates on her trip to Zimbabwe, reporting on the issues that face poor people in the country today.

Sowing the seeds of recovery in Darfur November 2009
By building earth dams, Practical Action is turning thousands of acres of barren land in Darfur into lush, green farmland. A simple technology that helps families to escape a life of dependency on food aid.

Global Day of Climate Change Action October 2009
Practical Action South Asia joined 350 youths for a beach clean up in Colombo, Sri Lanka, followed by a march to raise awareness on the necessity to reduce CO2 emission in the atmosphere to below 350 parts per million to prevent the worst impacts of climate change.

Climate change diaries: Zimbabwe October 2009
Any changes to the climate exacerbate Zimbabwe's problems with poverty. The people of Zimbabwe need a climate deal to be agreed in Copenhagen - a deal which can limit the effects of climate change we will experience, while providing support for Zimbabwe to implement its adaptation plans.

Royal Parks Half Marathon October 2009
Well done and a huge thank you to all 15 Practical Action runners who ran the 2009 Royal Parks Half Marathon for us. It's not too late to show your support for our runners and help them to meet their fundraising targets!

Royal Mail action October 2009
Further industrial action is planned at Royal Mail, but we are assured that all donations will reach us. You can also donate online or by phone if you prefer.

Fresh approaches to urban development October 2009
Over the next 12 weeks, Practical Action is engaging in some key debates on urban development with more than 1,000 practitioners and policy makers. Issues under discussion include participation, good governance, corruption, standards and technologies. This debate will provide the basis of global thinking and agreements in next year's World Urban Forum.

Annual Report & Accounts September 2009
Practical Action's annual report and accounts for 2008-9 are available to download. They include a review of our international programmes against strategic objectives, the report of the independent auditors and a detailed financial statement.

The "Small is ..." Festival September 2009
A celebration and exploration of Small is Beautiful, and what it means today, in a weekend summer festival in the grounds of The Schumacher Centre for Technology and Development, Practical Action's Warwickshire headquarters.

Climate change and the implications for people and poverty September 2009
Two one-day courses running this October and December offer an opportunity to examine and debate why climate change is a key issue for international development. They are aimed at anyone interested in climate change, its impacts and the ways in which people are already adapting their lifestyles in the less developed world.

Fireless cookers August 2009
A simple but clever cooker that cooks food without fuel has the power to change a family's life - and can be made simply and cheaply using local resources.

Climate change diaries: Kenya August 2009
The damage caused by climate change is not a distant concern in Kenya - it is here now and will be the future. Maasai herdsmen are being displaced and losing their traditional livelihoods as global warming destroys their rangelands.

Flood early warning work in Nepal extended August 2009
Practical Action Nepal has started a new project with several local partners which widens the coverage of our flood protection work. The project will be working with over 80,000 people, establishing Early Warning Systems (EWS) and strengthening their ability to live with and adapt to floods.

Food security in Sudan August 2009
A 1.2 million Euro grant from the European Commission means we can extend our Food Security project to another 99,000 people who depend on agriculture to survive, and introduce sustainable technologies to people living in Kassala, East Sudan.

Videos from Sri Lanka July 2009
Our video site has recently been updated with films from Sri Lanka on post-tsunami reconstruction of fishing livelihoods, community road building and ecological sanitation.

Climate change diaries: Sudan June 2009
In the first of a series of monthly diary entries on climate change, a report on how global warming is affecting poor and vulnerable people in Sudan.

Alternative livelihoods for conflict-affected communities in Sri Lanka June 2009
Villages in eastern Sri Lanka have been badly affected by the ethnic conflict. Practical Action is working with marginalised communities in Batticalaoe district to provide alternative livelihood options for them and technological training to enable them to become self-sufficient. Read moreabout our work in NE Sri Lanka | Donate make a donation to our work»

Using traditional agriculture in Sri Lanka June 2009
Saline soil conditions had forced rice farmers in Sri Lanka to abandon their paddy land, but Practical Action's organic farming project has used traditional practices to help rehabilitate the soil.

Greening Darfur June 2009
Conflict and drought has led to serious degradation of the natural environment in Darfur. Practical Action is working on projects to regenerate vegetation cover and support sustainable social, human, environmental and economic processes for poor rural communities in North Darfur.

Bringing life to the land May 2009
Using simple technology, such as foot-driven treadle pumps, Practical Action is helping "low caste" families in Nepal move from malnutrition to self-sufficiency. Watch video »

Dangers of Darfur May 2009
Our local staff in Darfur are helping to reduce poverty in one of the planet's most arid and dangerous environments. A report from Practical Action's project manager in Darfur.

Improved toilets can save lives May 2009
In the slums of Zimbabwe, Sudan and Nepal, Practical Action is working with some of the world's poorest people to install effective toilets, to reduce disease and transform lives for poor communities.

Hunger & climate change April 2009
A Practical Action conference in London this month explored the new policies and technologies for agriculture that will be needed to cope with climate change. Presentations and audio recordings are available online.

Biodiverse agriculture for a changing climate April 2009
A new paper from Practical Action explores biodiverse agriculture as a realistic and proven alternative to industrial methods of production. Practised by millions of small-scale food producers and organic growers, it can limit and adjust to climate change while replenishing natural resources.

Practical Action Publishing catalogue April 2009
Practical Action Publishing's 2009 catalogue, Books for Development, is now available. It lists all our current titles, which can be bought direct from our online shop.

Zurich HelpPoint for Kids April 2009
Proceeds from Zurich HelpPoint's virtual charity event benefit Practical Action, so join in today - every player counts.

Improved sanitation in Kenyan slums March 2009
Find out how TV stars Ant & Dec got on when they visited a Practical Action water and sanitation project in Kibera, Kenya. Watch video

Practical Action Education Officer wins D&T Association Award March 2009
The Design and Technology Association has honoured Practical Action's D&T Education Officer, Ian Capewell, by giving him the Teacher Training Design and Technology Award.

Sudan: our work continues March 2009
Practical Action is not facing any particular new limits on our long term development work in Darfur and the rest of Sudan. Our staff are all local Sudanese people who continue to work with these communities in most desperate need.

Making power flow February 2009
In remote and mountainous areas, simple micro-hydro technology can bring life to homes, hospitals, schools and entire communities.

Energy poverty: the hidden energy crisis February 2009
Energy access for the poor must be a priority if the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are to be met. A new paper looks at barriers to energy access and the sustainable solutions that could overcome them.

Energy poverty and renewable energy technologies in South Asia February 2009
Practical Action South Asia has published two new research studies on Renewable Energy Technologies and Energy Poverty, ahead of a three-day workshop on the hidden energy crisis in South Asia.

Preserving lives in the Blue Nile January 2009
As refugees return home after the civil war in Sudan, simple technologies like zeer pot refrigerators can bring fresh hope to hungry families.

Practical Action on video January 2009
New videos on our video site profile Practical Action projects including flood warning systems in Nepal, waste management in Sri Lanka, forest resources in Peru and climate change adaptation in South Asia.

National seminar on plug flow type biogas systems January 2009
Plug flow type biogas systems is an answer to the challenge of disposing organic waste including garbage & animal dung in an environmental friendly manner. Practical Action South Asia is organising a national seminar on the technology in Sri Lanka.

Fighting disease and poverty in Zimbabwe January 2009
As cholera devastates lives across the country, Practical Action is committed to bringing fresh, clean water to poor communities across Zimbabwe.

Toilets without water - Radio 4 Appeal January 2009
Long-term Practical Action supporter Adam Hart Davis asks what life is like for youngsters in Kenya, forced to share pit latrines with more than 100 people every day.