Technology challenging poverty http://practicalaction.org http://practicalaction.org/images/pa_rebrand/pa_logo_175x77.gif Practical Action: technology challenging poverty http://practicalaction.org 175 77 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. Sudan Agriculture http://practicalaction.org/food-production/greening-darfur-dams Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:48:22 GMT 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. Zimbabwe Southern Africa http://practicalaction.org/blog/category/zimbabwe/ Mon, 2 Nov 2009 18:22:19 GMT 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. Sri Lanka South Asia Events Climate change http://practicalaction.org/south-asia/climatechange-global-action-day-2009 Sat, 24 Oct 2009 22:18:31 GMT 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. Zimbabwe Southern Africa Climate change Copenhagen http://practicalaction.org/?id=climatechange_diaryzimbabwe Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:15:03 GMT 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! Events Fundraising http://practicalaction.org/support-us/royalparkshalf Mon, 12 Oct 2009 11:27:19 GMT 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. Shelter Urban poverty http://practicalaction.org/blog/news/urban-development-approaches/ Thu, 08 Oct 2009 10:34:19 GMT As part of an international series, Practical Action is hosting a seminar bringing together academics, practitioners and policy-makers to explore the links between Sustainable Livelihoods Approaches (SLA) and approaches to Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation. Thursday, 3rd December 2009; NCVO, Regents Wharf, London, N1 9RL Events Disasters Climate change Livelihoods http://practicalaction.org/integrating-approaches-seminar Thu, 01 Oct 2009 10:47:55 GMT In Kenya, successive years of low rainfall have resulted in a worsening food situation – crops have failed and livestock have died. Practical Action is working in some of the areas hit worst by drought, and our work is helping people in desperate need. While we can’t control disasters, we can help people adapt and build a more sustainable and secure future. We can make a long term difference. Kenya East Africa Disasters Climate change Agriculture http://practicalaction.org/east-africa/drought-kenya Tue, 22 Sep 2009 15:52:11 GMT 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. Finance and governance http://practicalaction.org/about-us/annualreport Thu, 17 Sep 2009 15:11:22 GMT 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. Events Climate change http://practicalactionconsulting.org/consulting/climate-change-training Thu, 10 Sep 2009 14:09:42 GMT The Small Is... Festival 2009 was a great success! Thank you to all those who attended and contributed to make this event the inspiring, informative and fun event that it was! Events http://practicalaction.org/?id=smallis_festival Thu, 10 Sep 2009 10:50:37 GMT 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. Agriculture Sudan http://practicalaction.org/?id=kassala-news Fri, 28 Aug 2009 12:54:29 GMT 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 to promote community-based disaster risk reduction activities by establishing Early Warning Systems (EWS) and strengthening their ability to live with and adapt to floods. Disasters Nepal http://practicalaction.org/?id=sewin-news Fri, 28 Aug 2009 12:54:11 GMT 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. Food Energy Kenya East Africa http://practicalaction.org/?id=fireless-cooker Fri, 28 Aug 2009 12:38:58 GMT 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. Climate change Kenya East Africa http://practicalaction.org/?id=climatechange_diarykenya Tue, 11 Aug 2009 16:35:17 GMT Coming this September: 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. Events http://practicalaction.org/?id=smallis_festival Fri, 31 Jul 2009 11:07:11 GMT 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. Video Sri Lanka South Asia http://practicalaction.org/video/place/South_Asia/ Wed, 8 Jul 2009 14:56:33 GMT 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. Climate change Sudan http://practicalaction.org/?id=climatechange_diarysudan Mon, 6 Jul 2009 10:52:01 GMT 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. Agriculture Sudan http://practicalaction.org/?id=region_sudan_aim1_greendarfur Fri, 19 Jun 2009 12:32:54 GMT 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. Agriculture Sri Lanka South Asia http://practicalaction.org/?id=region_south_asia_agriculture_casestudy Tue, 2 Jun 2009 15:24:18 GMT 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. Sri Lanka South Asia http://practicalaction.org/?id=rebuilding_srilanka Thu, 28 May 2009 18:02:55 GMT Using simple technology, such as foot-driven treadle pumps, Practical Action is helping "low caste" families in Nepal move from malnutrition to self-sufficiency. Video Nepal Water and sanitation Agriculture http://practicalaction.org/?id=treadlepump_video Fri, 22 May 2009 16:32:02 GMT 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. Sudan http://practicalaction.org/?id=region_sudan_aim1_darfur_siddiq Fri, 22 May 2009 16:27:11 GMT A Practical Action conference in London explored the new policies and technologies for agriculture that will be needed to cope with climate change. Presentations and audio recordings are available online. Events Policy and research Agriculture Climate change http://practicalaction.org/?id=Hunger_climatechange Wed, 8 Apr 2009 10:31:29 GMT 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. Climate change Policy and research http://practicalaction.org/?id=biodiverse_agriculture_paper Tue, 14 Apr 2009 09:17:47 GMT 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. Publishing http://practicalaction.org/?id=publishing Tue, 14 Apr 2009 09:17:47 GMT Find out how TV stars Ant and Dec got on when they visited a Practical Action water and sanitation project in Kibera, Kenya. Video Kenya Water and sanitation http://practicalaction.org/?id=kiberatoilets_antdec Wed, 11 Mar 2009 17:08:22 GMT The Design and Technology Association has honoured Practical Action Education Officer, Ian Capewell, with the Teacher Training Design and Technology Award. Education http://practicalaction.org/?id=news_events Wed, 11 Mar 2009 11:46:41 GMT 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. Sudan http://practicalaction.org/?id=region_sudan Sun, 8 Mar 2009 15:11:29 GMT 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. Sri Lanka South Asia Energy Policy and research http://practicalaction.org/?id=region_south_asia_renewable_energy_reports Fri, 27 Feb 2008 16:52:59 GMT 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. Policy and research Energy http://practicalaction.org/?id=energy_poverty Thu, 26 Feb 2009 13:33:18 GMT In remote and mountainous areas, simple micro-hydro technology can bring life to homes, hospitals, schools and entire communities. Energy http://practicalaction.org/?id=microhydro Wed, 18 Feb 2009 14:11:29 GMT As refugees return home after the civil war in Sudan, simple technologies like zeer pot refrigerators can bring fresh hope to hungry families. Sudan http://practicalaction.org/?id=zeerpots Tue, 13 Jan 2009 10:19:27 GMT 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. Video http://practicalaction.org/video/ Thu, 15 Jan 2009 11:27:13 GMT 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. Video Water and sanitation http://practicalaction.org/?id=radio4appeal_ahd Sun, 4 Jan 2009 07:32:09 GMT As cholera devastates lives across the country, Practical Action is committed to bringing fresh, clean water to poor communities across Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe Southern Africa Water and sanitation http://practicalaction.org/?id=zimbabweupdate Wed, 3 Dec 2008 11:19:22 GMT Our new Education website provides teachers with resources for sustainability and values issues in Design and Technology, bringing together the best of our STEP and SDA sites, and The Sustainability Handbook. Education http://www.practicalaction.org.uk/education Thu, 20 Nov 2008 18:21:11 GMT Practical Action's Practical Answers project was honoured to be awared an Fellowship at the 2008 ebic conference, for innovative ideas around the social impact of knowledge and information management in the not for profit sector. Events Practical Answers http://practicalaction.org/?id=practicalanswers_ebic Fri, 10 Oct 2008 15:12:19 GMT There are thousands of farmers in Bangladesh who desperately need a way out of the global food crisis – and rice-fish culture could be the answer they are looking for. Agriculture Bangladesh http://practicalaction.org/?id=appeal_bangladeshcrisis Wed, 1 Oct 2008 12:33:23 GMT Practical Action has been selected by UN-Habitat to host two events at the fourth session of the World Urban Forum in China: a networking event on the participation of poor urban people in decision-making about planning and infrastructure services in their neighbourhoods and the barriers to this; and a training session on applying participatory governance in the preparation, monitoring and evaluation of the programmes concerned with infrastructure services. Events Policy and research Shelter http://practicalaction.org/?id=wuf2008 Thu, 11 Sep 2008 10:38:22 GMT Read about Practical Action Southern Africa's strategy - vision, mission and programme aims - and details examples of its work and ambitions for the next five years in People and Technology: Transforming Lives. Southern Africa Zimbabwe http://practicalaction.org/?id=region_southern_africa_strategy Fri, 8 Aug 2008 09:57:18 GMT Benedict Protheroe has completed a 1,200 mile pilgrimage to Rome, in aid of Practical Action's work around the world. Read his detailed account of this epic walk on his blog. Events Fundraising http://practicalaction.org/?id=benedictprotheroe_blog Thu, 7 Aug 2008 14:21:17 GMT Our new video pages demonstrate our work in action around the world. Simple solutions, from micro-hydro power and smoke hoods in Kenya to flood-protection in Nepal. Video http://practicalaction.org/video Wed, 23 Jul 2008 13:25:11 GMT The silted sand plains left behind after floods in Bangladesh are too infertile to grow crops. But a simple solution can transform a sandbar into a field rich with pumpkins. Bangladesh Agriculture http://practicalaction.org/?id=appeal_bangladeshcompost Tue, 22 Jul 2008 11:49:18 GMT Knowledge sharing at the grassroots requires the presentation of knowledge in formats appropriate for people with little education and speaking only their mother tongue. We invite individuals and organisations to enter the ‘Knowledge Presentation’ contest to improve knowledge sharing with communities seeking the enhancement of their existing knowledge and skills as a pathway out of poverty. Practical Answers http://practicalaction.org/?id=knowledgepresentation Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:50:37 GMT The latest edition of Practical Action Southern Africa's newsletter includes reports on the Smallholder Farmers' Dryland Food Security Project, community-based waste management, community ownership of water resources, food security for people living with HIV and AIDS, and beekeeping. Southern Africa Zimbabwe http://practicalaction.org/?id=appropriate_initiatives Fri, 4 Jul 2008 14:23:18 GMT World leaders must make the link between climate change and poverty. We need your support to persuade decision-makers in the developed world to reduce emissions and help the poorest and most vulnerable cope with global warming. Climate change http://practicalaction.org/?id=makethelink Thu, 26 Jun 2008 13:33:01 GMT Practical Action's work in renewable energy in Peru has been awarded the 2008 UNEP Sasakawa prize for making a substantial contribution to the protection and management of the environment. Energy Latin America Peru http://practicalaction.org/?id=unepprize2008 Wed, 25 Jun 2008 08:57:12 GMT A quarter of a million ducks are set to break the existing World Record this August. Adopt a duck and help raise funds for Practical Action! Events Fundraising http://practicalaction.org/?id=duckrace Tue, 24 Jun 2008 16:02:16 GMT Early warning systems, protective shelters and strengthened river embankments can help to reduce the impact of disastrous floods in Nepal. Nepal Disasters http://practicalaction.org/?id=appeal_floodwarning Fri, 20 Jun 2008 12:56:52 GMT A major storm hit northwestern regions of Bangladesh on the night of 1 May 2008. Our project work in Sreepur and Samakal suffered limited damage. Bangladesh Disasters http://practicalaction.org/?id=rep_storm0508 Tue, 6 May 2008 12:26:08 GMT Over the next five years, Practical Action Nepal will make more positive changes in people’s lives through the use of new knowledge and technologies, and by improving and building on traditional ones. Nepal http://practicalaction.org/?id=region_nepal_strategy Tue, 22 Apr 2008 16:49:13 GMT Debt and climate change are two of the major problems facing the developing world. We need your support to tackle this problem - please sign our petition to UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown highlighting these issues. Climate change http://practicalaction.org/?id=climatechange_bill Fri, 18 Apr 2008 15:44:25 GMT The International Assessment of Agricultural Knowledge, Science and Technology for Development (IAASTD) shows that locally-controlled, biologically-based intensification of farming is the only way forward. Agriculture Policy and research http://practicalaction.org/?id=iaastd Wed, 16 Apr 2008 10:27:11 GMT One third of Sudan is desert, and much more is stricken by severe drought. But Practical Action is using Sudan’s sand to alleviate the drought and help stop its people dying from dehydration. Simple sand and gravel filters can protect traditional reservoirs from contamination and silting - and protect the families who rely on them for water. Sudan Agriculture Water and sanitation http://practicalaction.org/?id=appeal_sand Fri, 4 Apr 2008 15:13:47 GMT Join the e-net South Asia Electronic Forum on Energy to share knowledge and experiences on decentralized, community based, renewable energy options in South Asia. Energy South Asia http://practicalaction.org/?id=enet_forum Mon, 17 Mar 2008 15:15:52 GMT The latest issue of Practical Action Sudan's newsletter, Sharing, features reports on our work including community forests, self-build housing and a device for cheap and fast terrace construction. Sudan http://practicalaction.org/?id=region_sudan_publications Mon, 3 Mar 2008 11:27:39 GMT Every day women and children in Africa and Asia walk an average of four miles to collect water. During March 2008 we are urging you to take practical action and Walk for Water - so that they don’t have to. Water and sanitation Fundraising http://practicalaction.org/?id=walkforwater Fri, 8 Feb 2008 17:02:09 GMT Using simple technology, such as foot-driven treadle pumps, Practical Action is helping "low caste" families in Nepal move from malnutrition to self-sufficiency. Nepal Water and sanitation Agriculture http://practicalaction.org/?id=appeal_nepalpump Thu, 30 Jan 2008 16:17:33 GMT Forthcoming legislation gives the UK an opportunity to set an international example on climate change. Let your MP know that the UK needs a strong Climate Change Bill. Climate change Policy and research http://practicalaction.org/?id=climatechange_bill Wed, 23 Jan 2008 11:22:19 GMT Despite widespread disruption in Kenya following the December presidential election results, Practical Action's Kenya office in Nairobi is now open and we are continuing our work. Kenya East Africa http://practicalaction.org/?id=kenya0108 Fri, 18 Jan 2008 09:26:58 GMT Practical Action project activities in Mozambique have been halted by the recent floods in southern Africa, particularly in Massangena, Gaza Province, where the irrigation scheme was completely flooded. Southern Africa Mozambique Disasters http://practicalaction.org/?id=region_southern_africa_floods08 Wed, 16 Jan 2008 16:42:07 GMT Thousands of people have been displaced by floods caused by heavy monsoon rains in Sri Lanka's east. Some Practical Action projects have been affected. South Asia Sri Lanka Disasters http://practicalaction.org/?id=region_south_asia_floods0109 Mon, 14 Jan 2008 17:13:43 GMT The latest issue of Practical Action South Asia's newsletter looks at mainstreaming disability into development, based on papers presented at the Diriya 2007 conference. South Asia Sri Lanka Disability http://practicalaction.org/?id=region_south_asia_newsletter Mon, 7 Jan 2008 10:21:57 GMT Government ministers from around the world met at the UN climate change talks in Indonesia. Practical Action was there, and our staff provided daily updates throughout the conference. Climate change Policy and research Events http://practicalaction.org/?id=unfccc-cop13 Tue, 18 Dec 2007 12:43:11 GMT We can do nothing about the policy that has made so many families in Zimbabwe homeless, but we can do something practical - we can make bricks and tiles, and build new homes. Southern Africa Zimbabwe http://practicalaction.org/?id=appeal_zimbabwe_reconstruction Wed, 12 Dec 2007 09:24:04 GMT Practical Action's projects have not been directly affected by Cyclone Sidr, but we are working with other NGOs to provide relief and rehabilitation for communities. Bangladesh Disasters http://practicalaction.org/?id=bangladesh_sidr Thu, 22 Nov 2007 15:34:17 GMT