| Practical Action

Stories of change

We have listed below some examples of how technical information has been used to change lives. If you have a story you would like to share with us, please let us know via our experiences page or you can send an email to Neil Noble describing the impact of your project, the lessons learnt and how knowledge sharing played a part in the process.

Bicycle Trailers in Zambia

This is a comprehensive case study in Zambia that used Practical Action's Bicycle Trailer Technical Brief.
This article was written by Alison Noble working for VSO, January 2006, 5 pages.

Building Toilets in Nepal

Raising awareness of health and hygiene through the use of a video produced by Ankhi Jhyal and building toilets.
This article was written by Mani Carmacharya of Practical Action Nepal, January 2009, 1 page.

Cheese Making in Ayacucho, Peru

This document tells how infromal production can be improved to a professional level.
Gabriel Reaño, Soluciones Prácticas, 2011, 7 pages

Evaporative Cooling in Gambia

This story of change explains the introduction of the pot in pot cooler in Gambia.
Qasid Safir, Humanity First, 2010, 8 pages

Evaporative Cooling in India

A case study from Indicorp describing the introduction of a domestic cooler.
Karthik Raman for Indicorps, January 2007, 3 pages

Food Processing in Parcona, Peru

A few handbooks on making jams, yoghurt and fruit nectars were used help the Women’s Association of Parcona develop their business.
Giannina Solari of Soluciones Prácticas, January 2009, 2 pages.

Growing Passion Fruit, Peru

A change in crop has improved conditions for Yolanda Morales.
Gabriel Reaño for Soluciones Prácticas, 2011, 4 pages

Interlocking Stabilized Soil Blocks in Kenya

Looking at how a business was developed in NairobiMargaret Rukwaro, Practical Action East Africa, 3 pages

Joseph Muriuki of JMM Claystoves Productions

This document describes how a business was developed by Joseph Muriuki with training from GTZ and Practical Action.
Practical Action East Africa, 2011, 2 pages.

Leasehold Farmers Group Influences Locals

An example of the way successful projects can influence people not directly involved in the project.
Practical Action Nepal, 2010, 2 pages

Mud Stoves in Kenya

One example of imporved stoves in Kenya and how Practical Action's ideas can be adapted to suit lacal needs.
Margaret Rukwaro, Practical Action Eastern Africa, 4 pages

Rainwater harvesting in Uganda
The basic goal of the DRIP Project is to promote a cheap and effective way of harvesting rainwater as a means of relieving food shortages.
This article was written by Andrew Herod of DRIP Uganda in February 2009, 3 pages.

Ropeways - Gravity Goods Ropeway

This story shows the whole community contributed in the construction one a ropeway in Nepal.
Practical Action Nepal, 2010, 2 pages

Solar Dryers in Kenya

Description of technology transfer for the Laikipia Mjengo Housing Cooperative Society.
This article was written by Margaret Rukwero of Practical Action East Africa. January 2009, 3 pages

Solar Drying in Peru

Bruno Caracchini has followed up on his idea of producing and marketing dehydrated fruit. His business is in the pilot stage
Gabriel Reaño and Giannina Solari for Soluciones Prácticas,2011, 3 pages

Story of Pumpkin

He now can dream of a bigger dream. He doubled the number of pumpkin pits this year and hoping to material-ize some of his dreams. “This year the production is excellent, I hope I can buy one or two cows, renovate my house, and lease in some more