We might start small, but we think ‘big’, analysing the factors that can change the underlying systems and identifying where we are best placed to effect change. And whom we can convene and collaborate with more widely – governments, international organisations, and increasingly the private sector – to help take proven solutions to the next level of scale and sustainability.
Our policy and advocacy work focuses on the same four areas as our work with communities. Agriculture, urban water, sanitation and waste management, climate resilience and clean energy access. Everything we do has big change in sight – challenging the status quo to help change the systems that perpetuate vulnerability.
Our key policy areas
Our policy work contributes to nine of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals and is underpinned by our commitment to tackle catastrophic climate change and persistent gender inequality.
Agriculture
Farming that works
Making agriculture work better for struggling smallholder farmers, so they can adapt to climate change and achieve a good standard of living.
Our policy and practice objectives relate to improving the understanding and use of agroecological methods for smallholder farmers by national governments, donors, development agencies and the private sector.
Electricity and clean cooking
Energy that transforms
Harnessing the transformational power of clean, affordable energy and reducing avoidable deaths caused by smoke from indoor stoves and fires.
A key focus of our work is to catalyse off-grid energy access markets, for example through working with energy businesses and entrepreneurs (particularly women), as well as communities.
Water and waste management
Cities fit for people
Making cities in developing countries cleaner, healthier, fairer places for people to live and work.
We argue that delivery models need to create space for the informal sector, while working to change systems so that slum and low-income residents have the services they need and can hold decision-makers to account.
Climate change and disasters
Resilience that protects
For vulnerable people whose lives and livelihoods are threatened by climate related and natural hazards.
We call on governments and other key stakeholders to integrate climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction into their policies.
Practical theory
We work hand in hand with local communities, publishing the best thinking from the brightest minds and providing technical expertise to change-makers.
Policy Brief
Agricultural adaptation to climate change
Poor and rural communities in developing countries are among the worst affected by climate change. Most people living in...
Case Study
Bio-dykes: Working with nature to reduce flood losses
The Terai plains in Nepal are inhabited by indigenous communities farming soils enriched by annual floods. Climate chang...
Events you can find us at
Practical Action hosts, co-hosts and directly engages in key events such as the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, the United Nations Environment Assembly, the Community Based Adaptation practitioner’s forum, the G7 Summit, the United Nations General Assembly and more.
Join with us to make 2022 a super year
For the first time since the Paris Agreement, there is the momentum and opportunity to bring together leaders and experts to tackle the biggest crises that the world is facing: man-made climate change, inequality, and loss of biodiversity.
View eventsFind out more
Where we work
Find out more about our work around the world
Read the full storyContact Us
We are always interested in engaging with other practitioners and those interested in development. We welcome feedback on our work and are interested in opportunities for collaboration. Email us at [email protected] or find us on social media to keep up to date with what we’re posting.