Our work

Our projects

Work that works

We always start small. We gain an understanding of the needs of people trapped in poverty and the systemic factors that keep them there.

• We work with communities and expert partners to develop ingenious solutions to bring about real and lasting change.
• We bring together community members, private companies, local government and policy makers to put the plans into action in collaborative approaches that meets everyone’s needs.
• We pilot and refine until we discover solutions that really work. Then we share them with others so they can achieve even more.

Information services

Knowledge that inspires

Knowledge is power – and it should be available to everyone. We share ours and our partners’ through a range of services:

• Practical Answers is our technical information service, sharing knowledge about appropriate, small-scale technologies that improve the lives of people living in poverty.
• Practical Action Publishing is our specialist independent publisher, distributing development books and journals to practitioners and researchers in over 100 countries.
• Our free, downloadable teaching resources for primary and secondary schools inspire pupils to learn about global issues.

Policy and consulting

Expertise for Impact

Drawing on our experience gained in our projects and the knowledge of our technical experts, we advise practitioners and policy makers around the world.

• Practical Action Consulting is our specialist provider of technical assistance to development practitioners, national and local governments and the private sector.
• Our Policy and Practice team inform policy making at global, national and local levels so that decisions made are of maximum benefit to the poorest and most vulnerable people.

In sharing our knowledge and expertise with others, we multiply our impact.