Böcker utgivna av Practical Action Publishing

Maximum transparency, a profitable structure for saving, access to small loans and an annual lump sum of capital are the hallmarks of the Savings Group methodology. The outcome: empowered groups, made up mostly of women, who manage themselves as tiny financial institutions.Today there are Savings Groups in 60 countries with over 6 million members

Strong financial management skills are essential to promote high standards in international development organizations. Many non-finance people find numbers and financial techniques difficult, however, NGO managers and staff are responsible for sound financial management and without full understanding their programmes will be at best less effective, and at worst vulnerable to going unfunded. Poor communication about financial information, by both finance and non-finance people, often seems to cause a block. This book helps people speak and write financial information better, avoiding jargon, and preventing listeners from ΓÇÿswitching offΓÇÖ. It explains why messages about finance may not be received as they were intended when working cross-culturally and outlines how information can be tailored to different audiences and how to improve understanding and collaboration between finance and non-finance people. It shoud be read by non-finance and finance managers and staff within non-profit organizations internationally, as well as other organizations.

Bridging the Finance Gap in Housing and Infrastructure concentrates on how groups of poor people - coalitions of the poor around the world have been able and been enabled to lead the process of transforming slums into vibrant and stable neighbourhoods. It showcases the strategies and the dedication, commitment and achievement of one northern NGO - Homeless International - as it has pioneered new approaches to analyzing and helping to arrange finance for community-led slum upgrading. This is a very encouraging story. It confirms that the homeless poor in the world''s slums should never be dismissed as the helpless victims of urbanization.Technically, this book is valuable for the explanation of how innovative financing packages can be arranged for slum upgrading programmes. But primarily, it is about human rights and how institutions and organizations respect and help people to realize their rights.

This collection of articles includes case studies of attempts to improve small-scale food processing, remembering that ''small is beautiful, but difficult''. Case studies cover grain and fruit processing, baking, beekeeping, and small-scale oil production.Marilyn Carr is Chief of the Economic Empowerment Section of the United Nations Development Fund for Women. She is a development economist with over 20 years experience in Asia and Africa and specializes in the fields of small enterprise development and technology choice and diffusion.

A handbook of simple methods for rural areas in developing countries. This corrected and revised impression includes an appendix on planning in developing towns.

The international development agenda remains dominated by economic and institutional priorities of the North. Research used to determine and justify development priorities should be both Southern-driven and Southern-based. This book fully reflects southern-driven networking principles for policymakers and development practitioners.

This practical manual is a major new addition to the resources available for micro-hydro power project and programme managers worldwide and represents excellent value for such a detailed technical reference handbook.

Part one describes the necessary preparations for a fundraising campaign: the role of the leader, the board, volunteers and strategic alliances, and ways to fight fear of fundraising. Part two outlines the practical essentials of an effective communications program, from personal contacts to obtaining good media coverage and making the Internet work for you.This book describes preparations for a fundraising campaign: the role of the leader, the board, volunteers and strategic alliances, and ways to fight fear of fundraising, the practical essentials of an effective communications programme, from personal contacts to obtaining good media coverage, and making the Internet work for you.

The publication includes selected case studies from four different countries in Latin America. These address key issues regarding crop cover integration in LEIA systems. A wide range of agroecosystems are covered by the case studies, so that the information can be adapted for use in other regions.

Modern Irrigation Technologies reviews the experience of smallholders with irrigation technologies in a range of diverse conditions in many different countries. Some people argue that modern irrigation technologies are the key to increased food production. However, projects introducing modern irrigation technologies in the developing world have often failed because the irrigation hardware, which has been developed for high-technology commercial agriculture, cannot be easily adapted for the use of the smallholder. The author identifies the pre-conditions relating to water availability, institutional support and economic opportunity that must be satisfied before smallholders in developing countries can adopt irrigation methods and benefit from them. The circumstances in which modern technologies were introduced are identified, and the relative success or otherwise of the initiatives are summarized. The book also contains a practical review of the range of irrigation hardware that is available and indicates the types of equipment that are more likely to meet the requirements of the smallholder sector. G.A.Cornish is an irrigation engineer with wide experience of technology transfer and staff training on irrigation schemes in sub-Saharan Africa and south and southeast Asia. He currently works at the Overseas Development Unit of HR Wallingford, UK. Modern Irrigation Technologies will be an invaluable guide to project workers, planners and smallholders involved in planning and designing irrigation projects.

Millions of slum residents across the world suffer the hazards and misery of frequent flooding of their streets and homes, which may result in savings of a lifetime being washed away in a few hours, damaged property, loss of work and time, and higher risks of diarrhoea, worm infection and other health problems. This manual is written to help engineers, aid and agency workers understand drainage problems more clearly in the developing world, so that they can work towards finding practical solutions. It focuses on three questions of particular relevance to low-income urban areas in developing countries: what is drainage performance? how can we evaluate a drainage system, to access how best to improve its performance? what are the effects of solids in drains upon performance? This manual is the outcome of two-and-a-half years of fieldwork in the city of Indore, in Madhya Pradesh, India and can be used as a practical aid by municipal engineers, consulting engineers and engineering instructors and students, as well as development and aid workers involved in drainage systems.

Miombo forest occurs in a swathe across central and southern Africa. Traditionally shifting cultivators have farmed in miombo, and allowed it to regenerate, but increasingly the demands for land and for fuelwood have resulted in deforestation. This book provides comprehensive details of the climate, environment, ecology and species characteristic of Miombo, and describes methods for assessing the timber and other resources, through inventories, in order to use the forest sustainably.

Weaving together philosophical, historical, legal, scientific and personal viewpoints, this book gives a rich sample of the vast web which makes up our cultural, spiritual and social diversity. It demonstrates how many cultures see Nature as an extension of society, and how sensitive stewardship is an integral part of existence.

A summary of the state of the art in micro-hydro with a section on the economics of micro-hydro installation and operation. Invaluable to engineers, consultants and field workers in the developing world.

A training book for drawing techniques related to the subjects covered in the other volumes of the Rural Building Course, and general drawing training.From foundations, walls, doors and windows, to roofs, plaster and render, locks and painting.Contains information on tools, maintenance of tools, rural building materials, rural building products, tables of figures and a glossary.This official text book is designed purposely to meet the needs of trainees who are pursuing rural building courses in various training centers administered by the National Vocational Training Institute.The main aim of this book is to provide much need trade information in simple language and with illustrations suited to the understanding of the average trainee.It is the outcome of many years of experiment conducted by the Catholic F.I.C. brothers of the Netherlands, and the German Volunteer Service instructors, in simple building techniques required for a rural community.The National Vocational Training Centre is very grateful to Brothers John v. Winden and Marcel de Keijzer of F.I.C. and Messrs. Fritz Hohnerlein and Wolfram Pforte for their devoted service in preparing the necessary materials for t he book; we are also grateful to the German Volunteer Service and the German Foundation For International Development (DSE) - AUT, who sponsored the publication of this book.We are confident that the book will be of immense value to the instructors and trainees in out training centers.

From sociocultural, political-economic, and environmental as well as biomedical viewpoints, the book presents reviews and case studies of traditional veterinary knowledge and practice, along with historical perspectives, theoretical discussions and research methodologies. The 23 chapters span 10 major species of animal domesticates raised by more than 80 ethnic groups in nearly 40 nations of Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas, covering nearly 100 diseases and more than 300 medicinal plants and other traditional materia medica. Provides researchers, development professionals, and policymakers working in agricultural and rural development with insights,ideas and approaches to the subject. Published in the Indigenous Knowledge and Development series.

From foundations, walls, doors and windows, to roofs, plaster and render, locks and painting.Contains information on tools, maintenance of tools, rural building materials, rural building products, tables of figures and a glossary.This official text book is designed purposely to meet the needs of trainees who are pursuing rural building courses in various training centers administered by the National Vocational Training Institute.The main aim of this book is to provide much need trade information in simple language and with illustrations suited to the understanding of the average trainee.It is the outcome of many years of experiment conducted by the Catholic F.I.C. brothers of the Netherlands, and the German Volunteer Service instructors, in simple building techniques required for a rural community.The National Vocational Training Centre is very grateful to Brothers John v. Winden and Marcel de Keijzer of F.I.C. and Messrs. Fritz Hohnerlein and Wolfram Pforte for their devoted service in preparing the necessary materials for t he book; we are also grateful to the German Volunteer Service and the German Foundation For International Development (DSE) - AUT, who sponsored the publication of this book.We are confident that the book will be of immense value to the instructors and trainees in out training centers.

This useful general survey describes the varieties and uses of stone as a building material - whether cut or field-stone - and how to extract, work and use it. A new chapter on stone and the environment emphasizes the importance of planning, waste recycling and quarry rehabilitation as part of the extraction process. There is a new appendix outlining procedures for testing stone''s flexural and compressive strength and discussing the importance of slip resistance.Significant technological developments since the mid 1980s have made possible vast increases in the volume and efficiency of stone working. Research into waste disposal and conversion has advanced considerably, as well as dust and noise reduction, and quarry rehabilitation. Yet, ignoring these technological advances, it remains possible to build a simple dwelling without tools, from field-stones or other rocks of the right shape. With a few simple and durable tools and with this basic knowledge of stone, its working and applications, far more is possible.This well-established introduction to stone provides a link between the basics and high-tech developments, and presents a clear guide for all interested in finding out more about this widely available material - whether for profit, for development or for other local use.Bridging the gap between the geologist and the stone user and designer (whether architect or ''do-it-yourselfer''), the book describes the benefits of stone, its great variety and versatility, methods of extraction and working, and production and working prospects.This second edition contains a new chapter on stone and the environment, which emphasizes the importance of planning, waste recycling, and quarry rehabilitation as part of the extraction process. There is also a Bibliography, and a new Appendix outlining procedures for testing stone''s flexural and compressive strength and discussing the importance of slip resistance. New photographs and illustrations complement the new material.

Contains information on tools, maintenance of tools, rural building materials, rural building products, tables of figures and a glossary.Contains information on tools, maintenance of tools, rural building materials, rural building products, tables of figures and a glossary.This official text book is designed purposely to meet the needs of trainees who are pursuing rural building courses in various training centers administered by the National Vocational Training Institute.The main aim of this book is to provide much need trade information in simple language and with illustrations suited to the understanding of the average trainee.It is the outcome of many years of experiment conducted by the Catholic F.I.C. brothers of the Netherlands, and the German Volunteer Service instructors, in simple building techniques required for a rural community.The National Vocational Training Centre is very grateful to Brothers John v. Winden and Marcel de Keijzer of F.I.C. and Messrs. Fritz Hohnerlein and Wolfram Pforte for their devoted service in preparing the necessary materials for t he book; we are also grateful to the German Volunteer Service and the German Foundation For International Development (DSE) - AUT, who sponsored the publication of this book.We are confident that the book will be of immense value to the instructors and trainees in out training centers.

Examines the management and use of common-property forests, groves and trees on southern Mount Kenya, demonstrating the long-standing relationships between Kenyans and their forest resources - and the connections between anthropology and forestry. This book is published in the IT Studies in Indigenous Knowledge and Development series.

Manual oil extraction from peanuts or other soft oil-seeds can be a viable enterprise for small businesses. This book describes small-scale processes of oil-extraction for possible use in rural areas, as well as ways to market and distribute the oilcake.Manual oil extraction from peanuts or other soft oilseeds can be a viable enterprise in rural areas, securing supplies of fresh, nutritious oil and oilcakefor the local market and providing an income for small-scale farmers and businesses.The manual screw press (also known as the bridge press or spindle press) can help to make the extraction process more efficient and less arduous and, as it can be constructed by small workshops, can be obtained locally.This practical handbook describes the full process of oil production with a manual screw press, step by step, as well as detailing health and safetyguidelines, equipment requirements, maintenance procedures, and approaches to sales and marketing. There are useful appendices which cover record keeping, financial considerations, and the use of a roller mill to speed up crushing, which is one of the essential prepatory stages for maximum oil production.Based on the authors'' experience in Malawi, the book offers helpful advice to anyone starting up (or, indeed, already involved in) a small-scale project in oil processing.

This guide for carpentry instructors includes detailed plans for practical demonstrations, and important theoretical aspects of the craft. The tools include planes, clamps, workbench and vice. There is also a section on basic blacksmithing techniques.

This book describes principles and construction techniques for builders, householders and communities who are building in hazard-prone areas. The principles are clearly and simply presented- and in a form which can be adapted for use in training or public information campaigns.

A cement material, or binder, is an essential ingredient in most forms of building construction. Portland cement has become a widely accepted cementitious material, but it is more expensive than other binders and unsuited to small-scale production. In addition, although it is stronger than most alternatives, there are uses for which alternatives such as lime are more suited. Lime is versatile, durable and suitable for use in complex and intricate decorative and restoration work, as well as in simple buildings. If greater strength is required, a variety of materials known as pozzolanas can be added to the lime. Examples of pozzolanas include rice husk ash, brick dust and certain types of naturally occurring volcanic ash. The most successful material in any area depends on local primary resources and the development of appropriate technology. Lime gypsum and lime pozzolanas could be reintroduced successfully if more information were available and appropriate building standards enforced. This book brings together expert knowledge from around the world about the use of different alternative binders, presenting case histories which demonstrate the successes and the pitfalls, as well as practical information based on experience. A recurring theme in the book is the need to work towards the wider acceptance of lime, and alternative binders by: establishing realistic performance standards for alternative cements and getting these standards accepted in international, national and local building codes and standards. Establishing simple testing procedures to measure compliance with these performance standards; holding seminars and training courses and compiling case study material on existing production and use; and, initiating research and development projects of a practical nature.

This source book describes the traditional methods of fish processing and then looks at new and improved techniques which in most cases can be constructed locally. Types of processing covered include drying, salting, smoking and fermenting.INTRODUCTION ix1 Principles of fish processing 1Spoilage 1Effective handling practice 2Effective processing to inhibit spoilage 3Insect infestation 7Packaging, transport and storage 82 Traditional fish processing methods 10Drying 10Salting 11Smoking 12Fermentation 12Outlines of traditional processing methods 13Prevention of insect infestation 263 Improved processing and equipment 27Pre-processing aspects 27Drying 29Salting 32Smoking 33Fermentation 35Prevention of insect infestation 354 Case studies 395 Planning a project or enterprise 486 Illustrated guide 51REFERENCES 64FURTHER READING 66CONTACTS 67

Focuses on the processing of four cereals - maize (or corn), rice, sorghum and wheat. A useful guide for those intending to set up a cereal-processing enterprise. Topics include harvesting, threshing, storage, milling, hulling, baking and fermenting.This source book is one of a continuing UNIFEM series which aims to increase aware­ness of the range of technological options and sources of expertise, as well as indicating the complex nature of designing and successfully implementing technology develop­ment and dissemination programmes.

A detailed survey of the main areas of bio-energy and biomass, solar energy and hydro, wind and water power. The authors address the advantages and disadvantages of renewable energies, their appropriateness, and their socio-economic implications.