'Mastering the Machine Revisted' is about the connection between poverty, aid and technology. It is about a search that has been going on, officially in the developing world for over forty years, and
An introduction to small-scale non-ferrous casting. Includes step-by-step instructions on how to make equipment using local materials; and provides information on moulding techniques, pattern making,
Uses diagrams and pictures to show how the basic design of the biogas pit can be adapted for construction in different soils, from sandstone to sheer rock, which should encourage other developing coun
This is essential reading for all those interested in innovative city governance, for planners, NGOs, students, academics, and practitioners in Development Studies and Urban Development.
Traditionally the primary function of NGOs has been confined to mitigating the effects of war by providing humanitarian aid and protection on the peripheries of violent conflict. However, in recent ye
Over the past decade there has been an increasingly receptive audience for participatory and qualitative research methods by policy makers, development practitioners and academics working in applied r
Poverty and economic growth are intrinsically related but are not always synonymous. Human wellbeing is as important to economic growth as growth is to wellbeing. Poverty is multi-dimensional, encompa
* A "back pocket" manual for humanitarian workers in the field* An essential training guide for humanitarian and aid agencies* Based on the author’s long professional experienceHuman
* A classic title updated with a new chapter* Practical energy provision for isolated houses and remote locationsAs interest in the provision of decentralized electricity in the South increases, this
In this collection of studies, environmental, institutional, social and cultural aspects of sustainability are considered in a variety of towns and cities in Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Central
This book combines the concept, practice and application of participatory rural appraisal (PRA) in a comprehensive manner. The author views PRA as a means of opening up new ways of approaching various
Lime has been used in building for thousands of years and, used well, it continues to be the best and most versatile binder in the world.Building with Lime is an invaluable source of practical advice
This is the first practical field manual about camel diseases for veterinarians and livestock practitioners. This manual was compiled through a workshop involving 20 of the world's leading camel speci
With good planning and access to good staff, raw materials and markets, setting up a bakery can represent an excellent enterprise opportunity. This practical manual is invaluable reading for those sta
This book presents a thorough exploration of water rights in thecontext of growing water scarcity and competition. The book uses case studies from across the globe to identify the rangeof water rights
Training for Transformation Book 4 is a practical and accessible workbook for community development workers. It recognizes that the only changes which effectively transform the lives of poor people ar
Weaving together philosophical, historical, legal, scientific andpersonal viewpoints, this book gives a rich sample of the vast web which makes up our cultural, spiritual and social diversity.The volu
"Rural Energy Services" was written as a resource for a series of workshops commissioned by the British Council and the UK Department forInternational Development, and provided the b
This publication shows how land tenure laws, decentralization policies, institutional capacity building, common property management, conflict resolution and participatory development can be made more
Children who live and work on the streets or work in commercial situations at a young age, are subjected to gross injustice and are frequently neglected by national law --- despite the fact that almos
Each year more than 130 million people are affected by natural hazards such as floods, earthquakes, droughts, and cyclones. Nearly all of these disaster victims live in the poorer countries of the wor
This book aims to provoke discussion about current participatory approaches and to improve the understanding and practice of these approaches.The widespread take-up of participatory approaches among g
This book describes the experiences of a wide range of enterprises, banks and other agencies with partnership finance. Musharaka, or partnership financing, is a method used by Islamic financial instit
This handbook provides practical help in choosing whether to, and how to build with earth, from soil selection to construction and maintenance.Earth can achieve very high quality and durability as a
In this sequel to "Rural Development: Putting the last first" Robert Chambers argues that central issues in development have been overlooked, and that many past errors have flowed fr
The treadle irrigation pump is able to lift up to seven thousand litres of water per hour using the power of the human body, and can be made locally at low cost in small-scale metalworking shops. Its
A useful technique for extending the life of equipment such as fishing vessels. Describes wet, dry and "old dry" processes, including principles, benefits, equipment, materials, heal
Presents overwhelming evidence, from a range of disciplines, that local people do know a great deal about their environment. This knowledge must be taken into account in the planning and implementatio
This revised handbook brings together the practical experiences of engineers in the field and of research programs testing bamboo. The author shows how bamboo can be harvested, seasoned and jointed to
Starting with only an anvil and a few basic tools, almost all the tools needed by a blacksmith can be made from commonly found materials. With clear instructions this book gives step by step instructi
A comprehensive and illustrated handbook which will be essential reading for anyone involved in construction. Earth is extremely versatile and cheap but users must have a proper knowledge of its real
This book has grown from Intermediate Technology's field experiences with micro-hydro installations and covers operation and maintenance, commissioning, electrical power, induction generators, electro
Step-by-step instructions on designing, installing and operating water supply systems based on hydraulic ram pumps. With illustrations and diagrams, and details of a pump designed for local manufactur
Outlines the basic techniques of lost-wax casting and describes the equipment needed to carry out the process successfully. Explains how the equipment can be made, using local labor and natural resour
Describes how cylindrical water storage tanks of up to 150 cubic meter capacity can be built using wire-reinforced cement-mortar. Covers design and planning; costs; standard, recommended and alternati
This book presents a wide range of innovative ideas and practical methods for housing, together with illustrative examples and actual projects. Its methods are targeted to housing production in places
This definitive work provides step-by-step guidance in the techniques of digging and constructing a well, including the principles of groundwater storage, the actual construction, the materials requir
