School Buildings in Developing Countries

Building schools is a significant area of construction activity in many developing countries. This document explains some issues relating to planning and construction at low cost.

Seed Fairs

Seed Fairs are specialised markets in villages or communities where seeds are traded. Selling seeds this way ensures they are readily available to local farmers, of a relevant variety and enables knowledge sharing between farmers.

Ten Rules for Energy-Efficient, Cost-Effective Brick Firing

Rules for brickmakers and field-workers to increase the efficiency of the brick-firing process.

From Clients to Citizens

Alison Mathie, Gordon Cunningham

Communities worldwide act on their own initiative, drawing on their own resources of leadership and solidarity, and in spite of poverty, to achieve their own goals. Development practitioners have too often viewed poor communities as helpless and disadvantaged, and have encouraged their dependency. Y...

A Practical Guide to Solar Photovoltaic Systems for Technicians

Jean-Paul Louineau

An ideal addition to the toolkit of anyone involved in the installation of solar powered photovoltaic systems, this practical guide provides step-by-step explanations of the process by which technicians can estimate the requirements of PV systems and guides the reader through the set-up and running...

Rights-Based Approaches

Jude Rand

Case studies that provide compelling conclusions about the differences between rights-based and more traditional projects, and their relative impacts. The failure to respect, protect, or fulfil human rights is a fundamental and leading obstacle to economic development and social justice. Practically...

Health and Education For All

Building public services can transform the lives of millions of people - and, with political leadership, it is achievable in this generation. This punchy introduction to the issues provides case studies, real-life stories, background data, and critical analysis. It is a primer for campaigners, for...

Les approches basees sur les droits

Jude Rand

Les études de cas qui fournissent des conclusions convaincantes sur les différences entre les projets fondés sur les droits et plus «traditionnels», et leurs impacts relatifs. Le défaut de respecter, de protéger, ou de remplir droits de l'homme représente un obstacle fondamental et important pour le...

Pour des lendemains plus sûrs

Ed Cairns

Depuis la fin de la guerre froide, le nombre de conflits armés dans le monde a baissé. Mais est-ce la tendance sur le point d'être renversée? Le changement climatique, la pauvreté et les inégalités, et la plus grande disponibilité des armes tout accroître les risques de conflits croissants. En 1949,...

Banana Chips

Banana chips are a snack food similar to potato chips. This Brief explores what a banana chips project might look like as an income-generating activity.