Books published by Practical Action Publishing

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.

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.

This book describes communities that first built on their own assets, before seeking assistance from outside. What are the common factors that help all these communities mobilize? Do outside organizations have a role to play? It is aimed at community workers, researchers and policy makers who want to take a fresh look at community development.

To mark the UN Year of Energy in 2012, Practical Action is publishing some of its best practical briefings and case study material for the benefit of energy development practitioners around the world. Practical Answers 1 is the first in a new series of handbooks that provide guides on a variety of subjects for international development workers.

This book presents 15 case studies and a variety of approaches to document the capacities and constraints to be encountered among communities facing changing climates in Bangladesh, Cameroon, Canada, Ecuador, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Italy, Malawi, Mexico, Mozambique, Peru, South Africa, Sudan, United States, Vietnam, and Zimbabwe.

The phenomenon of the transnational mega-charity is examined as are the threats to the independence of voluntary organizations from governments, UN agencies and from charities themselves. This is also a story about lessons of heroism and folly, of bungling and luck and failure - and of achievements that have improved the lives of millions.

Microplanning is a community-based process which enables local people to prepare and implement programmes for settlement upgrading. Local participants contribute to both the content and structure of programmes. Case studies from Chile and Sri Lanka.

This book explores how international NGOs are navigating these rapid changes, changes that challenge their role and legitimacy, their values, and their overall purpose. It calls for a re-examination of theories about change, and a re-focus on ideas of complexity and feminism and on learning from past NGO experience.

In many developing countries access to veterinary services is a particular problem in rural areas, and poor farmers suffer significant losses due to preventable livestock diseases. This book describes three Intermediate Technology programmes built from local knowledge.