A better world is possible - Global Commons Institute

Copyright Bruce Nixon 2010. All rights reserved. This electronic copy is provided free for personal, non-commercial use only.
www.brucenixon.com
The approach is holistic. They don't start with technology, but with people. Tools to provide long-term,
appropriate and practical answers must be firmly in the hands of local people: people who shape technology
and control it for themselves. Practical Action believes that the right idea – however small – can change lives.
It can create jobs, improve health and livelihoods, and help people have better lives. The focus is on four key
areas:
Reducing vulnerability of poor people affected by natural disasters, conflict and environmental
degradation.
Making markets work for the poor. Helping poor people to make a better living – by enabling producers
to improve their production, processing and marketing.
Improving access to services. Helping poor communities gain access to basic services – water,
sanitation, housing and electricity.
New technologies. Helping poor communities respond to the challenges of new technologies, helping
them to access effective technologies that can change their lives.
Practical Action is implementing over 100 projects worldwide. Their consultancy and educational work
further extends their reach. In total, in 2006/2007, they outreached to some 664,000 people.
Through their work, they demonstrate alternatives, share knowledge and influence change.
Tackling the underlying causes of poverty by campaigning to influence policies, institutions and
processes. Through campaigning and advocacy, Practical Action aims to achieve greater and more lasting
impact from their work.
Technical Information Service, Practical Answers, aims to provide a means of accessing the wealth of
technical information held by Practical Action, through technical briefs or the resource centre.
Education offering a range of support services for teachers and young people in the UK looking to
address sustainable development within their teaching and learning.
Lessons from Practical Action's grassroots experience are also spread through consultancy services and
publishing activities.
Micro Credit
Micro Credit inspired by Grameen Bank in Bangladesh whose founder, Nobel Prize winner Muhammad
Yunus, pioneered microfinance loans for poor women in Bangladesh. There are now many similar schemes
for poor people to help them start small businesses and lift themselves out of poverty and hunger. The
Grameen Bank operates 1,092 branches in 36,000 rural Bangladesh villages, providing credit to over two
million of the country's poorest people. It has loaned more than US$2 billion. This new banking system
providing unsecured credit to the poorest of the poor began as an action- research project at Chittagong
University and later grew into a full-fledged bank. Grameen Bank's patrons are 94% women who have an
unparalleled repayment rate of 98%.
Likely directions
To help poorer countries, the emphasis must be on strengthening local capacity and infrastructure and
thinking about how to provide aid in a way that does not undermine local producers and traders. The way
ahead becomes clearer and, with appropriate adaptations, applies to countries rich and poor.
The Possibility
Bioregionalism, working with natural advantages, will be the basis for the global economy
174