The guide functions similarly to a handbook for activists and organizations working in the field of protection of minority rights and interests. There exists a large legal framework on international and pan-African level which support minority rights. The guide informs about these frameworks and the relevant instiutions, which can be used to the benefit of minorities. The link below directs to a website where the guide can be downloaded in PDF. … Read more
Societal Impact Measurement A Paradigm for a Sustainable Society
The Societal Impact Measurement is a method of measuring the effects of a project on several dimensions of sustainability, both environmental as well as social. Originally developed for the 1996 Second United Nations Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II) in Istanbul, Turkey, it urges people to take responsibility for the broad implications of their particular decisions and actions. … Read more
The Mukombe handwashing device A smart, DIY tippy-tap
The Mukombe is a hand washing device – a “tippy tap” as it is commonly known within the Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH) scene – as it just requires a little tip to provide the user with just enough water to wash the hands. In water-arid areas, such a simple device can be essential to hygiene. … Read more
How to change behaviour reg sanitation Video lecture by prof. psychology
Behaviour change is an important factor for the successful implementation of water and sanitation projects to reach better hygiene and health standards. However, very often we do not know what motivates people to behave in this way or another as well as which drivers or barriers play an important role in their behavioural choices. An international expert in the field of environmental psychology, Hans-Joachim Mosler explains his 'evidence-based behaviour change concept'. He shows how this … Read more
Jane Goodall: How humans and animals can live together Video talk on integrating social and environmental development
Jane Goodall is a great proponant of using smart and holistic programmes to rehabilitate destroyed natural areas while improving the quality of life of the locals. What is more, she argues these two elements are inseperable. In the video talk she gives several examples of successful holistic rehabilitation programmes she has been involved in. The second link below shows a summary of one of her main programmes called TACARE (or 'Take Care'). … Read more
Female Hygienic Pads from Banana Tree Fibre How to make natural sanitary pads
The link below directts to a text descibing the simplest process for utilizing the absorbent properties of banana fibres. This process is very inexpensive as it requires minimal refinement and preparation of the fibres and therefore does not require any additional materials or machinery. … Read more
Corn Cob Charcoal Crusher Turning agricultural waste into smokeless fuels
Burning carbonized cobs produces less smoke than regular biomass fuels, but the carbonized cobs produce a hazardous level of carbon monoxide. MIT's D-lab developed a device to turn charcoal powder into a dense compact briquette that burns safely, but it is difficult to crush the carbonized cobs into a charcoal powder without inhaling dangerous amounts of charcoal dust. The MIT team's charcoal crushing device addresses the gap in this alternative fuel process. … Read more
Solving conflict with Love African technique to transform noncompliance
When an individual member of the Babemba tribe harms the peace and unity of the community, this individual is put in the centre of the village and all community members gather around the person. All members then relate to the individual all the good things this person has done, and all the good characteristics (s)he has, in great detail. The ceremony can last for days, and has shown greatly effective in changing the behaviour of the 'wrongdoer', as well as aiding community harmony. … Read more
DryBath: hygiene without water An inspiring example of african ingenuity
One day Ludwick Marishane and his best friend were sunbathing in the sweltering heat in their native Limpopo. Marishane's friend turned to him and said, 'Man, why doesn't somebody invent something that you can just put on your skin and then you don't have to bathe?' Marishane, 17 at the time, thought: Yeah, why not? With some research in an internet cafe figuring out a formula for the lotion, and writing his business plan on his mobile phone, it took six months to develop a lotion that … Read more
Merging traditional with innovative building methods African architect uses smart design to build with clay and community
The architect Diebedo Francis Kere from Burkina Faso who studied in Berlin, Germany, went back to his home village to build a school and other buildings with the community. He explains the methodology. By involving the entire community in the building process, he simultaneously created community cohesion and pride, and gives locals the opportunity to acquire skills and knowledge they can use for creating economic opportunities. … Read more
