In 1966, economist E.F. Schumacher challenged the world to think differently about development. His article in The Observer questioned why aid programs were transferring expensive, large-scale technologies to communities that lacked the resources to sustain them. His answer was simple but radical: start small, work with what people have, and build solutions that fit their lives. That year, Schumacher and a small group of colleagues founded the Intermediate Technology Development Group—later renamed Practical Action—to put these ideas into practice.
Source: Practical Action
More than five decades later, that philosophy remains at the heart of everything Practical Action does. The organisation works across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, partnering with communities facing poverty, climate change, and inequality. Their approach is deliberate: they start by listening, understanding local needs and the systems that keep people trapped in hardship. Then they work alongside communities, experts, and governments to develop ingenious, locally owned solutions that can be tested, refined, and scaled.
Practical Action's work spans energy access, food security, water and sanitation, climate resilience, and disaster risk reduction. In Sudan, they've helped women become clean cookstove entrepreneurs, transforming livelihoods while protecting the environment. In Peru, they've brought renewable energy to remote communities, enabling children to study after dark and farmers to irrigate crops sustainably. In Bangladesh, Nepal, and across East Africa, they've strengthened communities' ability to withstand floods, droughts, and other climate shocks through early warning systems and adaptive agricultural practices.
Meet the team
Practical Action, on LinkedIn
Ayan Banerjee, Asia Regional Director
Dr Usha Gopinath, Country Director
What sets Practical Action apart is their commitment to going beyond project delivery. They generate evidence, share knowledge, and influence policy so that small-scale solutions can inspire big-picture change. Through Practical Action Consulting, they provide technical assistance to governments, NGOs, and the private sector. Through Practical Action Publishing, they ensure that development practitioners and researchers worldwide have access to resources that can improve lives. And through their advocacy work, they push for policies that prioritise the voices and leadership of those most affected by poverty and climate change.
The organisation has received international recognition, including the Commonwealth Education Award for Innovation, and continues to be supported by philanthropic partners committed to lasting impact. Joining Practical Action means being part of a global team that believes real change starts with communities—and that small, practical ideas, when done right, have the power to transform the world.
