Simple practical techniques to overcome both old and new problems

  As a practical experienced engineer and inventor involved for years with projects for the
  poor I have come to realise that many of the solutions offered in developing countries
  are really quite unsuitable!
  Some offer a quick solution but can do more harm than good in the long run.

  What is on offer here are solutions that require people to get involved not only in trying
  out a new idea but applying it as best they can in their circumstances.

  Larger NGOs are welcome to freely adopt these techniquies, as have Solar Aid, Noar Foundation,
  etc., but in many cases NGOs are not able to use this approach as donors insist on getting
  quick measurable results. Handing out 'goodies' is often the only permitted policy!  
  But there are really no quick answers".

  However Noar Foundation - noarfoundation.org - have a pretty unique approach to helping
  the poor and we do advise anyone to have a look through their website

  This website covers quite a range of topics so it is not possible to keep them all up-to-date.
  For those seeking the latest info we provide leaflets/CDs by post or as pdf documents on request.
  With such practical advice feedback/discussion is very important!

  Here is a quick run through with one link per main topic:

  We have been offering, for many years, simple techniques to help those in remote places to improve their
  lot. One example is using the sun for cooking.
  It is quite easy to make simple solar cookers like the Cookit

  Cookit solar cookers 
  can be made with materials costing a few dollars that are found in even in the most remote spots and
thousands of solar cookers have been made by NGOs following our instructions. Visit
  http://biodesign.webeden.co.uk/#/solar-cookers/4525121785
There is now a refective material used in home insulation that has been found to give excellent results

  We offer a simple pv technique and have managed to interest many people but only a few have adopted
  DIY Solar
  This is mostly because some parts have to be imported for assembly and many NGOs want only
  simple local solutions
  With the advent of cheap Chinese devices it is has become of interest for the educational value of
  assembling simple pv devices such as done by the Noar Foundation – Visit
  www.facebook.com/pages/Noar-Foundation/138356399515403

  More recently we have 'discovered' waste 
  Biomass Stoves
  These have been used in the past but the knowledge has been mostly lost.
  We have shown that sawdust, etc can be burnt, without pelletising, in a VERY simple stove – even a
  modified bucket! Visit
  http://biodesign.webeden.co.uk/#/simple-biomass-stove/4540056375

  Conservation Agriculture (No-till)
  This is a simple agricultural technique that is slowly spreading round the world and seems of vital importance!
  Even if you never intend to farm you should tell others about it!
  Visit
  http://biodesign.webeden.co.uk/#/conservation-agriculture/4537594625

   Mosquito Traps, Repellents and Cure
  It seems strange that many of our contacts use bed nets but have never heard of mosquito traps!
  The simplest ones are made from a plastic bottle cut in half with liquid bait put inside.
  Details on request.
  There is a mixture containing boric acid that can be sprayed anywhere and kill all the mosquitous in the area!

Since malaria is of great concern we have supplied some of our contacts with chemicals/plant seeds
that might deter mosquitoes from entering rooms.

Perhaps of greater import is the news that there is a simple cure for malaria that is 80 - 90% effective!

Visit www.infonet-biovision.org/default/ct/192/medicinalplants
and
www.anamed.net/English_Home/anamed_artemisia_programme/The_significance_of_artemisia_/
the_significance_of_artemisia_.html

 
  Minimal irrigation
  often means a drip system but these are not always best. The drip holes can soon get blocked!
We provide information about Irrigation using the skills of local potters making porous pots or with
  wick irrigation.
  This allows the water to get just to the roots of plants and so stops weeds growing!
  Even better might be irrigation by Rope Wicks that we are now experimenting with.
Go to Title on left Irrigation - Minimal
 
DIY Aquaponics
For anyone living in an urban area here is one answer to any anxiety about climate change!
This technique is being adopted around the world wherever there is a shortage of money and space and
a need for fish, vegetables and fruit.
Visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics to learn more.

Malaria Cure
It has been shown over many years that the leaves of a plant Artemisia Annua - which grows almost
anywhere - can cure malaria symptoms within 24 hours!
More info soon!

BioDesign Newsletters

If you wish to receive our newsletter every few weeks contact us at biodes "at" bigfoot.com
and you will be put on our subscriber list!

Updated June 2013