Housing & Hazards Group has been communicating technologies for housing development in Bangladesh for 15 years. Different approaches are needed for different stakeholders, from end-users to decision-makers. This talk discusses some of the issues encountered through action-research at the village level, such as constraints on technology transfer, and what makes innovations acceptable. Demonstration houses can spread knowledge but must be accessible and used. Graphics and instructions need to be understandable in a low-literacy environment. Perspective and size are important factors. Technologies should involve everyone, including artisans and householders. Aspirations of modernity show that building with mud can be desirable. Demonstration houses must be used and activities should be interactive and repetitive to truly

1. Communicating Technologies at the grass-roots Dr Robert Hodgson Housing & Hazards Group

2. Housing & Hazards has been looking at ways of communicating better technologies for 15 years. Housing development is an issue that affects everyone from the end-user to the decision-makers in Dhaka – different approaches are needed for different stakeholders. This talk looks at some of the issues we have encountered through Action-Research at village level in Bangladesh. Some issues may not be relevant now but could be borne in mind if resistance to innovation is encountered.

5. Demo houses spread the word But must be accessible and used Some people didn't relate to this one – it was too big This one will be maintained

6. Graphics and script in a low-literacy environment Probably not the issue it was 20 years ago but worth checking: Cartoons are sometimes hard to understand if you are not familiar with the 'conventions'

7. Perspective is important - Size matters!

8. Is it really women's work?

9. Effectiveness of different modes of learning After Ian Davis, 1996

10. Cement stabilisation Soils mapped. Initial experiments made to determine cement content required Areas bordering the Bay of Bengal may be difficult – look for sandy soils Location Sand/ Silt% Clay% Stabilisation process Dinajpur >80 <20 3-5% cement Manikganj >60 <40 5% cement Gopalganj <20 >80 8-9% cement + 20% sand

11. A simple soil test To assess clay content using glass of water Visual – helps remember Best to get people to do it themselves.

14. Aspirations of modernity Some of UK's former country hovels are now its most sought after homes Good to see that building with mud is starting in Dhaka!

15. How do we really help people help themselves? Introducing Bert

16. Conclusions Demo houses must be used Make activities both interactive and repetetive Involve everyone Test all graphics Real choices mean real work (for us).