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Development Alternatives, India


Table of Contents

[top] [end]Full organization contact details

B-32, TARA Crescent, Outab Institutional Area, New Delhi-110016, INDIA
Tel: 91-11-26967938, 26851158; Fax: 91-11-26866031
Email: devalt@...
Website: www.devalt.org

[top] [end]Main contact person

Shrashtant Patara, patbhai@...

[top] [end]Background, Mission and Goals

DA is a not for profit research and development organization established on Nov. 1983. The organization is committed to bring about a better balance among the basic prerequisites of sustainable development: social equity, environmental quality and economic efficiency. It aims to achieve this through the creation of sustainable livelihoods in large numbers.

[top] [end]Approach, organizational programmes and activities

DA strives to combine the innovation of academia, the motivation of the private sector, the social objectives of a voluntary organizations the reach of government and the participation of people. With a multidisciplinary team of 120 people committed to action research and networking for multiplication of sustainable development initiatives, it provides technology packages, technical support and knowledge services to various stakeholders.

[top] [end]Examples of past successes and experiences

For nearly 2 decades DA has played an active role in seeking solutions to problems of low performance, inefficiency and pollution in domestic cooking, lighting and space heating. "TARA-101"cook stove was one of the major successes of DA in this direction. It demonstrated high energy efficiency of 24-27% and is now mass produced. DA has also delivered local resource and skill based solutions for habitat, water, energy and income generating activities in over 70 villages through the 240 women's Self Help Groups formed in the Bundelkhand region of Central India.

[top] [end]Other details

DA's work is characterized by its ability to work at different scales on a diverse range of technological, environmental and institutional initiatives. In Bundelkhand, DA has established a 4 acre technology resource centre at TARAgram in Orchha-Madhya Pradesh. It is a centre for innovation, action and outreach to about 12 districts in the region. Its main activities are community mobilization and empowerment, natural resources management, livelihood support and building community infrastructure development.

Commercial Affiliates of DA: TARA is the primary business arm of DA which produces and markets technology products designed by DA. TARAhaat delivers relevant information, products and services to the underserved markets of rural India using internet and other information technologies in local language. DESI Power promotes renewable energy and employment generation, especially in rural areas and TNK is responsible for the delivery of shelter products and services of DA.

[top] [end]See also

Energy Services for Village Households and Livelihood Enterprises in Bundelkhand

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Page created: 04 December 2003; Last edited: 17 April 2007; Version: 2
Knowledge Bank text is available under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License.

Pagename: DevelopmentAlternativesIndia @HEDON: FKAA