People in Rural Development by Peter Batchelor, Paternoster Press, 240 pages ISBN 0-85364-541-8
This is a new edition of a valuable book, first published in 1981. ‘People First’ – the title of the opening chapter - demonstrates Peter Batchelor’s approach to progress in the developing world. He states, ‘The essential philosophy of the book is that people matter more than things and that small is beautiful.’
This is a distinctly Christian approach to rural development, specifically in Africa. Issues such as change and motivation, relationships, priorities, funding and stewardship, training and health care are examined. Seven new case studies from Africa, together with questions for discussion throughout, make the book a valuable tool for students and teachers of development issues, together with aid and mission agencies.
The book is available from… Paternoster Press, PO Box 300, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA3 0QS, UK.
Seed to Seed by Suzanne Ashworth, ISBN 0-9613977-7-2 222 pages
This is a useful book on seed-saving techniques for the vegetable gardener – a complete and detailed seed-saving guide for 160 vegetable crops. The author has grown seed crops of every vegetable included in the book, so all the methods used are tried and tested. Some of the material is fairly technical (including information on crossbreeding) but it is always clearly and simply explained. This book would be a very valuable resource for any team of agricultural development workers, particularly in areas where vegetable seed is hard to obtain or very expensive. Two shortened examples of seed-saving techniques from the book are given on page 13.
The book is available from… Seed Savers Exchange 3076 North Winn Road Decorah Iowa 52101 USA.
The Church Health Educator by Iris H Stober and Berry H Wecker
Published by Macmillan Press,
ISBN 0333-57361-7
This is a practical book which can be used by anyone wanting to improve their family’s health. Part One looks at the reasons for health education and discusses how to communicate and teach health. Part Two offers a series of very carefully planned lessons in which medical information is explained clearly.
It deals with various problems which may arise during lessons. The topics cover infections, personal hygiene, diet, sanitation, dangers of alcohol and tobacco, family planning and AIDS. It is easy to use and very practical.
Based on Christian beliefs, the book looks not just at physical health, but also spiritual health.
There is an English and French version – Manuel de Santé pour Animateur Chrétien. This book should be available through major book shops in most countries. In case of problems, order from…
International Division, Macmillan Press, Houndmills, Basingstoke, Hants, RG21 2XS, UK.
Disaster Mitigation – A Community Based Approach
by Andrew Maskrey, ISBN 0-85598-122-9 100 pages
This is No 3 in a series of Development Guidelines produced by Oxfam. Based on practical experience in Peru, the book looks at the hazards from mudslides and flooding faced regularly by communities in the earthquake zone around Lima and in the Rimac Valley. The author shows how effective protective measures can be when they are planned and carried out by community organisations. Various case studies are included.
This book is a very useful resource for any who work with communities facing the threat of natural disasters, or who are involved in training others in disaster relief and rehabilitation.
The book is available in paperback from… Oxfam Publications, 274 Banbury Road, Oxford, OX2 7DZ, UK.
Christian Perspectives on Disaster Management
Editors Ian Davis and Mike Wall, Published by Tearfund
This training manual is designed for relief and development workers. It answers some of the fundamental questions which are raised when Christians find themselves in disaster situations. It contains useful Bible studies, technical information, management advice, skills and training material for use in workshops or individual study.
The Manual is available from Tearfund. Copies are available free of charge to groups working to promote community development overseas. Please write with details of your work to…
Christian Perspectives Mailing List Tear Fund, 100 Church Road, Teddington, TW11 8QE, UK.