Development Alternatives is a non-profit organization engaged in research and action for sustainable development. Established in 1983, the activities of Development Alternatives Group broadly cover three primary areas: the design and large-scale dissemination of appropriate technologies, environmental management systems and effective people-oriented institutions and policies.
Development Alternatives and its associate organisations operate on the philosophy that sustainable development benefits not only the economy, but also the environment and above all the people. The Development Alternatives Group is, therefore, dedicated to bring about a better balance among the basic prerequisites of sustainable development: social equity, environmental quality and economic efficiency. Development Alternatives has pioneered a range of appropriate technologies and institutional mechanisms that can accelerate the creation of sustainable livelihoods. Such technologies and institutions are generally small in scale, decentralised, people-friendly and minimise waste, pollution and the use of non-renewable resources.