Nashetu-E-Maa
Practical Action
and reproduction’. Such hidden meanings may not be visible or easily understood but often
affect technology development by influencing the options that are considered desirable. Practical
Action staff also learnt that changing the plan design has other implications such as the need for
modern furniture, which further increases the cost of the house.
Timber posts
In an enkaji timber posts are
used to create the structural
frame. Since greater durability
is desirable a species called oiti
is valued for its termite
resistance. The oiti tree grows,
both in the highlands and the
lowlands, to a maximum
diameter of 150mm and a
maximum length of 2.4m.
Those trees that grow in the
lowlands are shorter and rarely
straight. The demand for timber
from rural and urban
settlements means that the oiti
is becoming increasingly
expensive. Timber often has to
be purchased and transported
from distant sources.
A builder pauses by the structural framework of her
traditional house before plastering it. Photo: Practical Action /
Lucky Lowe.
Twigs
The timber framework is overlaid
with twigs (fittos) which are
spaced close together and tied or
nailed to the posts to form a
matrix, which is then plastered.
On roofs the fittos are overlaid
with dried grass before
plastering. Straight, long fittos
that do not split upon nailing,
can only be found in the
highlands. Roofing grass is
abundant in the rainy season but
becomes quite scarce in the dry
season.
A builder uses a traditional plaster mix incorporating cow
dung to maintain her house. Photo: Practical Action / Neil Cooper.
Soil
Soil has properties which mean it is used in construction for many purposes in every continent of
the world. There are particular types of earth which are more suited for use in building: a balance
of clay, sand and silt is required for most purposes. Amongst a survey of 28 householders it was
found that 3 used the earth from termite hills for plastering their roofs. This earth has improved
cohesion and, through practice, people have found that when applied in a plaster mix it
increases impermeability, acting as a better barrier to rain.
Cow dung
Cow dung is used in its natural state and also in conjunction with mud and ashes as a plaster for
floors and walls, both internally and externally. The fibrous nature of cow-dung means it acts as a
reinforcing agent reducing the soil’s tendency to crack when the plaster dries.
10