Research Projects

The vision of Koanga Institute looks to the wider human ecology within which we live and  asks "How can we create holistic solutions and sustainable ways of living?".

We are inspired in turn by the many others who share our dream.  In particular we like the big picture structure of Richard Douthwaite's in his book Short Circuit: Strengthening Local Economies for Security in an Unstable World. Richard challenges us to create parallel local economies  (parallel to the industrialised global economy) where we can increasingly become self reliant (as a community) in providing our basic needs. These 'needs' include food, health, clothing, housing, access to land, energy, appropriate technology, currencies and finance – amongst others (for more on Richard's work check out Short Circuit )

Thus our research brief covers anything that supports the development of local, self-reliant, economics (in its broadest sense). Below is a summary of our current program with links to each topic.