————— the value of context —————

rural and remote

It happens that the communities of greatest need reside farthest from the benefits of urbanization, such as industry and health care. Therefore, we are predominately concerned with reaching these people with clean water wells first, and impacting those of greatest need. In such hope, an immediate question must be raised: what kind of water technology implemented will have the greatest impact?

One might easily assume that more technology means more water. A solar-power pump can draw more water than a hand pump. More water, more impact, more good. There are great advantages brought by sophisticated technology. Some pumps can serve 30,000 people and others only 250 people. In a rural context though such advances, as we have found, can actually hinder true development and long term impact.

three considerations

Money. Often the villages ​we engage rely on agriculture and trade and simply do not have an abundance of cash currency. Expensive technologies are expensive to maintain. It would be impossible for them to maintain a pump that requires thousands of dollars in upkeep. How would they manage repairs of greater value than the sum wealth possessed by the community?

Maintenance. Advanced pump systems require specialists only found in cities. Due to this absence of professionals present in rural communities, advanced pumps will necessitate dependence on a third party for maintenance. The danger in this for rural communities can mean a lengthy wait before repairs are made.

Population. Sophisticated pump systems are best  suited for areas where people are living in condensed quarters. The demand for water in 1sq km in a town can be 10x greater than 1sq km in a rural area. A water delivery system able to satisfy 30,000 people would be an overkill for a village of 1,500 people.

a solution

WWFA has learned that by utilizing technology requiring less monetary upkeep and simple mechanics suitable for the target population’s needs, the well can last. Our technology of choice is the trusted Afridev hand-pump. It is another key component to sustainability.