Rope Pump Project in Dien Bien Vietnam

Dien Bien is a poor rural area with 66,727 people from 13,485 households. Among various ethnic groups the two biggest are Kinh and Thai. In addition to rice, which is basicaly for subsistence use, local farmers grow non-rice crops like vegetables for income. The main farming cycle takes place in the dry season where farmers have to carry water on their shoulder to irrigate the vegetables two-three times a day. While electrict pumps are used in better-off families for pumping home water, the poorer families rely on the traditional bucket system which is heavy and have a high risk for recontaimination. The rope pump can help improve access to water in both irrigation and home use applications.

Goals overview

The primary objective of the project is to improve the livelihood of poor farmers in Dien Bien, Vietnam by increasing their access to 40 rope pumps for irrigation and water supply. Alternatively, the project will (1) raise awareness and initiate behavioural chanes in health, hygiene, sanitation and environment conservation through the use of smart water technologies and (2) increase awareness and create linkages with microfinance organisation in the water and sanitation sector.

Current status

In May 2008 SNV Vietnam introduced a multi-purpose use approach for water. Rope pump models were used for domestic use and irrigation and can stimulate rural and peri-urban small business. A new portable model was developed to efficiently pump from shallow water sources at high flows for irrigation. The new model opens new markets because of the reduced production and installation cost. The pump was tested in few places in Dien Bien and very much appreciated by the local farmers. Now the programme requires funds to expand the experience and standardise the product for mass scale-up.

Project plan

Specifically, the project plan includes the following activities:

(1) Select target communes: 1 commune.
(2) Organise farmer groups: 4 groups with by-laws, regulation, group leader elected.
(3) Demonstrate rope pump in farming: 20 irrigation systems with rope pump.
(4)Train about health, hygiene, sanitation and environment conservation; farmers identify and carry out actions to improve health and protect environment through use of smart water and sanitation solutions at home: 3 trainings, 1 for whole commune, 2 for farmer groups, at least 20 improved wells, sanitation systems and hygiene facilities planned.
(5) Demonstrate rope pump in household water supply: 20 improved wells with rope pump.
(6) Organise technical support for farmers in use and maintenance of rope pump: 1 local service provider, 2 technicians, capacity built to provide service package for users.
(7) Measure technical specification of rope pump and develop technical specifications sheet: standardised technical design and specifications for 2 models of rope pump, ready for mass-production and scale-up.
(8) Train and improve access to micro-finance: 3 trainings, 1 for whole commune, 2 for farmer groups, coaching support for loan applicators, at least 20 loans.
(9) Hold farmer field workshop to promote and expand rope pump use: 3 workshops, 900 participants from local province and two neighbouring provinces.
(10) Project governance, M&E: local project coordinator and monitoring officer, monthly planning and reporting system.
(11) Evaluate and document project process and results: project process documented, evaluation report with data from target area and control area.

Expected outcomes

• 40 rope pumps installed; 20 for irrigation and 20 for water
• 20 sanitation & hygiene facilities
• Workshop on the use and maintenance of rope pumps
• Training on health & hygiene at 3 workshops
• Train and improve access to microfinance at 3 workshops; fac

The rope pump can be made with locally available materials. Workshops will provide training on the construction and maintenance of these pumps. This will ensure that knowledge and materials for operation and maintenance will be available, also in the future. The technique is relatively cheap and easy to use, therefore scale-up from this project in neighboring communes and district is to be expected.

Farmers with limited income have been linked to micro-credit programmes. They obtain soft loans to invest in the new facilities and pay from the improved income. That ensures financial sustainability in the long run.