Science and Technology for Development by Professor James Smith

Author:Professor James Smith [Smith, Professor James]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Technology & Engineering, Developing & Emerging Countries, Social Science, Political Science, General
ISBN: 9781848137776
Google: uoZjDgAAQBAJ
Publisher: Zed Books Ltd.
Published: 2013-04-04T13:40:03+00:00

Innovation and treadle pumps in Bangladesh

In 1984 an India-based international NGO, International Development Enterprises (IDE), identified treadle pump technologies of seemingly great potential for Bangladesh.31 At the time Bangladesh had recently suffered extensive flooding, which had damaged productive potential – and, paradoxically, ready access to water had become a particular constraint. Some pump technologies existed in Bangladesh but were not of sufficient capacity for agricultural use (hand pumps), too expensive for poor farmers to use (diesel and electric pumps), or not readily accessible (well pumps). The treadle pump offered a compromise solution as a foot-operated device that uses a flexible tube to pump water from shallow aquifers. It was cheap, efficient and simple, costing less than $25 for purchase and installation.32 This was considerably cheaper than other options. Once IDE had, with farmers, identified the treadle pump as the preferred technology it began to analyse why the device had not penetrated the market previously. IDE had set itself the target of establishing a viable supply chain for the technology. Between 1984 and 1989, IDE played the role of direct service provider, demonstrating the technology, providing technical assistance to partner producers, establishing quality control and selling treadle pumps with a relatively small margin. Following this initial start-up phase IDE played the role of market facilitator, deliberately withdrawing from the direct sales function and instead seeking to establish a private supply chain. IDE provided technical support to a large number of small treadle pump fabricators who had developed within several Bangladeshi markets. The period between 1990 and 1995 was coined the ‘KB Phase’. During this period IDE established and managed a company called KB (short for the brand name, Krishak Bandhu, meaning farmer’s friend). Since 1995, IDE moved to a broader phase where it promotes the idea of the treadle pump in general through training and facilitation. Since 1984 IDE has sold almost 1.5 million units in Bangladesh (Clark et al., 2002). Over this period the project was funded by donors to the tune of $8–10 million.

IDE’s experience with the treadle pump in Bangladesh highlights four pertinent issues. First, it underlines the complexity inherent within even relatively simple technologies such as labour-assisted pumps. Many forms of different designs, materials and fabrication processes shape not only the pump but also the relationships and activities of the many organizations who interact to develop and market it. There is little sign of linear technological development in this case. Second, the case represents an insightful study in technology development as a managed process. IDE conceived of the innovation (in the context of Bangladesh at least) and then orchestrated its introduction and uptake through a series of linked activities, whilst all the time seeking to make its own role in the value chain redundant. By promoting interest and capacity in partners, IDE sought to build sufficient momentum for it to withdraw without impacting upon the quality and supply of pumps. Third, the case emphasizes the fundamental importance of user interaction. Treadle pump technologies diffused rapidly in part because close attention was paid to farmer needs.

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