A brief history of hand drilled wells in Niger: only the beginning

This field note traces the development of wells and waterlifting technology in the water scarce country of Niger. It describes a range of hand-augering and water-lifting techniques that have been introduced over the past 30 years, primarily in southern Niger. It traces the role of non-government organizations in terms of pioneering the technology and supporting the growth of a locally based business environment to increase access to the relevant technologies. The research points to the necessity for investment in the early stages - to develop and test the technologies within specific localities, build the skills of independent drillers and pump manufacturers, and careful support to private sector market development.