Project document Handpump Technology Network (HTN) and Interagency Peer Group (IAG)

This project document describes the scope of the Handpump Technology Network (HTN). The network will not be limited to research and development, but will include technical back-up in: formulation of sector policy, institutional capacity building and training, choice of technology, operation and maintenance, cost recovery, strengthening local production capacity, quality control and quality assurance, and dissemination of information. The HTN aims to concentrate on handpump designs which are available in the public domain. Despite being reliable, there are some technical problems around these pumps which still need resolving. Research and development work includes design improvements, manufacture of prototypes, field testing and monitoring, and laboratory testing. Data collection, analysis and dissemination of findings needs to be continued. The HTN wishes to become the framework for all these endeavours to refine pump designs. The aim will be to coordinate and facilitate research and development on handpumps, the design of which is either in the public domain or which have the potential to be put in the public domain.