Rural Water Supply Network
| Rural Water Supply Network | |
| |
| Location: | St. Gallen, Switzerland |
| Type: | NGO |
| Class: | Network NGO |
| Key work: | research facilitation, technology development, commercial technology application, consultancy |
| Website: www.practicafoundation.nl | |
PRACTICA foundation aims to facilitate research, development and commercial application of technology in the field of water and energy in developing countries.
PRACTICA evolves within large development projects that include the introduction and dissemination of appropriate technologies as manual well drilling and rope pumps. PRACTICA supports the technology components and implements training courses and capacity building for the public and private sector.
Other areas of work include product development, applied and scientific research, feasibility studies and consultancy services.
The process of introducing low-cost technology to private manufacturers / workshops and end-users is labour-intensive. Even if in a region a particular technology ultimately catches on, it takes a relatively high investment to get to a ‘critical mass’. PRACTICA aims to accelerate this process by taking care of the ‘introductory and dissemination process’. At the same time PRACTICA has a general role as a clearing house, advocate and source of practical knowledge on promising new affordable technologies and services in the water and energy sector.
Main activities
- Increase access to basic water and sanitation services
- Maximise the impact of investment through successful application of cost-effective technologies
- Institutionalise technology selection and standardisation in a demand responsive environment
- Address institutional aspects of co-operation between all stakeholders
- Reduce well drilling costs
- Improve sustainability of existing water supply facilities through ensured supply chains for spare parts.
- Mobilise additional resources, especially at local level.
