This completely changed in Nicaragua, where the rope pump was introduced in 1986. The Dutch organisation SNV worked on technical improvements and first dissemination, after which the local company [http://www.ropepump.com/ Bombas de mecate SA] made it a commercial success through sales to the private sector, and later on to NGOs and government. Now the rope pump provides over 35% of the rural water supply in Nicaragua and is produced by some 20 local workshops. A host of models has been produced, including rope pumps powered by bicycle, windmills, animal traction, and small engines.
[[Image:rp3.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Left: a rope Rope pump used by a single household in Tule Oriental, Camoapa, Nicaragua, example of a machine drilled well. RightPhotos: [http: a //elporvenirnica.blogspot.com/2012/01/rope -pump mounted on a borehole in Mozambique, supplying water for 30 families-local-solution.html elporvenirnica. Photos Henk Holtslagblogspot.com]]]
Nowadays, an estimated 100.000 rope pumps are used by 4 million people, of which around 70.000 in Nicaragua, 15.000 in neighbouring countries, 2.500 in Cambodia and India, and 15.000 in various countries in Africa. Particularly successful is the "Elephant pump", which consists of a rope pump surrounded by a concrete structure. The Live Earth partner [http://www.pumpaid.org/ Pump Aid] has placed 5.000 Elephant pumps in Zimbabwe and Malawi, with about 80 added each month. NGOs such as Water Aid, Care and Unicef are using rope pumps in their programmes.