If you want to make something grow you need a seed ... and a little water.
Back in 1981 entrepreneurs Paul Polak, Gerry Dyck and Arthur DeFehr planted a seed for the poor by starting International Development Enterprises (IDE). MEDA had a small role to play as an intermediary with a major funder, the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). Since IDE was new, it needed a larger umbrella under which it could access funds, and MEDA provided some early shade.
IDE became known for producing simple manual pumps which subsistence farmers could buy cheaply and repair easily. Today, many thousands of smallholder farmers use these pumps to triple their yields. IDE has grown to be a world leader in affordable irrigation technology – not only pumps but also drip irrigation kits and water collectors.
Recently the MEDA connection came full circle. MEDA is again collaborating with IDE, this time on a new project to improve the supply chain of water technology. As you read in the last MEDAzine, our experience with mosquito net vouchers in Tanzania is being applied to a new program in Zambia and Ethiopia. It offers discount certificates for farmers to purchase IDE equipment, and thus strengthen the entire commercial chain to ensure a continuous supply.
All this from a tiny seed planted more than 25 years ago. A little water was added (by drip irrigation, of course), and farmers around the world are reaping the benefits.
