Effectiveness, Safety, and Sustainability of a Hand Water Pump Among Women Vegetable Farmers in the Gambia

Women vegetable farmers (n = 48) in West Africa engaged in timed trials with a hand water pump and traditional water lifting methods. Use of the water pump increased the mean time required to lift water by 14% (p < 0.01), compared to traditional lifting. Average and maximum heart rates increased by 7% and 6%, respectively (each p < 0.01), compared to traditional water lifting. Discomfort and injury indicators were consistently better for the pump. Two months later, most subjects reported that the water pump was safer (65%), faster (77%), and was preferred (77%). Manual water pumps should be comprehensively evaluated for efficiency and long-term sustainability.