Super Money Maker

So I was do a bit of research on human powered appliance for my other studio and I came across the Super Money Maker, a water pump. Created by IDEO for KickStart. KickStart is a company dedicated to helping people get out of poverty by creating products to help them start their own businesses. Kickstart also helps managing the groups/businesses of these developing countries. They have produced a few different products for irrigation.

The one I found most interesting was the Super Money Maker. Basically, a water pump. It was produced form materials found and produced in Africa which lowers the price and make the pump readily available to Africans. The pump is human powered. It was based off of a step aerobics machine and made comfortable for bare foot users. The pumps are extremely light weight and can be carried by bike or hand. Every the year it will only rain about 1-2 times and sometimes not at all. During these dry spouts, crop production is low. So the Super Money Maker allows a farm to pump water and sell their crops when crops are scarce and profits are high. Kickstart sells the pump for $97 dollars, which pays itself off after one year of use. A farmer can make $1000 more a year by pumping water during dry spells. These families need this money to support their families, health care and schooling. It is virtually maintenance free and the parts that do need to be replaced are simple and easy to do themselves. After listen to the interview of Martin Fisher, co-founder (link below), he states that they do not give the pumps away for free because the workers would not appreciate them as much. This is a very valid point when you compare it to children who want to buy the latest thingamajig and a parent tells them to save the money themselves. They appreciate it more because all the work, time and saving that goes into getting the reward of purchasing the item. More care is given thereafter as well.

One fact I found on the IDEO site, which was very interesting, ‘more than 50% of KickStart's Moneymaker pumps are managed by women entrepreneurs.’

The Kickstart's Super Money Maker Pump is a great product because all you need is the pump. There is no need for anything else but your land, your pump, and yourself. The profits are beneficial to the family and to the environment as well.

Kickstart also has a smaller version water pump which is just as easy to use. The user just rests his/her hip on the side and sways. This motion is simpler than the Moneymaker and less tiring as well but does not produce as much water. Less water, less profit. This pump is only $37.

KickStart's Super Money Maker

Interview with Martin Fisher, Co-Founder

IDEO help's Kickstart