Beyond Water

In 2018, Pump Aid took a ground breaking leap forward by establishing Beyond Water, a remarkable social enterprise dedicated to revolutionising water access in Malawi. Beyond Water was born out of a commitment to providing business-led solutions that have a profound and lasting impact on households, communities and irrigation systems.

We offer a comprehensive range of transformative services and solutions to address the diverse water needs in Malawi. This includes:

Professional repair and maintenance for community pumps
Restoring broken investments and giving rural populations sustainable access to safe water. Bringing local pump functionality up to c90%.
Low-cost user centred pump sales
Offering people choice and the chance to invest in their own water supplies. Improving convenience, health and crop productivity at home and farm.

There is a water crisis in Malawi.

In a country with abundant groundwater reserves, nearly half the population lacks access to safe and reliable water sources. This disparity is compounded by limited irrigation for small scale farmers. Our research reveals that many Malawians have the means to invest in their own water supplies. At Pump Aid, we are committed to addressing the issue using community engagement and sustainable solutions.

Why a social enterprise?

Despite the substantial influx of foreign aid, Malawi continues to grapple with persistent poverty, relying heavily on external assistance. 

Our research shows rural communities in Malawi wanted products and services they valued for convenience, health, and productivity. 

Recognising that we could be part of the solution by delivering the products and services that resonated with local communities, we embarked on a transformative journey.

As a result, we established a social enterprise, a distinct ‘brand’ which separates us from traditional charities and NGOs. Through our social enterprise model, we strive to deliver tangible impact, not only meeting immediate needs but by placing the power of choice in the hands of Malawians and enabling them to actively participate in shaping their own futures.

our Approach

Professionalised repair & maintenance

With up to 50% of community water pumps in Malawi deemed non-functional, our repair and maintenance service restores these vital investments and secure long term access to water for rural populations.

Our repair and maintenance service develops licensing agreements with District Councils to establish regular service schedules, repairs within a fixed time frame, uptime performance, guaranteed payments for pump mechanics and support to communities for day to day water point management.

By incentivising stakeholders at every level, our approach fosters a collective responsibility for maintaining pump functionality, ultimately ensuring sustained access to water for the communities we serve.

Pump Mechanic Solofina Wilfred repairing a community waterpoint

pump investment: affordable pumps

Investment in low-cost hand pumps empowers rural Malawians with ownership over vital water assets, fostering responsibility and sustainable access to clean water.

“We are now able to make use of the whole land, as we can water plants throughout without any problems, and my husband and I no longer complain when it comes to irrigating.”
Violet Uladi of Machemba village, irrigation pump purchaser

Household Pump

This pump is designed for domestic use – complete with a covering to prevent contamination. It draws water from the ground and can be installed in the neighbourhood or even on the buyer’s doorstep. The household pump reduces distances travelled for clean water from 500m to 11m. 

Irrigation Pump

The irrigation pump allows farmers to use Malawi’s plentiful groundwater reserve to generate a year-round harvest – even through the long dry season. This can be installed on site and comes with a hose attachment so there is less physical input needed. Farmers usually increase crop production by at least 100% in their first year irrigating with this pump.

Impact

Sustainable jobs created, helping local livelihoods

Local economy boosted with affordable products and services

Sustainable access to water for rural communities

Food security for farmers who can harvest year-round

Health and hygiene from access to safe water supply

Women and girls can spend less time collecting water

Ambitions

By 2026, our target is a Professionalised Repair and Maintenance service in at least 10 Districts of Malawi, with pumps sales covering half of the country.

By 2030 we aim to have nationwide presence across Malawi.

Project Evaluations